Tag Archives: Shizuoka Beer

Craft Beer, Izu no Kuni City, Shizuoka Beer

Shizuoka Craft Beer: Izu No Kuni Beer-Premium Stout

August 12, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

I finally came to taste Izu No Kuni Beer’s 3rd regular brew: Premium Stout!

As opposed to the canned version which contains 330 ml the bottled version contains 500 ml!

Contents: 500 ml
Barley, barley malt, hops, live yeast
ABV: 7%
Probably filtered

Bubbles: long head, very fine bubbles, creamy, milk coffee color
Dark very dark brown
Aroma: assertive. Dry caramel
Taste: Soft but deep attack.
Dry caramel, coffee beans. Very little acidity.
Biscuits and　bread appearing on the late.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a drier note and more coffee beans.
Stays true to the first impressions all the way through although coffee beans tend to assert themselves more and more with every sip.

Overall: very satisfying stout.
Dry and deep.
Very refreshing in spite of its stout nature.
Easily the best brew by Izu No Kuni Beer!
Although eminently enjoyable on its own would marry beautifully with BBQ food.
Would do well with a dram of whisky!

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

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Beer, Beer Brewery, Shizuoka Beer

Shizuoka Beer Breweries List (updated!)

June 23, 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)

MEIN SCHLOSS

Mein Sschloos 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)

AOI BREWERY

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!

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 restautants in Shizuoka City, namely

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

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

FACEBOOK

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 strated 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 BREWING

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)!
〒410-0843 Numazu City, Tadehara Cho, 9-3
〒410-0843　静岡県沼津市蓼原町9-3
Tel.: 055-952-6673
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

This is the latest beer brewery in Shizuoka Prefecture!
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

The largest brewery in Shizuoka Prefecture, it only partly qualifies as a microbrewery. Produces 5 regular beers plus at least 2 real craftbeer 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 exits 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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AOI BEER STAND: Latest News of Forthcoming Brewery in Shizuoka City-Aoi Beer Brewery (February 10th, 2014)!

February 10, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Naoki Mando on the far right of the picture!

Service: Easy-going and friendly
Facilities: Very clean overall. Beautiful washroom inside Den Bulding.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Craft beers only!

Yesterday I made a call for drinhks and information at Aoi Beer Stand in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!
Since the owner Naoki Mando was on hand I asked him a few precise questions which he was kind enough to answer!

First of all I learned that he had registered the name Aoi/葵/Holluhock and the crest as his beer label from Kunozan Shrine and the City of Shizuoka!
The only sobering about that (no pun intended!) is since that the city wants to include his beer in bottles in City Souvenirs Sets, Naoki found himself forced to produce his beer not only in kegs but also in in bottles, meaning more work, equipment and costs!

The brewery equipment should be finally installed end of march and production should start end of April~beginning of may!

Now, Naoki will brew 6 regular beers:
-Pilsner
-Pale Ale
-IPA
-Belgium White
-Weizen
-Dark Lager

To that he will add seasonal beers featuring:
-Shzuoka Strawberry Beer
-Shizuoka Ornage Beer
-Shizuoka Kikuimo/jerusalem Artichoke Beer
-Shizuoka O Cha/Geen Tea Beer

Look forward to the next report!

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

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Beer, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Beer, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Hansharo 75 Weissen at AOI BEER STAND in Shziuoka City!

January 22, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Easy-going and friendly
Facilities: Very clean overall. Beautiful washroom inside Den Bulding.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Craft beers only!

Yesterday I noticed a new addition on the craft beer menu served at AOI BEER STANd’s FFACEBOOK!
I immmediately visited the establishment before the brew disappeared from the menu!

The second one on the board: Hansharo Beer (Izu Peninsula), 75 Wissen/反射炉ビール（伊豆）７５ヴァイツェン!
Hansharo Beers are brewed by Kuraya Narusawa Brewery in Izu no Kuni City in Northern Izu Peninsula (see below for details)!
AOI BEER STAND does often serve craft beers from guest breweries in Shizuoka Prefev\cture, therefore check their menu on facebook regularly!

