Category Archives: Craft Beer

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Alt

September 17, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Things are getting at Aoi Brewing with the first arrival of a totally new batch!

Incidentally all the summer beers so far reviewed will disappear except for the mild ale!
The very newest one is Alt!

Served on tap
Barley, barley hops, roasted malt, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol: 5.5 %
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: dark brown
Bubbles: very fine and creamy. shortish head, light brown
Aroma: light and dry. Citruses
Taste: dry and deep, refreshing. Great character.
Roasted coffee beans, dry caramel, toasted bread.
Pleasant and well-balanced.
Practically doesn’t change with food.

Overall: Both refreshing and solid. Very well-balanced. Very pleasant acidity.
A great general improvement on already fine craft beers.
Very reliable and fulfilling, but still refreshing.
Although dry with pleasant acidity, it should please both genders!

AOI BREWING

Temporary address:
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

Aoi Beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s two more restaurants in Shizuoka City, namely

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

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Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Craft Beer, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Mild Ale

September 9, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

I seem to have recently developed a sixth sense when it comes to check the eventuality of a new brew being put on the tap!

I had no particular reason to visit Aoi Beer Stand in Miyuki Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City as they hadn’t announced anything on their Facebook account but here I found myself facing the blackboard over the counter with a totally new brew: Mild ale!

Served on tap
Barley, barley hops, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol: 4~5 degrees
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: dark orange
Bubbles: very fine and creamy. shortish head, white
Aroma: very fruity and mild. Citruses
Taste: very mild and fruity attack.
Deep, elegant and refreshing.
Both well-rounded and complex: apricots, bread.
Varies little with food.
Stays very stable all the time, soft and pleasant.

Overall: The best craft beer by Aoi Brewing so far!
Very well-rounded and fruity.
A great craft beer for the coming autumn.
Being very fruity without being sweet and with little acidity, it should please both ladies and gentlemen.

AOI BREWING

Temporary address:
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

Aoi Beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s two more restaurants in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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Craft Beer, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Pale Ale (3rd batch)

September 6, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Aoi Brewing is finally starting serving its third batch at Aoi Beer Stand in Shozuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho!

Incidentally, Aoi Brewing will open their brew pub near Sengen Shrine on the same premises by mid-October!
Expect the tasting being conducted there!

Served on tap
Barley, barley hops, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol: 4~5 degrees
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: dark orange/persimmon
Bubbles: very fine. shortish head, white
Aroma: dry oranges
Taste: Dry, light attack. Very refreshing.
Oranges, bread, persimmons.
Lingers on long enough with some welcome acidity at the end.
Stays soft and dry all the time.
Not affected by food.

Overall: A high quality thirst quencher. Very similar to the second batch with a little more body.
Eminently enjoyable on a late hot afternoon.
Like the second batch, drinks very fast, so be prepared for a bigger glass!

AOI BREWING

Temporary address:
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

Aoi Beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s two more restaurants in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

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Beer Brewery, Craft Beer, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Beer Breweries List (updated)

August 20, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Shizuoka Beer Microbreweries is a great source for beer label collectors!

Thanks to its endless supply of incredible natural water Shizuoka Prefecture produces some of the best craftbeer not only in Japan but in the world as witnessed by the success of Bryan Baird.
Unfortunately I could not find a comprehensive listing and introduction of the same breweries on the net and decided to fill up this void once for all!

Here is a simple map of Shizuoka Prefecture to help you locate the breweries!
The introduction of the breweries are below listed from west to east of Shizuoka Prefecture!
Bear in mind that some cities are really big. Check their homepages and addresses!

HAMAMATSU-TENJINGURA BREWERY

Hamamatsu-Tenjingura is also a sake, shochu and liqueur brewery!
They produce 3 types of Czech style beers
Hamamatsu City, Naka Ku, Tenjin Machi, 3-57
静岡県浜松市中区天神町３－５７
TEL: 053-461-6145
Restaurant and beer hall business hours: 10:30~19:00
Closed on Tuesdays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

AOI BREWING

This is the latest Craftbeer Brewery in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Owner Naoki Mando/萬藤直樹さん started with four brews on June 22nd, 20014 but has promised more from July!

