The American Craft Beer Experience (ACBE) festival, which showcases some of the best of American craft beer, takes place this year from November 10th through the 12th at Waters Takeshiba in Tokyo. Launched in 2015, it offers the public a chance to try a tantalizing range of brands brought to Japan by its major importers. The importers operate tasting rooms and/or have ample retail partners so if you try something you like, you’ll be able to find it later. The outdoor festival is free to enter and guests simply pay for what they order.
A big attraction of ACBE throughout the years has been the attendance of a handful of brewers or brewery representatives–they love this event and the chance to visit Japan to meet their fans. Definitely come to interact, not just drink! This year, there will be over 30 breweries featured, with multiple beers poured for each one. And yes, as the importers will be there pouring, too, you’ll be able to gather information about those aforementioned tasting rooms and retailers.
We at the Japan Beer Times have been attending every year (except when it took a hiatus due to COVID) and always look forward to the festival. It’s a wonderful opportunity to try classics we love along with varieties we might not have tried yet all in one place. There are also food vendors and live acts. And, as we mentioned above, the brewers are always in high spirits, only adding to the atmosphere. This year, the festival is a more leisurely affair, spread across three days so guests can more conveniently come and go according to their schedule. Definitely try to fit this into yours!
Friday, Nov. 10th, 4pm to 8pm
Saturday, Nov. 11th, noon to 8pm
Sunday, Nov. 12th, noon to 8pm
1-10-30 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Website: https://uscraftbeer.jp/
This article was published in Japan Beer Times # () and is among the limited content available online. Order your copy through our online shop or download the digital version from the iTunes store to access the full contents of this issue.