Hansharo 75 Weissen
Kuraya Narusawa Brewery
Alcohol: 5%
Clarity: Comparatively clean
Color: Light orange
Fairly long head
Fine bubbles
Aroma: Assertive, complex. Bread, citruses
Taste: Refreshing dry attack.
Oranges, bread.
Stays deep all the time and lingers long enough in the back of the palate.
Takes a drier turn with the next sip before mellowing again on the palate

Overall: Deep, solid, reliable and refreshing. A lot of chaaracter
Very steady beer!

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

KURAYA-NARUSAWA

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Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Bars, Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, Drinks, Environment, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Beer, Japanese Gastronomy, Life, Life in Japan, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Beer, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

AOI BEER STAND: News of Forthcoming Brewery in Shizuoka City-Aoi Beer Brewery!

January 20, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Service: Easy-going and friendly
Facilities: Very clean overall. Beautiful washroom inside Den Bulding.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Craft beers only!

Things are starting to move fast in Shizuoka City with Aoi Beer Brewery planned to start producing craft beer in early summer!

I ordered the Kurofune Porte by Baird Beer in Numazu City!

I paid a visit to Aoi Beer Stand in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, yesterday hoping to meet Naoki mando/萬藤直樹さん to have a chat about the progress of his new venture, namely Aoi Beer Brewery.
Unfortunately he was still away on a research trip but the present staff was more than helpful!

Kurofune Porter
Alcohol: 6%
Long head
Fine bubbles.
Color: dark brown
Very clean

Aroma: Bread, caramel
Taste: Refreshing attack. Deep and dry. Caramel, bread.
Varies little with food but for a sweeter turn

I can’t wait to dink Aoi Beers in such a glass!

Naoki Mando is not only creating history by starting the first craft beer brewery in Shizuoka City and central Shizuoka Prefecture, he is also contributing to the devlopment of the local economy by building his brewery on the very site of Yasumoto sake and soy sauce Shop, which used to produce soy sauce on the same premises for 151 years until 1962 (the shop since had been stocking rice, soy sauce, sake and others in their warehouse).

In Spring 2013, Naoki struck an agreement with its owner, Mr. Masatoshi Yasumoto/安本正俊さん to reform the warehouse, located near Sengen Shrine in Miyazaki Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City.
Actually Mr. Yasumoto had thought until then to eventually pull down the whole warehouse and transform it into a car park, but Naoki convinced him that the building was ound enough to be preserved and transformed into a craft beer brewery!
The outside facade will be preserved as such and only the inside will be reformed!
In Naoki’s words:”Beer is best enjoyed in its birthplace and if there is a supplementary story to the brewery and its buildings, so much for the better!”
For the moment Naoki is thinking of producing 6 types of craft beers including Pale Ale, Weissen, one very local with Shizuoka oranges and the like.

There is a new item on the menu these days!

“Very simple takoyaki”!

Simple maybe, but perfect with craft beer!

I had another craft beer before taking my leave:
North Island Brown Ale (Hokkaido)
Kurofune Porter
Alcohol: 5%
Long head
Fine bubbles.
Color: dark orange
Very clean, slightly smoky

Aroma: Oranges
Taste: Deep, refreshing,. Apricots, loquats
Lingers for a while with very dry citruses appearing later

Look forward to the next report!

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

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Baird Beer, Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Beer, Japanese Gastronomy, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Beer, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Baird Beer Brewery-Numazu Lager

September 29, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Baird Beer owned by Bryan Baird in Numazu City is not only a household name but a truly internationally-recognized brewery in spite of its relatively short history.
Living in Shizuoka Prefecture makes it easy to get their brews as more and more local sake shops are marketing them!

We are also blessed with beautiful labels which are sale at a bigger size for the pleasure of collectors.
This particular label is an abstract rendition of Numazu City harbor!

Product name: Baird Beer-Numazu Ale
Unfiltered
Ingredients: (German) malt, barley, sugars, hops, yeast
Volume: 360 ml
Alcohol: 5%
Process: Unfiltered. Double fermentation for natural bubbles. Live yeast

Clarity: Slightly smoky but very clean aspect
Color: Orange, color deeper than usual lagers
Foam: Fairly long head. Light bubbles
Aroma: Bread, oranges
Taste: Well rounded, deep and rich attack.
Very clean impression.
Complex.
Bread, oranges.
Very refreshing though not a thirst-quenching beer.
Welcome acidity.
Pleasantly lingers for a while on a drier note with more oranges and hints of nuts and persimmon.
persimmon actually tends to take over the oranges on the second sip with more welcome acidity.