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

Aoi beer is also available at Aoi Brewery’s two more estabkishments in Shizuoka City, namely

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

GROWSTOCK

AOI BEER STAND FACEBOOK
AOI BREWING FACEBOOK

MEIN SCHLOSS

Mein Schloss in downtown Hamamatsu City is basically a beer hall serving 5 different beers brewed on site
Hamamatsu City, Naka Ku, Chuo, 3-8-1
〒430-8691 静岡県浜松市中区中央３丁目８番１号
Tel.: 053-452-1146
Business hours: 11:00~14:30, 17:00~23:00 (Saturdays, 11:00~23:00). Check on the phone as they are sometimes completely reserved!
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

BAYERN MEISTER BIER

Stephan Rager is the only German national who owns his brewery and makes his own beer in Japan!
He produces 3 types of Bayern-style beers and sometimes does produce beer on order for such clients as the Tokyo German Embassy. He started growing his own hops on site and plans to make real Fujinomiya City beer!
Fujinomiya City, Kami Ideji Kawaharabata, 1254-1
〒418-0103　静岡県富士宮市上井出字河原端1254-1
Tel.: 0544-54-3311　
Business hours: 10:00~21:00 (restaurant meals and parties mainly on reservation)
Closed on Wednesdays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

BAIRD BREWERY

Bryan Baird has deservedly acquired national and international fame and helped to put Numazu City on the world map!
He produces a very wide range of regular and seasonal beers all year long.
His main brewery is still in Numazu city but he has opened branches in Tokyo and elsewhere. Do check his English homepage (also exists in Japanese)!
Business Hours

1052-1, Oodaira, Izushi, Shizuoka-ken
静岡県伊豆市大平１０５２－１
Tel.: 0558-73-1225
Business hours: 12:00 pm to 9:00pm, Sat., Sun., Holidays; 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Open Every Day

Numazu City Taproom Address:
〒410-0845 Numazu City, Senbonminato-cho, 19-4
〒410-0845　静岡県沼津市千本港町19-4
Tel.: 055-963-2628
Business hours: Monday, and Wed. thru Friday; 5:00 PM to Midnight, Sat., Sun., Holidays; Noon to Midnight
Closed on Tuesdays
HOMEPAGE (English)

SAMURAI SURFER BEER

An offshoot of Nippon Beer Co, it produces so far 2 types of craftbeer.
Numazu City, Shimokanuki, Shimoshooji, 3140-5
〒410-0822 静岡県沼津市下香貫下障子3140-5
Tel.: 055-933-1032
Business hours: 09:00~17:00
Closed on Saturdays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

ORACHE WIND VALLEY BEER

Orache, originally a dairy products company was the first to produce organic microbeers in Japan!
It produces 4 regular brews and seasonal ones, too.
Tago Gun, Kannami Cho (south of Mishima City), Tanna, 349-1
〒419-0105　静岡県田方郡函南町丹那349-1
Tel.: 055-974-4192
Business hours: 09:00~17:30
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

GOTEMBA KOOGEN BEER ( MORI NO BEER)

Owned by Yonekyu Co. it is the largest brewery in Shizuoka Prefecture, but it only partly qualifies as a microbrewery. Produces 5 regular beers plus at least 2 real craft beers and also seasonal beers.
412-0033 Gotemba City, Koyama, 719
〒412-0033 静岡県御殿場市神山719
Tel.: 0550-87-5500
Business hours: Check HOMEPAGE as it has many shops and diners!
HOMEPAGE (English) Also exists in Japanese

KURAYA-NARUSAWA

Located near Nagaoka Station, Izu no Kuni City, north of Izu Peninsula, it is also famous for looking after an important cultural asset, Hansharo, which has become the name of their 4 regular beers!
Izu no Kuni City, Naka, 272-1
伊豆の国市中272-1
Tel.: 055-949-1208
Opening hours (restaurant and souvenir shop): Monday~Thursday: 11:00~15:00, Friday: 11:00~22:00, Saturday, Sunday, National holidays: 10:00~22:00
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

