O'Hara's 51st State IPA Beer: A Taste of Ireland in Japan

The Friday session in Roppongi has reached the point where someone switches from stout to something different. Then a deep-gold beer appears at the bar. Its label features a joke that many Irish drinkers recognize: Ireland as America’s 51st state. The name playfully reflects the close relationship between the two countries.

That same spirit carries into the beer itself. O’Hara’s 51st State IPA combines Irish brewing with American-style hops. If you enjoy it at home, Omori Mart offers cases of bottles and cans, as well as a keg option, for delivery in Japan.

An Irish Brewery’s Take on American Hops

O’Hara’s 51st State IPA is brewed by Carlow Brewing Company. Founded in 1996 in Bagenalstown, County Carlow, the brewery became known for its O’Hara’s range of Irish ales. It also helped broaden the selection of independent Irish beers beyond traditional styles.

The 51st State IPA reflects that evolution. It follows the American-style IPA tradition while retaining its Irish brewing identity.

The beer has a deep-gold appearance, with citrus and pine hop notes balanced by caramel malt. At 6.0% ABV, it offers a substantial flavor profile. Therefore, it suits drinkers who enjoy a hop-forward beer with a malty backbone.

Its name adds another layer of character. The reference to Ireland as America’s 51st state is a playful nod to the countries’ cultural connections. Meanwhile, the beer brings those influences together through its American-style hop profile and Irish origins.

Carlow Brewing Company has helped expand the variety of Irish beer available to drinkers. As a result, 51st State stands at the intersection of two brewing traditions. Depending on the occasion, it can be enjoyed from a bottle, can, or keg.

How O’Hara’s 51st State IPA Is Enjoyed at Home

Sláinte! (pronounced approximately “slawn-cha”) is an Irish Gaelic toast meaning “health.” It is a familiar expression at Irish pub gatherings. For a Friday session, this IPA offers an alternative to the stouts that often dominate the table.

Food pairings can bring out its different characteristics. For example, Irish stew combines lamb and root vegetables in a rich broth. The beer’s caramel malt complements those hearty flavors. At the same time, its citrus and pine notes provide a contrasting finish.

Fish and chips offer another classic pairing. The IPA’s citrus character works well with the crisp coating and tender fish. In fact, those bright hop notes can provide a similar contrast to the freshness of a lemon wedge.

For something more traditional, try boxty, an Irish potato pancake. Its mild, starchy flavor complements the beer’s malt character. The result is a straightforward pairing that lets the IPA remain the focus.

St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17, is another natural occasion for Irish beer. During the season, 51st State can offer a hop-forward alternative to stout at an Irish-themed gathering. However, it is not limited to celebrations. Its distinctive flavor also makes it a good choice for an ordinary evening with friends.

How to Enjoy O’Hara’s 51st State IPA in Japan

O’Hara’s 51st State IPA is available through Omori Mart in several formats. Choose a keg for a larger gathering, or keep bottles and cans ready for smaller occasions.

For the best flavor, serve the beer chilled rather than extremely cold. Very low temperatures can make its malt and hop characteristics harder to appreciate.

You can also pair it with familiar Japanese foods. For a casual meal, try it with karaage, Japan’s popular Japanese-style fried chicken. The savory coating contrasts with the IPA’s citrus and pine notes.

Yakitori with tare sauce is another option. The sweet, slightly charred glaze complements the caramel malt character. Meanwhile, the hop bitterness helps balance the sauce’s richness.

Spring is a particularly fitting season to enjoy Irish beer in Japan. St. Patrick’s Day brings Irish-themed celebrations to Tokyo, including events associated with the Roppongi area. Nevertheless, this IPA can be enjoyed throughout the year, whether at home or during a gathering with friends.

Buy O’Hara’s 51st State IPA Beer in Japan

O’Hara’s 51st State IPA Beer is available at Omori Mart in three formats — a 20L keg, 330ml x 24 bottles, and 330ml x 24 cans — with nationwide delivery across Japan.

Free shipping on orders over ¥15,000
Konbini payment accepted at FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, and Lawson — plus bank transfer and card
Nationwide delivery

Rakuten and Amazon Japan do not carry O’Hara’s or other Irish home-country brands. Omori Mart does.

[Shop O’Hara’s 51st State IPA Beer →]

Sláinte in Bagenalstown, deep gold and American hops since 1996. Kanpai (乾杯) in Tokyo, where the Friday session and the izakaya share more in common than either tradition usually admits. The joke in the name works in both languages.