Brooklyn Brewery’s Defender IPA first caught our eye about three years ago because of its interesting packaging. As we reported in our Japan Beer Times #27 Postcards column, where we featured a picture of the case, the illustration of brewmaster Garrett Oliver was by acclaimed comic book artist Khary Randolph. Earlier this year when we…
Sour beers have become an exalted category of the craft beer world. It’s easy to understand why. They are complex and yet somehow refreshing and easy to drink. Their uniqueness gives them enduring appeal. Japan is only recently discovering the pleasures of sour beer, as importers increasingly bring them in and domestic craft brewers, too,…
Mojiko Retro Beer in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka is hosting the Kyushu Oktoberfest by its scenic facilities this coming October 5th to 8th with other regional breweries. According to the organizers, it’s the first of its kind in Japan to try to faithfully recreate the spirit of the original in Munich. There are many Oktoberfests across Japan,…
(Mikkeller Beer Celebration Copenhagen) Mikkeller is internationally known and celebrated for two things it does extremely well. The first of course is brewing bold, creative, inspiring craft beer, frequently in one-off format or as collaborations with other great kindred breweries. The Danish company also owns and, in some cases, licenses the operating rights to eponymously…
With summer in full swing in Japan, every weekend features a beer festival somewhere. Different cities hosting festivals on the same weekend is not even unusual anymore. You, just like many brewers, may find yourself torn between your choices of which festival to visit. In our opinion, the Tochigi Craft Beer Festa is one that…