USAMI

Usami Brewery in Ito City, in the north-eastern part of Izu Peninsula, produces 4 types of craftbeer, but beware that the front label is the same for all. Check the cap or the back label for the variety!
Designated as eco-friendly by the Prefecture!
〒414-0001　伊東市宇佐美3504-1
〒414-0001　Ito City, Usami, 3504-1
Tel.: 0557-33-0333
Business hours: 08:30~17:00
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

IZU KOUGEN BEER

Izu Kougen Beer/Izu Plateau Beer is located in Ito City and serves and sells its 6 beers in a restaurant remarkable for its reasonable traditional Japanese seafood restaurant.
〒413-0231 静岡県伊東市富戸1103
〒413-0231 Ito City, Tomito, 1103
Tel: 0557(51)3000
Business hours: 11:00~21:00 (restaurant)
Closed only 5 days in the year
HOMEPAGE

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Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Australian Ale (2nd batch)

August 16, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

While the third batch should available on top during the second half of this month, more beers from the second stand are appearing at Aoi Beer Stand in Miyuki Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

This time is the turn for Australian Ale!

Served on tap
Barley, barley hops, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol: 4~5 degrees
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: Dark orange
Bubbles: Longish head, Very fine creamy bubbles. White
Aroma: Dry and fruity. Oranges
Taste: Refreshing dry and fruity attack.
Complex. Bread, oranges, hints of mild lemon.
Elegant. Great improvement on the first batch!
Gently lingers on the palate before leaving on a drier note and late pleasant acidity.

Overall Elegant thirst quencher with a twist!
Reveals increasingly numerous facets.
Well-rounded with late acidity and dryness.
Keep you up on your toes.

AOI BREWING

Temporary address:
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

Aoi Beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s two more restaurants in Shizuoka City, namely

and Mando:

Mando, Neo Japanesque Bar
420-0031, Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Gofuku Cho, 2-4-6, Mori Blg, 1F
Tel/Fax: 054-221-5103
Business hours: 17:00~26:00
Parties possible on 2F
Credit cards OK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Craft Beer, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Pale Ale (2nd batch)

August 13, 2014 dragonlife 3 Comments

Another beer has appeared with the 2nd batch brewed by Aoi Brewing, namely Pale Ale, which is incidentally their second trial with the same type!
Of course I went to taste it at Aoi Beer Stand in Miyuki Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

Served on tap
Barley, barley hops, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol: 4~5 degrees
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: dark orange/persimmon
Bubbles: very fine. Longish head, white
Aroma: dry oranges
Taste: Very fruity and gentle approach.
Oranges, bread.
Very refreshing, straightforward and easy to drink.
Stays dry all the time with a little welcome acidity.
Not affected by food.

Overall: A high quality thirst quencher.
Eminently enjoyable on a late hot afternoon.
Drinks very fast, so be prepared for a bigger glass!

AOI BREWING

Temporary address:
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

Aoi Beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s two more restaurants in Shizuoka City, namely

and Mando:

Mando, Neo Japanesque Bar
420-0031, Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Gofuku Cho, 2-4-6, Mori Blg, 1F
Tel/Fax: 054-221-5103
Business hours: 17:00~26:00
Parties possible on 2F
Credit cards OK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Baird Beer, Craft Beer, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Baird Beer-Teikoku IPA

August 12, 2014 dragonlife 3 Comments

“Teikoku” in Japanese means “Empire”
Interesting enough Baird Beer also produces and a Suruga Bay Imperial IPA!

Another label for collectors!

Product name: Baird Beer Teikoku IPA
Ingredients: malt, barley, hops, sugars, yeast
Unfiltered
Double fermentation
Natural carbonation
Alcohol/ABV: 6.5%
Contents: 330 ml

Longish head
Bubbles: fine. White
Clarity: smoky (normal as it is unfiltered). Very clean
Color: Dark orange/persimmon
Aroma: assertive. Bread, hints of oranges and roasted oats.
Refreshing, dry, light and fruity approach.
Bread, hints of caramel and roasted oats, dry coffee beans.
Lingers on pleasantly with welcome acidity.
Changes little with food but for a deeper dryness backed with lighter acidity.
Dry roasted oats and coffee beans making a strong comeback once away from food.

