Tag Archives: Craft Beer

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

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 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 beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant 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
FACEBOOK

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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

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Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Marika Ale

December 8, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Decidedly you have to keep tour ears and eyes open as Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City puts out an average of two new craft beers every month.
And as most of them are limited you also have to hurry!

Marika Ale! The difference this time is that hops were used both whole and in pellets!

As Aoi Beer Stand in Miyuki-Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City was full we drank outside encouraging passersby to join us!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Dark Crystal Malt, Black malt, SIMCO hop (whole), Nugget hop (pellets), live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5%
IBU: 19
Production: 450 liters
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Shortish head. White color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: amber
Aroma: sweetish and fruity. Bread, biscuits, oranges
Taste: dry, very fruity and complex attack.
Oranges, biscuits, honey, faint persimmon.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a still constant dry but very fruity note with more honey.
The fruitiness faithfully continues all the way through.
Very, although shows practically no acidity.

Overall: an exceptional and intriguing amber ale!
Although very fruity, it stays dry but without any acidity.
A craft beer you drink slowly. No need of food to interfere with it although good pairings could be achieved with pork, sausages and cheese.
For ale lovers of all genders and ages!

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-Kagyoku Shokuro Tea Ale

November 29, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Tasting conducted together with Kent Rhoads!

Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka does often come with some unusual limited brews!
This time they produce another Tea Ale but with a twist!

It was actually brewed to commemorate the wedding of Kazumi San/和美さん, who is part of the staff at Beck Co., the umbrella owner of Aoi Brewing!
The name Kagyoku Shokuro/華玉燭霧 is related to the kinds of tea included in the brewing!

Served on tap
Barley, Pilsner malt, Munich Malt, Topaz hop, Styrian Golding hop, Gyokuro Tea 8250 g), Fukamushi Tea (4 kg), live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5%
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: light orange color
Aroma: sweetish green tea
Taste: dryish and flavorful attack.
Complex. Sweetish green tea, hints of oranges, apricots and dry pears.
Very tasty first impression with no aftertaste. Excellent and subtle balance.
Lingers long enough on palate for true tasting before departing on a sllghtly sweeter note than at the beginning with very pleasant matcha.

Overall: Lighter and more elegant approach than previous brews made with Shizuoka green Tea.
Almost no acidity. Very soft on the palate. Very unique craft beer!
Pity it is limited as this would easily become a must drink every day all year round!
Simply said: superb!

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-Aoshima (Onshu) Mikan Ale (also called Tekka Slight Mikan Ale)

November 18, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Once again Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City has put out a fruit made with local products!

Aoishima (Onshu) Mikan Ale, that is a beer conceived with “Aoishima” mandarine oranges produced by farmers in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!
This was the name announced in AOI BEER STAND in Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, but Mr. Taka, the brewmaster, told me it should have been named “Tekka Slight Mikan Ale”!
“Tekka” means that the oranges used were the ones pruned off when still green to allow chosen fruit to fully ripen!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Munich Malt, Topaz hop, Czech Saaz hop, Aoishima mandarine oranges, live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5%
IBU: 21
Production: 450 liters
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Longish head. Light orange color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: light orange color
Aroma: dry and fruity. Dry mandarine oranges
Taste: very dry and fruity attack.
Dry oranges, citruses, hints of herbs.
Lingers long enough for true tasting with oranges staying true all the way and tending to depart on an even drier note with some welcome acidity.

Overall: a dry and fruity craft beer which will appeal to ladies in particular!
A craft beer for all seasons!
Very satisfying and a pleasure to sip. Dry but elegant!
Recommended pairings: pizza, potato salad, 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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Baird Beer, Craft Beer, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Baird beer Shuzenji Heritage Helles (Tasted at Hug Coffee Espresso Roaster in Shizuoka City!)

November 15, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

It was certainly good to discover that it was possible to conduct the tasting of at least 9 craft beers by Bryan Baird’s brewery, namely Baird Beer Co. in a small cafe & bar in Shizuoka City!: Hug Coffee Espresso Roasters!

This time I sampled Shuzaenji Heritage Helles!

Name: Baird Beer Shuzenji Heritage Helles
Bottle contents: 330 ml
Barley, barley malt, sugars, yeast
Double fermentation
Unfiltered
ABV: 5%

Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: orange
Aroma: dry and fruity．Bread, biscuits, oranges.
Taste: dry and fruity attack.
Complex: bread, biscuits, oranges.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a soft and dry note with oranges, apricots and hints of lemon.
Very pleasant on the palate.
Soft oranges and biscuits tend to come back with every sip.

