And Beer Katsunuma Brewery has brewed a beer to commemorate the 9th anniversary of the Meguro beer bar ANOTHER8. The brewery revealed this in an Instagram post, and the beer is named I9L. It is designed as an IPL with an IBU of 42 and an ABV of 4.3%.

And Beer began in 2017 as a small brewpub in Koenji and now operates its brewing base in Katsunuma, Yamanashi. Against the backdrop of an area rich in wineries, the brewery has continued making beers that make use of its local ties through seasonal ingredients, collaborations, and its barrel-aged "ROUND TRIP" series. This beer, too, reflects that approach well.

According to the post, I9L uses Barbe Rouge exclusively, a hop whose name means "red beard" in French. While aiming for a flavor profile layered with black tea, herbs, berries, and spice, the overall impression is kept at a restrained level. In line with the 9th anniversary theme, the hops were added in nine separate stages, with five additions for bitterness and four for aroma, resulting in a layered recipe.

The base is dry and lager-like, with a firm hop presence but an easy-drinking finish. As the temperature rises, the beer opens up and its aromatic changes become more apparent. Even as a commemorative beer, it avoids leaning only on flashiness and instead reflects And Beer's typical focus on balance and food pairing.

ANOTHER8 is known as a well-supported beer bar in Meguro, and this collaboration also highlights the close relationship between the bar and the brewery. Though it is a special brew to celebrate an anniversary, the result clearly conveys And Beer's signature approach of turning connections with people and places into beer.