Overall: Deep, dry and complex craft beer!
Lots of character.
Multiple facets keeping coming up!
A challenge for connoisseurs!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Beer Brewery, Craft Beer, Gotemba City

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Yonekyu-Biru no Mori Brewery (Gotenba Koogen Beer): Fuji Sansan!

August 10, 2014 dragonlife 1 Comment

Gotenba Koogen Brewery in Gotenba City, Shizuoka Prefecture, does bear a misleading name because Yonekyu Co,the owner of Mori no Biru (Forest Beer) Brewery, is also the owner of the Gotenba Koogen Resort beer Hall & Restaurant!

Since the brewery is located at the foot of Mount Fuji, no wonder they call it “Fuji Sansan/富士燦燦/Mount Fuji Brilliance”! There is a kind of pun involved as in Japanese you can Mount Fuji, “Fuji San”!

Most beer produced at the brewery is commercial beer for its resort, but this particular one is one of their few craft beers!

Product name: Fuji Sansan
Unpasteurized (生/nama)
Ingredients: Grain malt, Grain, Hop
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5 %
Contents: 330 ml

Short head
Bubbles: fine, white
Color: golden
Aroma: assertive. Bread, hints of oranges
Dry attack, refreshing pilsner type.
Bread, hops, hints of roasted oats.
Lingers for a while with a late appearance of oranges.
Gets noticeably drier with food.

Overall: A good quality thirst quencher best suited for a hot summer afternoon or evening.

Yonekyu-Mori no Biru Brewery (Gotemba Koogen)
421-0046 Gotemba City, Hodosawaji, Sumiyakisawa, 1015-1
Tel 0550-89-7611
Gotemba Koogen Homepage

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Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Bitter Ale

July 29, 2014 dragonlife 3 Comments

Yesterday I finally managed some free time to taste Aoi Brewing’s new beer at Aoi Beer Stand in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City: Bitter Ale!

Bitter Ale is part of Aoi Brewing’s second batch which includes Summer Stout!

Incidentally we will be able to savor the third batch from mid-August with 4 types: Alt, Brown Ale, IPA and Stout!

Served on tap
Barley, barley hops, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol: 4 degrees
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: orange
Bubbles: very fine. Short head, white
Aroma: discreet and dry. Roasted oats.
Taste: Very refreshing and dry attack.
Roasted oats, bread, hints of oranges.
Pleasantly lingers for a while in back of the palate.
Later appearance of nuts.
Not really as its name would suggest, but dry with some gentle acidity.
Changes little with food but for stronger oranges.

Overall: Very refreshing beer, far better than owner Naoki Mando would admit.
Great thirst-quenching craft beer with a twist!

AOI BREWING

Temporary address:
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

Aoi beer is also available at Aoi Brewery’s two more restaurants in Shizuoka City, namely

and Mando:

Mando, Neo Japanesque Bar
420-0031, Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Gofuku Cho, 2-4-6, Mori Blg, 1F
Tel/Fax: 054-221-5103
Business hours: 17:00~26:00
Parties possible on 2F
Credit cards OK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Craft Beer, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Summer Stout

July 27, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

The second batch from Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City is finally available on the tap!

In the first batch we had the opportunity to taste a Pale Ale, a Summer Ale, an Australian Ale and Slight Stout.
The second batch introduces a Bitter Ale and a Summer Stout!
In all truth we are looking forward to the third batch which bears a lot of promises!

Served on tap
Barley, barley hops, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol: 4.5 degrees
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: Dark brown
Bubbles: fine. shortish head, light coffee color
Aroma: discreet, caramel
Taste: Very light and soft approach, refreshing.
Dry caramel, bread, hints of coffee beans.
Lingers on for a while on the palate with welcome acidity.
Holds well with food.

Overall: Very refreshing craft beer.
Best drunk less than chilled for full enjoyment.
Great as a summer beer as not overwhelming.
Marked improvement on first batch!
Really looking forward to third batch!

