Category Archives: Craft Beer

Craft Beer, Japan Craft Beers, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Supersonic Pale Ale

December 26, 2016 dragonlife 5 Comments

As its name indicates, Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City came up with their last limited craft beer of the year: Supersonic Pale Ale!

Served on tap
Barley. Maris Otter malt (Great Britain), Crystal malt (Great Britain), Chocolate malt (Great Britain), Magnum hop (Germany), Willamette hop (USA), Sereia hop (Slovenia), Nottingham Pale Ale yeast (Great Britain), sugars
Unfiltered
Natural carbonation
ABV:5.5%
IBU: 30
Production: 450 l

Bubbles: longish head, very fine bubbles, white color
Color: deep orange/persimmon
Aroma: dry, discreet and fruity. Bread, biscuits.
Taste: deep, dry, fruity attack.
Bread, biscuits, dry honey.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on more acid notes of bread and citruses.

Overall: very easy to drink pale ale!
Could easily become a habit.
Will please both genders of any age all year round.
A gentle craft beer for all seasons!
Suggested pairings: potato salad, sausages

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 18:00~25:00
Closed on Tuesday
Parties welcome
FACEBOOK

BEER GARAGE

Aoi Brewing Co.,Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyagasaki Chyo, 30
Tel.: 054-294-8911
Opening hours: 17:00~23:00 (Monday~Friday), 15:00~23:00 (Saturday), 15:00~22:00 (Sunday)
Closed on Tuesdays
COD, Cash On Delivery only for all orders.
MAP
FACEBOOK

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi Brewing beers are also available at the mother company’s other restaurant,

GROWSTOCK

420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Koyamachi Naka Building, 5F
Tel.: 054-293-9331
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00 (Mon.~Thurs.), 17:00~27:00 (Fri & Sat.), 17:00~24:00 (Sun.)
Parties welcome (reserve!)
Credit Cards OK
FACEBOOK

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Craft Beer, Japan Craft Beers, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Challenger Pale Ale

December 1, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City has come up a limited British style single mat, single hop craft beer: Challenger Pale Ale!

Served on tap
Barley. Maris Otter malt (Great Britain), Challenger hop (Great Britain), sugars, Nottingham Ale yeast (Great Britain)
Unfiltered
Natural carbonation
ABV: 5.5%
IBU: 28
Production: 450 l

Bubbles: longish head, fine bubbles, creamy, white.
Color: persimmon
Aroma: dry and fruity. Honey, persimmon, biscuits.
Taste: dry attack followed by welcome acidity/bitterness. Biscuits, citruses.
Lingers long enough on palate for true tasting before departing on drier/more bitter notes of citruses and lemon.
Takes on an even drier turn with food with acid oranges perking up.

Overall: dry and fruity craft beer that should please both genders of any age!
Elegant in spite of its marked bitterness.
Recommended pairings: potato salad, grilled fish, pickled fish.

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 18:00~25:00
Closed on Tuesday
Parties welcome
FACEBOOK

BEER GARAGE

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi Brewing beers are also available at the mother company’s other restaurant,

GROWSTOCK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Craft Beer, Japan Craft Beers, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Fest Heffe Weizen

November 23, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Aoi Brewing has come up with a new craft beer to celebrate the Autumn Beer Festivals: Fest Heffe Weizen!

Served on tap
Wheat and barley. Pilsner malt (Germany), Wheat malt (Germany), Crystal malt (Great Britain), Cascade hop (USA), Chinook hop (USA), Tetnang hop (Germany), Munich Classic yeast (Germany), sugars
Unfiltered
Natural carbonation
ABV: 6.0
IBU: 20
Production: 450 l

Bubbles: Long head, very fine bubbles, creamy, white
Aroma: dry, fruity and spicy. Citruses.
Color: orange, persimmon
Taste: very dry and fruity attack. Spicy. Dry oranges.
Lingers long enough on palate for true tasting before departing on dry notes of mandarines and lemon.
Becomes softer on palate as temperature rises but still finishes on a very dry note.
Varies liitle with food.