Overall: Very refreshing but deep beer.
Usually I conduct my beer tastings in the afternoons when my palate is not influenced by any food or else. This beer has the the gratifying quality of welcoming you with a nourishing feeling!
Accordingly I would advise all true beer lovers to drink it at ease to fully enjoy its rich and utterly rewarding taste.
Good, I should say great, beers should be drunk on their own and Bryan Baird is known all over the world for its sublime brews!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Shop with Intent by Debbie
BULA KANA in Fiji
Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: 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!
-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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, 美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

American Gastronomy: Hot Dog at Aoi Beer Stand in Shizuoka City!

September 21, 2013 dragonlife 2 Comments

Service: Easy-going and friendly
Facilities: Very clean overall. Beautiful washroom inside Den Bulding.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Craft beers only!

Yesterday, after a long and hot work day I decided to start the night with a couple of craft beers at Aoi Beer Stand in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City.

But all that had made me hungry. too!

I took the opportunity to have a go at the hit dog announced on the menu blackboard!

The hot dog!
Actually I could have called Heisse Hund as the onions had been replaced with sauerkraut heated with sausage!
A great combination as the fried sauerkraut will have lost just enough of its water!

Now the large (for a hot dog!) sausage is a real beauty!
Naoki Mando order them at a local delicatessen. Not only they are big, but they have a great crunchy bite (not the cheap soft canned kind!) and a very deep and complex taste!
Th bread on the hand is exactly like the traditional hot dogs found in the US!

With the right amount of ketchup and soft mustard, a full satisfying and yummy meal!

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

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Bars, Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Beer, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Shizuoka Beer: Naoki Mando and Aoi Beer Brewery in Shizuoka City!

September 10, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Naoki Mando/満藤直樹さん!

As I mentioned in my first report of the newest standing bar in Shizuoka City, namely Aoi Beer Stand, his owner, Naoki Mando/満藤直樹さん, will open the newest beer brewery/microbrewery in Shizuoka Prefecture, the 11th, by April 2014!

First of all, why the name “Aoi”?
Well, the address is Aoi Ku, and “Aoi/葵” means “Hollyhock” in Japanese, whose leaves are represented on the family crest of Tokugawa Ieyasu who retired to shizuoka City, then Sumpu, at the beginning of the 16th Century!

The ever-changing craft beer menu at Aoi Beer Stand!

Naoki Mando founded BECK Co. Ltd. 4 years ago which firts included Mando Bar, Growstock Bar, Cherry Beans (sold since then) before opening Aoi Beer Stand in July this year.
Everything but the final estate agency contracts to be signed has been made ready.
The experienced brew master. mr. Kouichi Taka, from Ibaraki Prefecture, has been recruited from NEST BEER Co.
Aoi Beer craft beers will be served at the tap at Aoi Beer Stand, Mando, Growstock and in other establishments and marketed in and outside town.

Hansharo Porter from Kuraya-Nagasawa Brewery in Izu Peninsula!

Naoki will continue offering other craft beers from the Prefecture on a collaboration basis while serving at least 4 of his beers on the tap.
Among the regular and seasonal/limited beers he plans to offer next year one will have the pleasure to taste white beer, IPA pale ale and a novelty, kikuimo Beer!
Kikuimo/菊芋/is Jerusalem artichoke in English or Topinambour in French.
The concept is not only new but so interesting because kikuimo has been confirmed as natural medicinal plant effective for treating diabetes!
Which means that Diabetics will have a beer to enjoy at last!

Baird Beer Rising Sun!

Considering that craft beer breweries in our Prefecture are concentrated in the eastern and western part, having a new brewery right in the middle in Shizuoka City will at last fill a space for the pleasure of all true beer lovers!

Soon, as the sites have seen quite a few changes during the past year I will report anew on Mando, Growstock and the Oktober Fest events held there!