AOI BREWING

Temporary address:
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

Aoi beer is also available at Aoi Brewery’s two more restaurants in Shizuoka City, namely

and Mando:

Mando, Neo Japanesque Bar
420-0031, Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Gofuku Cho, 2-4-6, Mori Blg, 1F
Tel/Fax: 054-221-5103
Business hours: 17:00~26:00
Parties possible on 2F
Credit cards OK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Beer, Craft Beer, Shizuoka

Shizuoka Beer tasting: Baird Beer-Red Rose Amber Ale

July 19, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Due to increasing demand, Bryan Baird had to move his brewery from Numazu City to Shuzenji in Izu Peninsula recently, but on the other hand his beers are increasingly available in many stores in Shizuoka City!

“Red Rose Amber Ale” was named so because Bryan wanted to introduce the taste of red roses in this beer dark ale!

Product name: Baird Beer-Red Rose Amber Ale
Unfiltered
Ingredients: barley malt, barley, sugars, hops, yeast
Volume: 360 ml
Alcohol: 5.5%
Process: Unfiltered. Double fermentation for natural bubbles at low temperature. Live yeast

Clarity: Smoky but very clean (natural for unfiltered beer)
Color: Dark orange
Foam: Long head. Fine bubbles. Very light orange color
Aroma: Solid. Fruity. Oranges, citruses, bread
Taste: Dry, deep and fruity attack. Very refreshing.
Dry oranges, bread with hints of persimmon. Late appearance of apricots.
Varies little with food, except for deeper and drier oranges.
Lingers for a while in the palate before leaving with an even drier note.

Overall: Very refreshing, deep, solid, reliable and elegant craft beer.
Enjoyable in any season. Great with food.
Personally I enjoy it most on a hot evening on its own, lightly chilled, and try to savor it as slowly as possible (not easy!)!
Mind you, because of its strong orange taste, might be best enjoyed in winter in Shizuoka!

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Beer, Craft Beer, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Summer Ale

July 8, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

If you want to taste Aoi Brewing craft beers and also write about it, there is the perfect place within walking distance of Shizuoka JR Station!

Aoi Beer Stand!
Mind you, if you want to write about the beer you will have to find one of the six seats free!
Otherwise drinking outside on the pavement is OK!

Incidentally Aoi Beer Stand is celebrating its 1st Anniversary!

One of these days I will have a selfie taken of my person drinking their beer standing in front!

As for the tasting, bear in mind that the beers will come and go before re-appearing in the future!
It makes the tasting and writing even more enjoyable!

Served on tap
Barley, barley hops, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol: ~5 degrees
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered)
Color: deep yellow
Bubbles: fine. Longish head
Aroma: assertive. Oranges, bread, dry
Taste: very dry and deep approach.
Very refreshing with welcome acidity.
Oranges.
Lingers inside palate with an increasing dryness and acidity.
Changes little with food.

Overall: very refreshing brew with more acidity than usual.
Westerners will probably appreciate it more than the Japanese.
Great balance between fruitiness and acidity.
For very dry beer lovers!

AOI BREWING

Temporary address:
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

Aoi beer is also available at Aoi Brewery’s two more restaurants in Shizuoka City, namely

and Mando:

Mando, Neo Japanesque Bar
420-0031, Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Gofuku Cho, 2-4-6, Mori Blg, 1F
Tel/Fax: 054-221-5103
Business hours: 17:00~26:00
Parties possible on 2F
Credit cards OK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Craft Beer, Shizuoka City

First Brewing Day at Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City!

May 22, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Thursday, May 22nd, 2014, saw the first day of actual brewing in the newest, and 11th, beer brewery in Shizuoka Prefecture, namely Aoi Brewery in Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, near Sengen Shrine!

Since the brewing has started the brewery had become off limits and the front door was closed to casual visitors.
I had to enter through the side door to an empty space which will become a pub in September before progressing to the brewery room.
Durst malt from Munich, Germany was at the ready!

Barley was already being used!
Before entering the brewing room I had to put on long boots and step in a basin to disinfect the soles.