Overall: a very refreshing and elegant craft beer in spite of its marked dryness.
Although produced in Autumn, will do well in all seasons.
For craft beer lovers of any gender or age!
Recommended pairings: cold meats, BBQ

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 18:00~25:00
Closed on Tuesday
Parties welcome
FACEBOOK

BEER GARAGE

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi Brewing beers are also available at the mother company’s other restaurant,

GROWSTOCK

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Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Craft Beer, Japan Craft Beers, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Geppaku Fuusei Ale (2016 version)

August 14, 2016 dragonlife 3 Comments

Aoi Brewing Owner Naoki Mando in center and Master Brewer Kooichi Taka on the right!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to taste the brand new limited craft beer, Geppaku Fuusei Ale, 2016 version, by Aoi Brewing In Shizuoka City!
It is a French Saison ale type craft beer!

Served on tap
Barley and wheat, Pilsner Malt (Germany), Wheat malt (Germany), Opal hop (Germany) Perle hop (Germany), coriander, nutmeg, orange peels, lemon peels, clove, French saison yeast
Unfiltered
Natural carbonation
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5 degrees
IBU: 20
Production: 450 l
Bubbles: Longish head, very fine bubbles, white color
Color: smoky lemon/orange color
Aroma: dry and fruity. Citruses
Taste: very dry, spicy and fruity attack backed up with some pleasant acidity.
Complex. citruses, lemon, coriander,cloves.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on notes of dry lemon and dry spices, especially cloves.
Dry nuts will appear on the late.
Varies little with food.

Overall: great summer ale craft beer!
Very complex, fruity and spicy with a marked dryness.
Its sharpness makes it a very welcome beer in hot summer!
Will please both genders at any time of the day!
Suggested pairings: nuts, cold meats, pickles.

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 18:00~25:00
Closed on Tuesday
Parties welcome
FACEBOOK

BEER GARAGE

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi Brewing beers are also available at the mother company’s other restaurant,

GROWSTOCK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

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Craft Beer, Japan Craft beer, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Lingering Summer Ale

August 13, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Aoi Brewing has come up with another craft beer: Lingering Summer Ale!
But I can assure you it will not linger long at AOI BEER STAND!
Incidentally this tasting was conducted with the help of two good friends of mine, namely Atsuko Kurata and Chiaki Hirano!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt (England), Munich Malt (Germany), Flaked barley malt (USA), Chinook hop (USA), Perle hop (Germany), Sugars, Lingerwood yeast (ale yeast-USA)
Unfiltered
Natural carbonation
Alcohol/ABV: 4.5 degrees
IBU: 29
Production: 450 l
Bubbles: Longish head, very fine bubbles, creamy, whitish orange color
Color: deep orange
Aroma: dry and fruity. Citruses, hop
Taste: dry and fruity attack but soft and light on the palate.
Citruses, bread, dry honey, unripe persimmon.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing with dry oranges.

Overall: very easy to drink craft beer in spite of its high dryness,acidity.
A real summer craft beer!
Suggested pairings: sausages, cold meats.

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 18:00~25:00
Closed on Tuesday
Parties welcome
FACEBOOK

BEER GARAGE

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi Brewing beers are also available at the mother company’s other restaurant,

GROWSTOCK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

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Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Shisui (2016 version)

April 13, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Koudai Fukuyama/福山康大さん, at Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City, has come up with his 2016 version of “Shisui”!

It is presently served at AOI BEER STAND, Beer Junkies Motel and BEER GARAGE, so you had better hurry as this is a limited brew!

