Beer Cafe Gambrinus Begins Serving Nara Brewing's "SPARE POCKET"
At the beer pub "Beer Cafe Gambrinus / BEER CAFE GAMBRINUS" in Kokubunji, Tokyo, Nara Brewing's "SPACE POCKET (SPARE POCKET)" has arrived. A new double IPA is joining the lineup at a shop that pours domestic craft on 14 taps.
Hop BroSo it sounds like Nara Brewing's "SPARE POCKET" has started at Beer Cafe Gambrinus near the south exit of Kokubunji Station. A double IPA going onto a place that serves domestic craft on 14 taps is enough to get me excited.
MugiWhoa! "SPARE POCKET" sounds spacey just from the name! But what even is a double IPA? Does "double" mean you get twice as drunk?
Hop BroNot quite. It's more like an upgraded IPA that uses a heavier hop profile to create more presence. This one leans into citrus and bitterness, which is very much in line with Nara Brewing's style.
MugiI see... but when I hear "mandarin aroma," I still can't tell whether that's orange or outer space!
Hop BroThe aroma first comes across like mandarin orange, then the flavor shifts toward grapefruit when you drink it, and tropical notes like passion fruit layer on top. What's interesting is how it changes the more you keep drinking.
MugiWow, that has to be delicious! And it's ABV 7.5%, right? That's substantial, but still somehow light. That's kind of unfair!
Hop BroExactly. In numbers, it's IBU 78 bitterness, but it's not just bitter for the sake of bitterness; the drinkability is also clearly considered. So it manages to balance an impactful first sip with smoothness in the next one.
MugiHuh, that sounds like it would go really well with Japanese food and bar snacks too! Fried food, small dishes with dashi - now I'm suddenly hungry!
Hop BroExactly. Gambrinus is strong on homemade Japanese dishes, so it's fun to look for pairings that can stand up to the hop-driven citrus character. And with no cover charge, a fully non-smoking space, and Free Wi-Fi, it's also a nice place to drink at a relaxed pace.
MugiThat's almost unfair in Kokubunji! For today, let's take it easy at the 14-tap shop - I'll have the SPARE POCKET, and hop bro can have a glass too, as long as you don't explain too much!
At "Beer Cafe Gambrinus / BEER CAFE GAMBRINUS," just south of Kokubunji Station in Tokyo, Nara Brewing's guest beer "SPACE POCKET (SPARE POCKET)" is now on offer.
Gambrinus is a beer cafe where you can enjoy mainly Japanese craft beers on 14 taps, along with homemade dishes from Japanese cuisine chef Ichi. With no cover charge, a fully non-smoking interior, and Free Wi-Fi, it's a comfortable place for a day when you want to settle in and enjoy a glass at a relaxed pace.
This guest is Nara Brewing's double IPA. According to the official information, it is designed to focus on the citrus character and bitterness of hops, with aromas reminiscent of mandarin orange that shift into impressions of grapefruit on the palate, layered with tropical nuances like passion fruit. It has an alcohol content of 7.5% and an IBU of 78. It's a beer with solid bitterness, while also aiming for a light, easy-drinking finish.
Gambrinus's food is one of its strengths, featuring a Japanese-leaning menu that complements the character of the beer. A double IPA with bright citrus hop aromas should pair well with dishes seasoned with dashi, fried foods, and small plates rich in umami. For anyone in Kokubunji who wants to drink a Nara Brewing beer, this is a guest pour worth checking out.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroSo it sounds like Nara Brewing's "SPARE POCKET" has started at Beer Cafe Gambrinus near the south exit of Kokubunji Station. A double IPA going onto a place that serves domestic craft on 14 taps is enough to get me excited.
MugiWhoa! "SPARE POCKET" sounds spacey just from the name! But what even is a double IPA? Does "double" mean you get twice as drunk?
Hop BroNot quite. It's more like an upgraded IPA that uses a heavier hop profile to create more presence. This one leans into citrus and bitterness, which is very much in line with Nara Brewing's style.
MugiI see... but when I hear "mandarin aroma," I still can't tell whether that's orange or outer space!
Hop BroThe aroma first comes across like mandarin orange, then the flavor shifts toward grapefruit when you drink it, and tropical notes like passion fruit layer on top. What's interesting is how it changes the more you keep drinking.
MugiWow, that has to be delicious! And it's ABV 7.5%, right? That's substantial, but still somehow light. That's kind of unfair!
Hop BroExactly. In numbers, it's IBU 78 bitterness, but it's not just bitter for the sake of bitterness; the drinkability is also clearly considered. So it manages to balance an impactful first sip with smoothness in the next one.
MugiHuh, that sounds like it would go really well with Japanese food and bar snacks too! Fried food, small dishes with dashi - now I'm suddenly hungry!
Hop BroExactly. Gambrinus is strong on homemade Japanese dishes, so it's fun to look for pairings that can stand up to the hop-driven citrus character. And with no cover charge, a fully non-smoking space, and Free Wi-Fi, it's also a nice place to drink at a relaxed pace.
MugiThat's almost unfair in Kokubunji! For today, let's take it easy at the 14-tap shop - I'll have the SPARE POCKET, and hop bro can have a glass too, as long as you don't explain too much!
