Abuden Brewing

Do you know Kaeimoncho in Tochigi City? It's an area called the Brewery District, and there's a brewery there started by a miso shop founded in 1781. It's "Abuden Brewing," or Abuden Beer.

The ninth-generation owner, Eitaro Koike, is only 32. He took over a long-established business that has lasted for more than 240 years and is now challenging himself with craft beer as well as miso. What's more, five buildings on the property are designated Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, and you can drink inside those Meiji-era storehouses.

There are two signature labels. First, "Kura no Machi Lager" is a crisp pilsner. And "Kaeimon Ale" is a pale ale with a strong hop presence. Both have a hidden flavor unique to a miso shop.

Correct. They add a small amount of miso during brewing. They are applying fermentation know-how built over 240 years of making miso to beer as well. The two-row barley is also produced in Tochigi City, so they are thoroughly committed to local production for local consumption.

Recent articles say they have also released a new label called "Rice Monster 2," and it's apparently so popular that the last barrel sells out. They also set up shop at events inside the ticket gates at JR Oyama Station, which makes for an interesting scene where you can drink Tochigi craft beer right in the station.

You can also pair miso dengaku with craft beer, and there are 16 terrace seats where you can drink while looking out over the Brewery District streetscape. They also appear at the Tochigi Craft Beer Festa, and it really feels like the young ninth generation is driving this long-established business forward at full speed.