Served on tap
Barley, Wheat, Maris Otter malt (England), Pilsner malt (Germany), Munich nalt (Germany), Wheat malt (Germany), Magnum hop (Germany), Simcom hop (USA), Cascade hop (USA), Centinear hop (USA), American Ale yeast/Wyeast 1056 (USA), 水飴/Mizuame/sugared water.
Unfiltered
Natural carbonation
Dry hopping
Acohol/ABV: 5.1 degrees
IBU: 20
Starting sugar level: 11.9 Degrees P, Finishing sugar level: 2.3 degrees P
Production: 450 l
Bubbles: longish head, very fine bubbles, creamy, white color
Color: light orange
Aroma: dry and assertive. Citruses.
Taste: light, dry and fruity attack
Oranges, biscuits.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing with dry oranges with pleasant acidity.
Varies little with food but for a drier note.

Overall: A craft beer without an overwhelming aroma, light enough and an easy taste!
A craft beer for all seasons!
Even better than last year’s first version!
Suggested pairings: salads, cold meats.

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00, 17:00~26:00 (Saturday), 15:00~22:00 (Sunday)
Closed on Tuesday
Parties welcome
FACEBOOK

BEER GARAGE

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

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Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Harumi　(2016 version-1st Batch)

April 5, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Last year Aoi Brewing produced its first Harumi craft beer, a fruit craft beer made with real mikan/mandarin oranges grown in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City called “harumi mikan”. Following its great success it will be brewed every year although the quantity is limited due to the restricted availability of the mandarins!

This year’s Harumi will actually be brewed into 3 different batches which are bound to taste differently according to the very difference between the harvested mikan.
The harumi used in this first batch were comparatively small with little juice.

Served on tap
Barley, Pilsner Malt, Maris Otter malt, Topaz hop, Sapphire hop, American Ale yeast
Unfiltered
Natural carbonation
Acohol/ABV: 5.5 degrees
IBU: 17
Production: 450 l
Bubbles: longish head, very fine bubbles, creamy, white color
Color: orange
Aroma: dry and fruity. Discreet. Dry citruses
Taste: deep, dry and fruity attack with just a tinge of acidity.
Plenty of green mandarin oranges.
Drier than previous brewed in 2015.
Lingers long enough on palate for true tasting before departing on more if a bit drier mandarin oranges.
Mandarin oranges will surge even more strongly with further sips.
Changes little with food but for the appearance of more and more dry mandarin oranges.

Overall: very elegant fruit craft beer.
Simply extravagant, although one might think that the following batches will be even better!
Should please ladies and dry fruit beer lovers in particular.
A craft beer for all seasons.
Suggested pairings: vegetable salads, mixed nuts.

Beer Junkie MOTEL

BEER GARAGE

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

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Shizuoka Craft Beer: Izu No Kuni Brewery-Scottish Ale (Canned Version)

March 2, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Some canned and even bottled versions of craft beers brewed by Izu No Kuni Brewery in Izu no Kuni City in Northern izu Peninsula can be found in Shizutetsu Supermarkets in particular!

The same supermarkets have been recently offering this canned version of Scottish Ale by Izu No Kuni Brewery!

350 ml can
Barley, wheat, barley malt, wheat malt, hop, live yeast
Probably filtered
Alcohol: 5%

Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Very long head. Creamy. White color
Clarity: very clear
Color: orange/apricot color
Aroma: dry and fruity. Biscuits, honey, faint bread
Taste: dry, deep and fruity attack.
Biscuits, honey and faint citruses.
Very refreshing.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing with first sweetish than quickly drying apricots.
Turns somewhat drier with food.
Apricots will keep surging back before disappearing on a dry and somewhat acid note.

Overall: very interesting craft beer and a surprise for a canned version!
Definitely a lot better than expected.
A very refreshing and satisfying craft beer for all seasons.
Ale lovers should make a point of sampling it!
Recommended pairings: BBQ, cold meats, sausages, smoked cheese!

IZU NO KUNI BEER (IZU-WORLD MINNA HAWWAIIANS)
〒410-2315 静岡県伊豆の国市田京195-2
〒410-2315 Shizuoka Prefecture, Izu No Kuni City, Takyo, 195-2
TEL：0558-76-3355
HOMEPAGE

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Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Kuro Coco Stout Porter

February 7, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

For once, I tasted this very new craft beer by Aoi Brewing at Beer Junkies Motel in Shizuoka City!

