Past the Label: Chubu’s Finest Native Craft Beer

For our newest tasks, Chubu Weekender, we went across the area to seek out the most effective native brews for die-hard or informal followers of craft beer. Engaging designs and scrumptious: Why accept something much less?

Toyama: Johana Beer

Positioned in Toyama Prefecture’s Nanto Metropolis, Johana Beer makes a few of the most inventive concoctions — each by way of design and taste — within the nation. From natural and spicy tipples like Earl Grey with notes of bergamot to the invigorating citrus flavors of Tropical Pink and Nice Blue (utilizing grapefruit and lemon respectively), Johana Beer goals to make any form of beer — so long as it tastes good. Traditionalists might favor the Hakama Ale, an Indian pale ale, or the Kagayaki Wheat Seven, a crisp wheat IPA with a citrus chunk.

Extra data: jo-beer.com

Tsumari Brewing

Niigata: Tsumari Brewing

One other model with impeccable design is Tsumari Brewing, primarily based in southern Niigata Prefecture’s Tokamachi Metropolis. Opened in 2018, the brewery fuses fashionable and conventional components by utilizing kimono-inspired labels on their revolutionary vary of beer and merchandise. The three customary choices are Gosetsu Pale Ale (malty with a very good hops steadiness), Medetashi Golden Ale (tropical aroma with orange peel) and Tokamachi Soba Ale (utilizing roasted buckwheat seeds for a rounded flavour), with seasonal varieties obtainable all year long.

Extra data: tsumaribrewing.com

Chita Beer Brewery

Aichi: Chita Beer Brewery

Handa Metropolis on Aichi Prefecture’s Chita Peninsula is most recognized for its vinegar and sake brewing, however the authentic Kabuto model beer was first brewed right here in 1898. It was so standard it gained a gold medal on the 1900 Paris World Exhibition. The present Meiji Kabuto Beer and Taisho Kabuto Beer are reissued variations of the originals — which ceased manufacturing in 1943 — full with classic labels. The Meiji is a darkish lager with a depth paying homage to purple wine, whereas the Taisho is lighter pilsner. Attempt these pleasant reintroductions at Oceanview Restaurant Beer Metropolis Minamichita or Handa Crimson Brick Constructing, the place Kabuto was initially manufactured. This charming construction now serves as a restaurant and memento retailer.

Extra data: chitabeer.com

Yamanashi: Kakurinbo Temple Beer

Not all temples can boast their very own beer label, however this Buddhist retreat within the village of Minobu is exclusive in additional methods than one. Kakurinbo provides temple lodging in addition to luxurious lodging at Ebisuya, a newly renovated conventional residence. It additionally runs Café Zencho, which provides vegetarian- and vegan-friendly fare — in addition to a number of Yamanashi wines and, in fact, Kakurinbo temple beer. The Belgian Wit has a refreshing acidity and a light-weight clear style — attempt it with one of many café’s toasted sandwiches after a hike up Mount Minobu.

Extra data: kakurinbo.jp/English

Gifu: Ji-Beer Hida

The Ji-Beer Hida microbrewery was fast to hop on board the beer manufacturing prepare, beginning in 1996, simply two years after Japanese regulatory adjustments made small-scale brewers viable. The Hida White — also referred to as Shirakawago Beer — is a wheat malt beer utilizing rice grown across the Shirakawago space, whereas Gero Gensen Beer makes use of carbonated spring water from Gero Onsen to create a clear and bubbly sensation. For these with a candy tooth, the Hida Ringo and Hida Yuzu are scrumptious fruity concoctions that use domestically sourced fruits from Hidatakayama and Kaminoho respectively.

Extra data: hidebeer.com

Nagano: 8Peaks Brewing

Brewed in Chino Metropolis on the foot of Mount Yatsugatake, 8Peaks’ choice was particularly designed to be paired with meals. Superbly designed, every of their customary beer is price making an attempt, however we particularly benefit from the Meta Wheat Ale. It makes use of about 50 % wheat malt and has a fruity aroma, with a stunning sharpness for a refreshing end. Attempt it with rooster or cheese-centric dishes.

Extra data: eightpeaks.co.jp

Fukui: Wakasa Seaside Brewery

Fukui’s first craft beer was impressed by visits to Canada to review native brewing strategies, tools and components. This coastal brewery combines natural malt grown within the Canadian Rockies with the clear waters of Wakasa to make their three mainstays: a chic and contemporary weizen, a fruity pale ale and an amber ale with a scrumptious roasted malt taste and savory notes.

Extra data: heshiko.com/facility

Ishikawa: Waku Waku Tezukuri Farm Kawakita

With a concentrate on sustainably produced brews, Waku Waku Tezukuri Farm Kawakita sources most of its components from its personal fields. Crack open a can of the model’s creamy weizen, obtainable at over 900 JR kiosks in addition to on the Hokuriku Shinkansen whereas on the highway. In case you favor one thing delicate, attempt the Koshihikari Ale with a salad — and even sushi.

Extra data: wkwkfarm.com/en/cruftbeer

Shizuoka: Hansharo Beer Brewing

Each beer in Hansharo Beer Brewing’s stock is sort of a historical past lesson within the Izu Nirayama area. Hansharo Tarozaemon — the English pale ale — is known as for Tokugawa Shogunate governor Tarozaemon Hidetatsu Egawa, who made social reforms within the space. Do this and different flavorful choices on faucet at Hansharo Biya Restaurant Homura, situated subsequent to the brewery.

Extra data: kuraya-narusawa.co.jp/brewing