Overall Elegant and deep lager for all seasons.
Both complex and gentle on the palate, a craft beer best appreciated slightly chilled at first and slowly drunk as its temperatures slowly to reveal more facets.

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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Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Honnnori Cha Ale (4th Batch)

October 23, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Aoi Beer Stand made a point to call me when Aoi brewing (Shizuoka City) had their latest craft beer served on tap there!

Now, what kind of craft could it be?

Honnori Cha Ale also called O Cha Ale!
This is the fourth batch and it is still different from the previous three!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Pilsner Malt, Topaz hop, Willamette hop, green tea (more than in previous batches!), live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Shortish head. creamy, white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: orange/apricot color
Aroma: assertive, dry. green tea, oranges
Taste: dry, soft and fruity attack.
Complex: tea, biscuits, hints of persimmon and oranges.
Almost sweetish at the beginning but turns dry at the end.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a very different and dry note.
Varies little with food.
Far more complex than previous batches but easier to drink.

Overall: A craft beer for all seasons.
Its complexity and comparative gentleness will appeal to ladies although gentlemen will particularly enjoy it with their food.
Suggested pairings: sweetish meat, pork, yakitori, hot sandwiches.
Many gentlemen agreed it became more complex with green tea surging through with rise in temperature!

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-Rothenburg Weissen

October 22, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Aoi Brewing is continuing experimenting with craft beers and the newest one take us to Germany!

Rothenburg Weissen!

Served on tap
Barley (50%), wheat (50%), Pilsner Malt (50%), wheat malt (50%), Australian Galaxy Hop, Tetnang hop,live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.9%
IBU: 29
Bubbles: long head, very fine bubbles, creamy, very light orange color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: deep orange
Aroma: discreet and fruity. Citruses, biscuits.
Taste: sweetish at first but soon turning to dry and fruity attack.
Complex: first a big surge of oranges immediately followed by dry bread and biscuits.
Some welcome acidity accompanies it along.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a drier notes with citruses and bread and late surge of persimmon.
Varies little with food.

Overall: A craft beer of Dunkel Weissen type for all seasons.
Very easy to drink.
Will please both genders.
Complex craft beer which will continue to reveal new facets with further sips.
Suggested pairings: mixed nuts, 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-IBUKI (2nd batch)

October 14, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City has just put out a second batch of its IBUKI conceived by its second master brewer!

Served on tap
Barley, Wheat, Maris Otter malt, Munich Malt, Caramel Malt, Wheat malt, Magnum hop, Sylva Hop, Summer hop, Topaz hop, Shizuoka Ama Natsu Oranges
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 6%
IBU: 29
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Longish head. creamy, white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: orange color
Aroma: light and dry. Citruses, biscuits.
Taste: Dry and acid attack (more acid than previous batch!)
Complex: oranges, biscuits, bread
Lingers long enough fro true tasting before departing on an even drier note with more oranges and lemon.
Varies little with food but for a further accent on its dryness.

Overall: A dry and acidic beer for all seasons!
Will marry beautifully with BBQ food and heavy food in particular!
A sure value!

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-O Cha Ale

September 24, 2015 dragonlife 2 Comments

Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City has finally come up with what they consider their full O Cha Ale/Green Tea Ale after the two batches of Honnnori O-Cha Ale/A Little Green Tea Ale.

The ingredients are the same, but this is the real article now!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Pilsner Malt, Topaz hop, Willamette hop, green tea
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. creamy, white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: light orange color
Aroma: assertive, dry. puissant green tea aroma.
Taste: Assertive and dry attack with plenty of green tea!
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on more dry green tea.
Tends to mellow down and show more fruitiness along although it will always depart on a strong green tea note.
Varies little with food but for a softer approach, but still with strong green tea.

Overall: A true Shizuoka green tea craft beer!
A real coming of age after the two precedent green tea ales experiments!
For lovers of very dry beers!
A beer with a big character to be enjoyed all year round although will dperform best on a hot afternoon!
Suggested pairings: BBQ food, stews, sausages.

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 beer, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-“Forgery Kölsch”

September 6, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

By pure chance I discovered this new but unannounced craft beer by Aoi Brewing at AOI BEER STAND in Shizuoka City!
I wasn’t supposed to suddenly have the time to visit the place but here I was staring at the blackboard!

“Forgery Kölsch”?
The reason for the “Forgery” naming is that it was not supposed to be brewed that way and I’m not at liberty to explain any further!

