Tobu Utsunomiya Department Store showcases 29 Tochigi beers with Nikko Brewing included
Tobu Utsunomiya Department Store has launched "Tochigi Craft Beer," bringing together 29 items from nine breweries across the prefecture. Nikko Brewing from Nikko City is among the participants, with brewery staff joining the sales floor for tastings on August 29 and 30.
Hop BroSomething worth watching is Tochigi Craft Beer at Tobu Utsunomiya Department Store. Having 9 local breweries and 29 beers in one place is pretty intense.
MugiWait, 9 breweries, 29 beers at a department store event? That's basically a mini beer festival. Where am I even supposed to start?
Hop BroThe one I really want to spotlight is Nikko Brewing. They're based in Kiwadashima, Nikko, and their brand name is THE NIKKO MONKEYS.
MugiWhoa, THE NIKKO MONKEYS sounds adorable and weirdly powerful. What if the head monkey is running the brew kettle?
Hop BroThe name isn't the only memorable part. They use water from Oku-Nikko and their own cultivated yeast, which is the big point here.
MugiHold on, house-cultured yeast? Since when did beer shopping turn into a science lab?
Hop BroBasically it means they raise their own yeast. That makes fermentation easier to steer and helps the brewery keep a distinct aroma and character.
MugiOhh, then Premium Lager sounds approachable, and the Pale Ale sounds like something even I could jump into!
Hop BroRight, and they're pushing easy-to-keep-drinking flavor. Not overly loud, but still memorable, which is a smart balance.
MugiAnd the event also has limited beers on display, right? Comparing staples and one-offs sounds less like shopping and more like treasure hunting.
Hop BroPlus on August 29 and 30, the brewers will pour samples, so you can hear from the makers while you taste. There's even a sticker for eligible purchases, and now I want a drink.
MugiSame, I want to go now. Start with Nikko Brewing's lager, then finish with the Pale Ale and do the full comparison properly.
Nine Tochigi breweries in one place
Tobu Utsunomiya Department Store has launched "Tochigi Craft Beer," featuring 29 items from nine breweries across the prefecture. The lineup includes regular releases and limited beers, displayed in bottles and cans so visitors can compare each brewery's style at a glance.
Nikko Brewing's role
Based in Kiwadajima, Nikko City, Nikko Brewing makes beer with water from Oku-Nikko and its own cultivated yeast. Under the THE NIKKO MONKEYS brand, the brewery highlights approachable flagship beers such as Premium Lager and Pale Ale. Its connection to Nikko's landscape gives the brand a distinct place among Tochigi's breweries.
Tasting on the weekend
On August 29 and 30, brewery staff will join the sales floor and offer tastings. Customers who buy eligible products will also receive an original sticker from the Tochigi Craft Beer Cooperative. For beer fans in Utsunomiya, this is a practical way to sample a broad cross-section of local brewing in one visit.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroSomething worth watching is Tochigi Craft Beer at Tobu Utsunomiya Department Store. Having 9 local breweries and 29 beers in one place is pretty intense.
MugiWait, 9 breweries, 29 beers at a department store event? That's basically a mini beer festival. Where am I even supposed to start?
Hop BroThe one I really want to spotlight is Nikko Brewing. They're based in Kiwadashima, Nikko, and their brand name is THE NIKKO MONKEYS.
MugiWhoa, THE NIKKO MONKEYS sounds adorable and weirdly powerful. What if the head monkey is running the brew kettle?
Hop BroThe name isn't the only memorable part. They use water from Oku-Nikko and their own cultivated yeast, which is the big point here.
MugiHold on, house-cultured yeast? Since when did beer shopping turn into a science lab?
Hop BroBasically it means they raise their own yeast. That makes fermentation easier to steer and helps the brewery keep a distinct aroma and character.
MugiOhh, then Premium Lager sounds approachable, and the Pale Ale sounds like something even I could jump into!
Hop BroRight, and they're pushing easy-to-keep-drinking flavor. Not overly loud, but still memorable, which is a smart balance.
MugiAnd the event also has limited beers on display, right? Comparing staples and one-offs sounds less like shopping and more like treasure hunting.
Hop BroPlus on August 29 and 30, the brewers will pour samples, so you can hear from the makers while you taste. There's even a sticker for eligible purchases, and now I want a drink.
MugiSame, I want to go now. Start with Nikko Brewing's lager, then finish with the Pale Ale and do the full comparison properly.