NAOKI MANDO
BECK Co. Ltd., Growstock, Mando, Aoi Beer
420-0031 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Gofuku-Cho, 2-4-6, Mori Bldg., 1F
Tel. & fax: 054-221-5103
Mobile: 090-3350-6208

AOI BEER STAND
420-0847 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK

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Beer Standing Bar: Aoi Beer Stand in Shizuoka City!

September 4, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Baird Beer Rising Sun!

Service: Easy-going and smiling. Very hospitable and friendly
Facilities: Very clean overall. Washroom inside Den Bldg, extremely clean and modern
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive (but craft beer is never cheap!)
Strong points: All micro brewery craft beers!

After the recent complete overhaul of Den Building in Aoi Ku a few minutes walk form Shizuoka JR Station North exit, the large street and its pavements were also remade and now we find ourselves with a new space downtown which is slowly starting to attract a new crowd.

The latest addition is a minuscule standing bar called Aoi Beer Stand which opened on the 1st of July!
It is the last addition to Beck Co. Ltd which already owns Mando and Growstock bar/restaurants in Shizuoka City.
To start with the opening hours are a bit unusual: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm every day!

The name Aoi is fairly easy to explain as this bar is located in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

But there is another reason. Mr. Mando, who I should interview soon, is planning to start a brewery of the same name in the very city of Shizuoka! I know where but as this is still confidential you will have to wait until next year for more information! Just know it will become the 11th craft beer brewery/microbrewery in the Prefecture! Whereas the average number of microbreweries in Japan is 5~6 per Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture is simply becoming a major area!

Ever-smiling Ryousuke Ono/大野良輔さん is looking after the place in day time whereas Mr. Mando take things in charge in the evenings.

Now, they serve only craft beer and absolutely nothing else!
For the moment they serve 6 craft beer from all over Japan (changing regularly), including 2 from Shizuoka prefecture.
When the new brewery starts they will probably serve only Shizuoka craft beer!
Note that the prices are for large glasses. Add 200 yen for a pint-sized glass.

Although the place can sit 6 people on high stool, the moment you have reached 7 guests the stools are pushed under the bar counter and you drink standing on some crowded nights patrons can be seen drinking standing on the pavement!

The door inside on the left does not lead to a washroom (which is located inside Den Building) but a minuscule cellar for the beer kegs as all beers are served draught!

The two Shizuoka craft beers presently on offer are from Baird Beer Co. in Numazu City!

Baird Beer Red Rose Amber Ale!

There is some food available though, but the accent is definitely on the beer!

Will come back with another interview of the owner and of his projects soon!

AOI BEER STAND
420-0847 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK

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Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Gotemba Koogen Brewery-Tamori Cup Beer

August 27, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

“Tamori Cup Beer” is a limited/private label to commemorate a famous Yacht Race called Tamori (famous Japanese Comediann/TV MC) Cup by Gotenba Kogen Beer Co Ltd. (actually the brewery itself owned by Yonekyu Company is located in another location in Gotenba City).

Gotemba Koogen Brewery is located at the foot of Mount Fuji!

Product name: Tamori Cup Beer
Unfiltered, unpasteurized.
Ingredients: barley and wheat malt, hops, yeast
Volume: 330 ml
Alcohol: 5.5%

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Deep apricot orange
Foam: Thin longish head. Fine bubbles
Aroma: Dry and fruity, assertive, sharpish. Bread, oranges.
Taste: Deep ale-like attack. Refreshing.
Bread, oranges.
Lingers for a while before disappearing on a slightly nutty dry note.

Overall: Very refreshing but deeper than a thirst-quenching low alcohol beer.
Its ale-like approach makes it both fit to drink on its own or with food any time of the year.
Although quite japanese in approach, should please European tasting buds

Gotenba Kogen Beer Co., Ltd.
719, Koyama, Gotemba-shi, Shizuoka-ken, 412-0033
Tel 0550-87-5500
Homepage (English/also exists in Japanese)

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Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Hamamatsu Tenjingura Brewery-Porter Ieyasu Kun

August 24, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Hamamatsu Tenjingura Brewery have come up with new labels for its 3-beer range!

