At Hinomoto Brewing & Beer Stand, a brewpub in Hon-Komagome, Tokyo, a 10-tap lineup was unveiled. Inside, you can compare brews with different production styles, centered on house-brewed Japanese craft beer. It operates from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and holidays, with Wednesdays closed, making it easy to drop in casually for a drink.

The highlight of the day was the wide range of styles. The Belgian IPA Sunny Side Mashup IPA, the crisp and easy-drinking Shinmei Kölsch, the dark and powerful Kurotobi Imperial, the nearly sold-out Saburou Hazy, and the yuzu-infused sour saison Yunosu Saison were among the beers on tap, each with a clearly defined flavor direction. The lineup also included beers such as White Sheep Ale #4, Sauvin Belgo, Amber Lager, and Komagome EX Bitter, which offer a balance of aroma and malt character.

Among them, Pepepe is a pale ale brewed with yeast rooted in Norwegian farmhouse ales. Orange-like aromatics, coriander-like nuances, and a slight tartness come together, giving it surprising depth on the palate despite its 4.5% ABV. It is typical of this bar that there is not only hop-driven flashiness to enjoy, but also the pleasure of following the yeast's expression.

The food menu is kept light during normal service, with beer taking center stage. Its appeal lies in the casual feel of a beer bar and the chance to taste the brewery's current taps exactly as they are. It is the kind of place to visit when you want to compare each tap's individuality at length.