Served on tap
Barley, barley malt, hop, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.0%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Longish head. creamy, white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: lemon-orange color
Aroma: light and fruity. Citruses.
Taste: very light, dry, refreshing and fruity attack backed up with welcome acidity.
Citruses, lemon.
Lingers long enough on the palate for true tasting before departing on a drier note with more citruses.
varies little with food.

Overall: Very refreshing, light and satisfying craft beer.
Perfect for a hot summer afternoon.
Unfortunately it will be only one-off craft beer although there will enough to serve on tap for the next two weeks, but do hurry!

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 beer, Kyoto

Kyoto Craft beer: Kizakura Brewery-Kyoto Beer Brown Ale

September 5, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Kizakura Brewery is on eof the most famous sake breweries in Kyoto and it does some craft beers among other products.
I had the occasion to taste one of them during a recent trip to that famed touristic spot!

Produced in cans of 330 ml
Barley, barley roasted malt, hop, yeast
ABV: 9%
Filtered

Bubbles: long head, fine bubbles, light orange color
Deep orange color
Aroma: discreet. Bread, biscuits
Taste: Dry, refreshing, fruity attack.
Bread, biscuits, ginger bread, dry apricots.
Lingers just long enough for true tasting before departing on a soft and dry note with biscuits lingering on.
Varies little with food but for a softer note.

Overall: Refreshing, straightforward craft beer, better than a thirst quencher.
Drinks easily and deserves to be sampled.
For all dsasons, with a high alcohol contents which makes it worthwhile.

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Craft Beer, Izu no Kuni City, Shizuoka Beer

Shizuoka Craft Beer: Izu No Kuni Brewery: Weissen

July 8, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Izu No Kuni Brewery was founded around 2010 inside Izu World Minna Hawaiians Beer Hall in Izu No Kuni City in Northern izu Peninsula.
It puts three regular craft beers all year round that you can easily enough acquire in cans although they produce the same in bottles and on tap in their restaurant.

They also occasionally produce limited brews.

I started the tasting with their Weissen craft beer!

A rare tasting conducted at home!

Distributed in cans
Barley, wheat, barley malt, wheat malt, sugars, hop, live yeast
Filtered
ABV: 5%
Contents: 350 ml

Bubbles: Shortish head, very fine bubbles, white color
Lemon color
Aroma: discreet and fruity. Bread, lemon
Taste: refreshing and light attack. Soft approach.
Bread, hints of lemon and biscuits.
Lingers just long enough for true tasting before departing on a soft and dry note with hints of lemon.
Changes little with food although it then tends to take a step back.

Overall: refreshing, higher quality thirst-quencher.
Very satisfying on hot afternoon.
Happily accompanies any food.
A light beer fit for the BBQ!

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-Slight Stout (July 2015 new version)

June 9, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

AOI BEER STAND has just started a new craft beer completely unannounced as it is a bit of a “revenge” craft beer version of a stout which never satisfied the master brewer’s exacting standards!

Slight Stout!
As it bears no special name, I called it (with Aoi Brewing’s agreement) “July 2015 New version”!

Served on tap
Barley and wheat, Maris Otter malt, Crystal malt, Low Step Valley malt, Australian Galaxy hop, Sylva hop, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head, creamy, milk coffee color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: very dark brown
Aroma: very dry. Dry coffee beans, bread
Taste: very refreshing attack with plenty of pleasant acidity.
Complex. Coffee beans, dark caramel.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a gentler note.
Stays true to first impressions all the way through.
Varies little with food.

Overall: True stout and such an improvement on already excellent craft beer!
Aoi Brewing’s beers are definitely coming to maturity!
Should please both genders at all times of the day and year, but especially in late afternoons with food or on its own.
Would beautifully pair with meats, meats in sauce, sweet and sour 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

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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, Japanese Beer, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Belgian Subtle IPA!

June 3, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

New craft beers are coming out thick and fast from Aoi Brweing in Shizuoka City!

The latest one is a version of the recent Subtle IPA: Belgian Subtle IPA!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Munich malt, Crystal malt, Australian Galaxy hop, Kent Holding hop, Belgian Trappiste Yeast, Hoegarden Kindan no Kajitsu yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 6.3%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head, creamy, light orange white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: deep orange color
Aroma: dry and fruity. Oranges, bread
Taste: deep and dry fruity attack with pleasant acidity.
Complex. Oranges, bread.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a drier note with more pleasant acidity.
Varies little with food.
Oranges make a regular and strong appearance with every sip.

Overall: very refreshing, deep, satisfying with plenty of welcome acidity.
Splendid fruity IPA!
Another intriguing version of already a superb IPA.
No need for food!
Bear in mind that Aoi Brewing is coming up now with two types of IPA great for comparison!

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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