First of all they have changed the name of the beers to Ieyasu Kun, the new mascotte of Shizuoka Prefecture in remembrance of Tokugawa Ieyasu Shogun who retired to Shizuoka in the first half of the 17th Century!

As shown until next week at Matsuzakaya Department Store in Shizuoka City the label picture Mount Fuji which has just been accepted as the new UNESCO World Cultural Heritage!

Ieyasu Kun!

Product Name: Tenjingura Beer-Porter/Ieyasu Kun
Unfiltered
Ingredients: Grain malt, Hops
Volume: 330 ml
Alcohol: 4.5%

Clarity: opaque but very clean
Color: very dark rich dark brown/coffee
Foam: Thin head but keeping longer than expected
Aroma: light. caramel, roasted grains
Taste: Well-rounded rich dry attack:
Complex: roasted grains, whole bread, roasted nuts, hints of macadamia
Pleasantly lingers inside the palate with a fizzy feeling before ending on a drier note.
Thoroughly enjoyable on its own chilled or even at room temperature.
Marries well with heavy food thanks to its dry lighter than usual taste for a porter.

Overall: A highly pleasant craftbeer which will be enjoyed by both gender of any age. Can be used as a thirst quenching porter.
I particularly enjoyed it as an aperitif with a potato and bean salad! Should go well with cold meats, too!
Do not forget to collect the label!

Tenjingura/Hamamatsu Brewery Co. Ltd.
430-463-3851 Hamamatsu City, Naka Ku, Tenjin Machi, 3-57
Tel.: 053-4616145
Fax: 053-463-3851
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Business hours: 10:30~21:00
Closed on Tuesdays

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The Ale House in Fujieda City (Summer 2013-revisited)

August 21, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Friendly and smiling, all in a very quiet atmosphere (when not full!)
Facilities: Overall very clean. Clean washroom
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive
Strong points: Shizuoka Micro breweries’ beers on tap, Belgian beers and pub grub.

There are very few pubs, I mean real pubs, British or Irish, worth noticing in our Prefecture.
But I surely don’t mind traveling all the way from Shizuoka City to Fujieda City and come back with the last train back home under the questioning looks from commuters going back to their sleeping town! Fortunately The Ale House is only less than 10 minutes away from the south exit of the JR Station!

It has become one of those “kakureya” (“hidden spots”) that a lot of residents expats talk about, and deservedly so.
Would you believe it I visited it for the first time again in 6 years with a motley of friends! They stille remembered me, though! LOL

At least it looks like a real pub!

But I let my English friend Patrick of Think Twiceguide me along and introduce me to the matser of the Place, Mr. Masayuki Saitou
Mr. Saitou explained us he opened his Pub in 1995 out a search for a new challenge away from the dreary life of a typical Japanese “salaryman”, and indulge in his hobby, namely whisky.
Talking of whisky, he does have an impression collection, but you will have to ask him to show it as it is protected from the spotlights inside wooden cabinets!
Now, if you are a beer lover, he has an extra treat for you, a proof of his dedication: baird Beer from Numazu City and Bayern Meister Bier from Fujinomiya City on tap!

The only problem is that it is really tough to take clear pictures in the very dark lounge bar!

Some of the beers available with their country of origin clearly marked. Don’t worry Mr. Saitoh will somehow explain everything if you don’t read Japanese!

Some of these are actually sometimes available!

The food menu ( a lot of typical pub grub) is in Japanese but the master will gladly help you read it!

the same for the drinks!

Interestingly enough, people here do not know we do have quite a few notable “jibiru”, microbreweries, in Shizuoka Prefecture!
Now if you are into cocktails, no worries, the Ale House has more than you can drink.

Beers come in all kinds of sizes, shapes, colors, on the tap and in bottles!

Long ones, too?

These beer coasters were everywhere! Now, who is this guy?

A very dark beer in a very dark place! LOL

there is plenty of grub (foods) to choose from:
Cheese assortment.

Fried potato wedges with their skins.

Pickles.

Sausages.

Spicy potatoes.

Keema pizza!

Skillet-fried chicken and vegetables.

