Tap Update at Niigata's 04&Beer: Four Beers on Tap, Including Plank's Helles
The beer pub "04&Beer" in Niigata City’s Chuo Ward refreshed its tap list on the last Monday in May. From a German Helles and a local Niigata porter to Shiga Kogen's KASUMI and Karuizawa Q's Dry Hopped Saison, the lineup ranges from a light, easy-drinking pint to a hop-forward saison.
Hop BroAt 04&Beer in Niigata City’s Chuo Ward, the tap list got updated. On the last Monday in May, a lineup of easy-drinking beers was rotated in all at once.
MugiWhat, they’re that well stocked on a Monday!? Four beers on tap sounds like a festival already!
Hop BroThe star is Helles / Plank Brewery. It has gentle malt sweetness and restrained bitterness, so in other words, it’s a "German golden lager you can just keep sipping."
MugiHuh, so what exactly is "simple and drinkable"? Is that actually a compliment?
Hop BroIt is a compliment. It means they’re not adding unnecessary embellishments and are relying on malt flavor and a clean finish. That’s why 04&Beer’s Helles-centered lineup is such a good choice for a first drink.
MugiThen I’m interested! They also have Niigata’s Swan Lake Porter, right? Even though it’s dark, is it still easy to drink?
Hop BroExactly. Porters are appealing for the toasty aroma of roasted malt, and they’re often gentler than they look. And KASUMI / Shiga Kogen has that well-balanced, easy-drinking character too.
MugiJust hearing Shiga Kogen makes it sound strong, but easy to drink is such a gap! And even the name "KASUMI" feels light and airy!
Hop BroAnd the distinctive closer is Karuizawa Q’s Dry Hopped Saison. New Zealand hops lift the aroma, and the finish lands dry, so both hop fans and saison fans will grin at this one.
MugiWow, this lineup makes tasting side by side sound so fun! 04&Beer in Furumachi is the kind of place I’d drop into casually and start with the Helles, and I’m already feeling like my throat is calling for beer!
At the beer pub "04&Beer" on Nishibori-dori 8-bancho in Niigata City’s Chuo Ward, the tap list was rotated. In a post described as being for "the last Monday in May," the bar introduced a lineup centered on Helles and other easy-to-drink beers.
The highlight of the day was Helles / Plank Brewery (Bavaria). This was the beer that replaced the previous one, switching to a Helles, and the bar described it as "simple and drinkable." For anyone looking for gentle malt sweetness and a crisp finish, this is an easy tap to try first.
Also on tap were Swan Lake Porter / Swan Lake Beer (Niigata), KASUMI / Shiga Kogen Beer (Nagano), and Kizashi / Karuizawa Q (Nagano). KASUMI is a beer that should deliver the well-balanced, easy-drinking character typical of the popular Shiga Kogen Beer. Kizashi is a Dry Hopped Saison made with New Zealand hops, bringing out a clear hop presence while finishing dry.
Real ale is currently on hold inside the pub, but the flow from classic styles to more characterful beers is still enjoyable. 04&Beer is a convenient beer pub in the Furumachi area, good for everything from a first pint to a leisurely tasting session. The post said it would open at 5:00 p.m. that day and be closed the following day.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroAt 04&Beer in Niigata City’s Chuo Ward, the tap list got updated. On the last Monday in May, a lineup of easy-drinking beers was rotated in all at once.
MugiWhat, they’re that well stocked on a Monday!? Four beers on tap sounds like a festival already!
Hop BroThe star is Helles / Plank Brewery. It has gentle malt sweetness and restrained bitterness, so in other words, it’s a "German golden lager you can just keep sipping."
MugiHuh, so what exactly is "simple and drinkable"? Is that actually a compliment?
Hop BroIt is a compliment. It means they’re not adding unnecessary embellishments and are relying on malt flavor and a clean finish. That’s why 04&Beer’s Helles-centered lineup is such a good choice for a first drink.
MugiThen I’m interested! They also have Niigata’s Swan Lake Porter, right? Even though it’s dark, is it still easy to drink?
Hop BroExactly. Porters are appealing for the toasty aroma of roasted malt, and they’re often gentler than they look. And KASUMI / Shiga Kogen has that well-balanced, easy-drinking character too.
MugiJust hearing Shiga Kogen makes it sound strong, but easy to drink is such a gap! And even the name "KASUMI" feels light and airy!
Hop BroAnd the distinctive closer is Karuizawa Q’s Dry Hopped Saison. New Zealand hops lift the aroma, and the finish lands dry, so both hop fans and saison fans will grin at this one.
MugiWow, this lineup makes tasting side by side sound so fun! 04&Beer in Furumachi is the kind of place I’d drop into casually and start with the Helles, and I’m already feeling like my throat is calling for beer!