I found Owner Naoki Mandou/満藤直樹さん having a rest with two his staff onlooking the operations!

A collector’s item: Aoi/Hollyhock in the shape of the crest as worn by Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu in the 16th an 17th Century!

Brew Master Kooichi Taka/髙浩一さん running around!

Checking the boiling of the barley!

With Owner Naoki Mandou keeping an attentive eye on all the operations. He actually has enough knowledge on brewing in case of an emergency!

I was allowed a peek into the boiling barley!

I even tasted it! Sweet!

Taking out more samples!

Checking out more samples of the barley which had already boiled more than 4 hours!

Brew Master Kooichi Taka/髙浩一さん at his art!

And Owner Naoki Mandou/満藤直樹さん never far away!

Photo for posterity:
Nobuko Hasegawa/長谷川暢子さん Staff, Naoki Mando/満藤直樹さん Owner, Kouichi Taka/髙浩一さんBrew Master & Hidenori Fukushima/福島英紀さん Staff!

Expect more reports until the first Aoi Craft beer being put on the market end of June!

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Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Oratche Brewery-Atami Beer 「Miyabi」Red Ale!

March 29, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

It had been some time since I last tasted craft beers concocted by Oratche Brewery adn I had the occasion to get a couple I hadn’t tasted yet the other day when I traveled all the way to Kannami!

This particular brand can usually only be found around Atami for which it had been conceived.
The name 「Miyabi」or 雅　means “elegant” in Japanese!
It does bear the usual inscription “Kaze no Tani Biiru/Wind Valley Beer” usually found on their labels.
This label is particularly beautiful and I’ll keep in case a craft beer lover truly wants it!
Also note that Oratche Brewery was the first brewery in Japan to be officially recognized by the Government as producing organic beer!
In this case all cereals used for tthat particular beer are 85% organic. Remarkable!

Product: Oratche Brewery Atami Beer 「Miyabi」Red Ale
Draught/nama Beer, unfiltered
Ingredients: Barley Malt, barley, hops. Barley malt 85 organic
Contents: 360 ml

Clarity: Very clean if somewhat a bit smoky (normal as it is unfiltered)
Alcohol: 5.5 degrees
Color: Rich orange brown
Foam: Fine and light bubbles. Longish head
Aroma: Assertive but light and dry. Oranges.
Taste: Dry, deep and pleasant attack. Oranges, bread, hints of caramel.
Short tail. Lingers only for a while before disappearing on an even drier note with hints of nuts.
Keeps its own with food and actually enhances the later without interference.

Overall: Very pleasant, light but satisfying.
Not a thirst-quenching beer in spite of its comparatively light approach.
in fact quite elegant.
A beer for all seasons that should please both genders.
To be enjoyed in the evening after a long day’s work! Don’t be fooled by its dark color. It is not a porter. Typical Oratche’s brew.

ORATCHE BREWERY/WIND VALLEY BREWERY
419-0105 Tagata Gun, Kannami Cho, Tanna, 349-1
Tel.: 055-974-4192
Fax: 055-974-4191
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

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Beer, Beer Brewery, Craft Beer, Shizuoka City

Aoi Brewing Brewery In Shizuoka City-Latest news: The Equipment Has Arrived!

March 20, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

The brewing equipment has finally reached Aoi Brewery in Shizuoka City!

I took the opportunity to visit Mrs. Kumiko Yasumoto/安本久美子さん, wife of the 6th generation owner of Yasumoto Shoten Store, and whose father used to make soy sauce. Now, the same soy sauce building has become the brand new Aoi Brewery!

“Aoi” is the Japanese name for “hollyhock” and is the emblem plant on the crest of Shizuoka City and the Kunozan Shrine where Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined.
Naoki Mando had to obtain a special permission to use this very crest from the above two entities!

Of course he wears the crest on his working clothes!

This will become a collector’s item!

Generators and so forth are outside the brewery building under the parking roof.

The equipment was imported from China, and it is tough work to assemble!
Naoki will need all his staff and specialists’ help to have it ready on April 1st when the Japan Tax Bureau will come to inspect the installations!