Kuroi Coco!
Actually the real name is “Kuro Coco Stout Porter”!

Served on tap
Barley, Chocolate malt, Black malt, Munich malt, Dark Crystal malt Australian Galaxy hop, finely chopped dry coconuts chips, live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5%
IBU: 20
Natural carbonation
Production: 450 liters
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. Creamy. light brown color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: very dark brown
Aroma: dry. Coffee beans, dark chocolate
Taste:very dry, deep and fruity attack.
Complex.
Coffee beans, dark chocolate, dry biscuits, faint coconuts.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing with more dark chocolate and more marked coconuts.
Varies little with food, but for more pronounced coconuts.

Overall: Intriguing craft beer!
Lighter than expected and very easy to drink.
Complex and eminently satisfying!
A craft beer for all seasons, genders and ages!
Suggested pairings: nuts, lamb chops, pork, cold meats.

Beer Junkie MOTEL

BEER GARAGE

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

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Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Kurotonbi Weissen

February 7, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

New craft beers are coming fast and furious at Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City!
Actually, there is a lot of experimenting going on as bottled beer is about to come out, too!

“Kuroi Tonbi/Black kite (the bird!)” Weissen!
Originally conceived as Brown Weissen TYpe!

Served on tap
Barley, Wheat, Chocolate malt, Black malt, Munich malt, Dark crystal malt, Topaz hop, Tettnang hop, live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 6.6%
IBU: 23
Natural carbonation
Production: 450 liters
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. Creamy. very light coffee color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: dark orange brown
Aroma: discreet and fresh. Biscuits, bread.
Taste: fresh, deep and fruity attack quickly turning to a pleasant acid note.
Bread, biscuits, deep body.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing with hints of honey and acid oranges.
Alcohol will surge forward with rise in temperature.
Tends to turn sweet with food.

overall: A new type of craft beer for Aoi Brewing!
Planned originally as Brown Weissen type.
Very solid but easy to drink craft beer!
Suggested pairings; nuts, cheese, pork.

Beer Junkie MOTEL

BEER GARAGE

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

Beer Junkie MOTEL

BEER GARAGE

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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Bar, Craft Beer, Shizuoka City

Craft Beer Station in Shizuoka City!

February 7, 2016 dragonlife 2 Comments

Service: Easy-going and very friendly. English spoken.
Equipment and facilities: Very clean and overall. Small but very clean washroom. Non-smoking!
Prices: slightly expensive but no charｇe. Good value overall.
Strong points: local craft beers on the tap. Various bottled beers. Beer pub food.

Craft beer is definitely witnessing a boom in Shizuoka City to the point that beer bars and pubs are definitely not enough to cater for all the beer-lovers in our city!
Fortunately enough Naoya Kojima/小島直哉さん has grasoed the need and opened his new craft beer bar, Craft Beer Station just within walking distance from the North exit of Shizuoka JR Station!

This beer-quaffing squirrel will become a collector’s item!

Located on the second floor of a building next to the west entrance of Parco Department Store it would be easy to miss but for that beautiful board!

Find the blackboard at the bottom of the stairs and start climbing!

Most of it in English!
6 craft beers on tap including 3 Shizuoka Prefecture craft beers: Hansharo (Izu no Kuni City, Izu Nagaoka), Baird beer (Izu no Kuni City, Shuzenji), and Aoi Brewing (Shizuoka City!)
No charge! No smoking! Cash on delivery payment! English OK!

Naoya Kojima/小島直哉さん at work!

The place, although a bit narrow is very convivial in its concept and it is fun to drink there with friends in very close proximity!

Plenty of drinks and food!
If you can’t read, Naoya will be glad to help you!

The 6 craft beers of the day on tap!
All from Shizuoka Prefecture!
Expect them to be changed regularly!

The craft beers shared with friends on that day!
All from Shizuoka Prefecture!

