Craft beers are sweeping the world, and Japan is no exception. Many small breweries are opening with exciting flavours, and several established breweries are trying their hand at something different on a smaller scale than their core beers.
One brand gaining traction both in Japan and internationally is Hitachino Nest Beer, brewed by Kiuchi Brewery. Kiuchi has been producing liquor for nearly 200 years, starting in 1823 with sake production. They began brewing beer in 2000, using top fermentation techniques and some of the technologies learned from producing fine sake.
The beer is easily identified by the owl character on the label. As of now, there are around 18 different varieties, including a popular pale ale, a red rice ale, an espresso stout, and an amazing IPA that contains a special Japanese breed of mandarin called Fukure Mikan.
Hitachino’s Nipponia Nest Beer is another remarkable brew with an interesting backstory. This beer uses Kaneko Golden, a special Japanese barley strain that dates back to around the time the sake brewery was founded. This barley was nearly wiped out after World War II, but in 2004, 16 seeds were obtained from the Department of Agriculture. Today, the grain is being cultivated for the beer.
The main brewery is located in Nukada, about 130 kilometres northeast of Tokyo. Here, over 8,000 barrels of beer are brewed every year. The brewery offers brew-on-premises for the public, where visitors can learn to make beer and have it delivered to their homes once the brewing is complete.
Look out for Hitachino’s Nest Beer mini brewery labs and restaurants popping up around Japan and even in San Francisco. One worth checking out is at the old Manseibashi Station, just across the river near Akihabara. Known as the “Brewing Lab,” you can enjoy a range of beers, learn about beer and food pairing, and brew your own Nest Beer—a great way to spend an afternoon.