Spicy mushroom noodles.

And even desserts such as this pear tart!

I won’t want 6 years till my next visit, I can assure you!

The Ale House
426-0061 Fujieda City, Tanuma, 1-4-12 (JR Station South Exit, take second on left)
Tel. & Fax: 054-6362889
Opening hours: 18:30~25:00
Closed on Mondays (Tuesdays are open, even in the case of a National Holiday)
Blog/Homepage (Japanese only)

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Shizuoka Beer Breweries List

August 19, 2013 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 craft beer 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!

HAMAMATSU-TENJINGURA BREWERY

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 BREWING

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)!
〒410-0843 Numazu City, Tadehara Cho, 9-3
〒410-0843　静岡県沼津市蓼原町9-3
Tel.: 055-952-6673
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

This is the latest beer brewery in Shizuoka Prefecture!
An offshoot of Nippon Beer Co, it produces so far 2 types of craft beer.
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

GOTEMBA KOOGEN BEER

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　Ito City, Usami, 3504-1
〒414-0001　伊東市宇佐美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 Ito City, Tomito, 1103
〒413-0231 静岡県伊東市富戸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: Usami Brewery-Molda (Czech Type)

August 18, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

As far as 2013 is concerned there 10 Microbreweries in Shizuoka Prefecture producing craftbeer on a regular basis.
Usami Brewery is located in ito City, where great water is plenntiful all year!

I love their original cap!
The label is the same on every type of beer, but the label at the back is of course different for every beer!

Usami Brewery: Molda (Czech Type)
Ingredients: Malt and hops
Alcohol: 4.5%
Contents: 330 ml
Unpasteurized

Foam: Short head, fine bubbles disappear quickly
Clarity: Very clear
Color: Golden orange, rich color
Aroma: Light, citruses, bread.
Taste: Light attack and tangy, soft citruses, oranges, bread.
Refreshing but more complex and elegant that a thirst-quenching beer.
Lingers on for quite a while over the palate with a dry note of citruses.
Does not vary with food and stays faithful to first taste.

Overall: A beer for the Summer. Thirst-quenching for some maybe, but certainly deserves more attention.
Easy and pleasant to drink.
Probably will please the Japanese more than expats, especially Europeans.

Usami Brewery
European ji Beer Company
Ito City, Usami, 3504-1
Tel.: 0557-33-0333
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

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Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Samurai Surfer Beer Red

August 14, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Once again just imagine a samurai surfing on the waves of Suruga Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture!
Samurai Surfer Beer is an offshoot of a Tokyo-based brewery called Nihon Beer Co but it is run apparently in a more or less independent manner and can be considered as the newest and tenth craftbeer brewery in Shizuoka Prefecture.
This the second beer they produce with the BLACK one!

I know a lot of collectors who will want this label, too!
It is located in Numazu City, at the foot of Mount Fuji, a fishing town made internationally famous by the like of Baird Beer/Baird Brewing Company run by Bryan Baird from the US.

Product name: Samurai Surfer Beer RED
Contents: 330 ml
Alcohol: 6%
Ingredients: Grain, hops, yeast, water

Clarity: Quite opaque, and lightly smoky but very clean
Color: Dark brownish orange
Foam: Very fine and fine, and lingering for quite a while
Aroma: Elegant and dry. Bread, caramel, oranges, roasted nuts.
Taste: Soft well-rounded attack.
Not as dry as expected. Welcome faint acidity. Very refreshing and easy to drink.
Complex and fruity: oranges, hints of apricots, caramel and soft nuts
Doesn’t linger so long on the palate but still leaves a smooth but light impression.
Marries very well with any food.
Very well balanced thanks to the right amount of alcohol.

Overall: Like the BLACK (7%) draught will please both genders at any time of the afternoon, evening and night, whatever the season.
Not a thirst-quenching beer really but one to enjoy for its sake at your own pace.
Complex but easy to drink.
The kind of beer that invites you to another glass!
But beware of the high alcohol content! LOL

SAMURAI SURFER BEER
Shizuoka Prefecture, Numazu City, Shimokanuki, Shimoshooji, 3140-5
Tel.: 055-933-1032
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

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