Fried potato wedges!

This was my first visit, a bit too short to my liking but expect more reports in the near future!

CRAFT BEER STATION (BEER IS FUN SINCE 2015)
Naoya Kojima/小島直哉さん

420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Kooya Machi, 5-7, Tanaka Building, 2F (a few minutes from Shizuoka JR Station North Exit, next to Parco Department Store west entrance)
Tel.: 080-6315-5143
e-mail: cbstation1@gmail.com
HOMEPAGE
Opening hours: Monday~Friday. 17:00~24:00; Saturday & Sunday, 12:00~24:00

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Shizuoka Craft Beer: Baird Beer The Carpenter’s Mikan Ale (Tasted at Hug Coffee Espresso in Shizuoka City!)

February 1, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Hug Coffee Espresso Roaster just behind Cenova Department Store in Shizuoka City is known for serving limited brews by Baird Beer (Shuzenji, Shizuoka Prefeｃture) and I certainly never miss them!

The latest one: The Carpenter’s Mikan Ale!

“Mikan” are mandarin oranges grown in Shizuoka Prefecture!

Name: Baird Beer The Carpenter’s Mikあｎ Ale
Bottle contents: 330 ml
Wheat, wheat malt, mikan (mandarin oranges), hops, sugars, yeast
Double fermentation
Unfiltered
ABV: 7%

Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. creamy, white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: orange
Aroma: very fresh, dry and fruity. Oranges, faint biscuits
Taste: Dry and fruity attack.
Oranges.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a more acid note and more oranges and lemon.
Sweetish biscuits tend to appear before leaving place to dry oranges.

Overall: Splendid craft fruit beer!
Great balance with a remarkable acid finish.
Very elegant for a fruit craft beer!
Will please every gender of any age all year round (that is if it is still available!)!
Another beauty by Baird Beer!

HUG COFFEE ESPRESSO ROASTER

420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenma Cho, 8-1-1, Sunrose Bldg., 1F, No. 1-2-8
Opening hours: 12:00~24:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Non-smoking!
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK

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Must-see tasting websites:

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

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Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Flemish Blanc

January 23, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Aoi Brewing has just put out a Belgian Type of beer!
It is actually a new version of their belgian Wheat Craft Beer!

Flemish Blanc!
By the way, Aoi Brewing Co. will start bottling their beers next month!

Served on tap
Barley, Wheat, Pilsner malt, Wheat malt, Topaz hop, Perle hop, Orange peels, Coriander, Nutmeg, Lemon peels, live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5%
IBU: 28
Natural carbonation
Production: 450 liters
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. Creamy. White color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: lemon orange
Aroma: assertive, dry and fruity. Oranges, citruses, faint biscuits
Taste: dry and fruity attack with some acidity.
Light but satisfying.
Complex. Dry oranges and lemon.
Very easy to drink.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing with more dry oranges and biscuits.
Stays faithfully dry all the way through.
Acidity tends to rise with following sips.

Overall: A craft beer for all seasons!
Dry, light, but reliable.
Recommended pairings: cold meats, Chinese Cuisine, sauerkraut, Thai and other spicy cuisines.

Beer Junkie MOTEL

BEER GARAGE

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

Beer Junkie MOTEL

BEER GARAGE

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Craft Beer, Japan, Japan Gastronomy, Japan Tourism, Japanese Craft Beers, Shizuoka City, Tourism

On the Shizuoka Prefecture Beer Trail 2: Aoi brewing Co. In Shizuoka City!

January 4, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Naoki Mando/万度直樹さん, the owner of a few bars and restaurants in Shizuoka City achieved a long dream when his Brewery, the newest in Shizuoka Prefectyre at the time, Aoi Brewing Co. produced its first craft beer on May 22nd, 2014.

“Aoi” is a name rarely recorded by Shizuoka City as it is the official emblem of Lord Ieyasu Tokugawa who more or less founded Sumpu, the old name of Shizuoka City.
Naoki had to get not only the Shizuoka City’s permission to use the name and crest but also that of Kunozan Toshogu Shrine in Kuno, Suruga Ku, Shizuoka City, the Shrine dedicated to Lord Ieyasu!

Aoi Brewing Company was built inside a former soy sauce manufacture near Sengen Shrine, another sanctuary related with Lord Tokugawa Ieayasu.

Now the brewery has its own Brew Pub, Beer Garage, where only Aoi Brewing Co craft beers are served on the tap.
The same pub also serves all kinds of food typical of a brew pub.
Customers are mainly locals or beer lovers wanting to enjoy their past time away from the crowds in downtown Shizuoka City!

On the other hand, Naoki Mando’s oldest property, Growstock bar & Restaurant in downtown Shizuoka City also serves a couple of Aoi Craft Beers on the tap.

But Growstock basically serves beers from all over the world either in bottles or on the tap!

They serve a large array of foods, some of which finds its way into the beer stand located in Miyuki-Cho, near Shizuoka JR Station.

This is a very busy place as it serves at least 6 beers on the tap, usually all from Aoi Brewing Co. although guest beers from Shizuoka Prefecture and far beyond also appear for the great pleasure of all aficionados!

Although Aoi Brewing Co. has already produced no less than 47 limited craft beers until December 31st, 2015, it will soon also put out bottled carft beers including Weissen, Ales, Alt and Stouts!

Although customers at Aoi Beer Stand are basically for the beer, some unusual snacks such as the above mutton gyoza do appear from time to time, the food is not to be forgotten easily!

Look out for the Mexican hot dog,although these days they serve a Mexican pisza and a Japanese quiche!

last year, Naoki Mando opened a fourth establishment to satsify the notorious Shizuoka City night owls: Beer Junkies Motel!

They serve 4 Aoi Brewing Co craft beers on the tap plus two more guest tap beers, including overseas brews along with all kinds of bottled beers, wine, spirits and cocktails!

The food menu there is definitively more extensive and includes grilled lamb chops, succulent meat pies, and what else!
A great place for late eating!

But always keep in mind that Aoi Brewing Co. is always putting out superlative brews fast gathering a lot of attention all over Japan such as this rare Christmas Ale, Abv: 10%!

Beer Junkie MOTEL

BEER GARAGE

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Craft Beer, Japan Craft beer, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Hollyhock Christmas Ale

December 17, 2015 dragonlife 1 Comment

Christmas is around the corner and Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City has put out or the second year running a special craft beer to commemorate the event!

Hollyhock Christmas Ale!
“Hollyhock” means “Aoi” or “Tachi Aoi” in Japanese and is the symbol flower of Shizuoka City!
Actually I had suggested that name myself when Aoi Brewing was looking for names for its beers back last year in June!

The truth is that the secret name given to that Strong Belgian Type Ale is “Dozen Roses Ales” as it includes 12 different main ingredients!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Munich malt, Crystal malt dark, Chocolate malt, Australian Galaxy hop, Styrian Golding malt, Coriander, Orange peels, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Vanilla beans, Sugars, live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 10%
IBU: 31
Natural carbonation
Production: 450 liters
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Shortish head. White color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: dark amber
Aroma:Light, dry and fruity. Biscuits, citrus
Taste: Soft, deep and dry attack with only a little acidity.
Complex: oranges, citruses, honey, cinnamon, biscuits.
Big gap between aroma and actual taste due to high alcohol contents.
lingers long enough for true tasting before leaving on more dry honey, citruses and cinnamon.
Citruses and persimmons surging back with every sip.
becomes even more complex as its temperature rises.

Overall: generous and extravagant ale!
Very deep and complex craft beer.
Although tasted fist only slightly chilled, performs best at room temperature .
To be savored slowly!
Should please both genders of any age in spite of its alcohol contents!
Suggested pairings: pickles, salami, cheese.
To be expected every year before Christmas!

Beer Junkie MOTEL

BEER GARAGE

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES