Craft Ale Chigira

Craft Ale Chigira is interesting. The representative, Masayuki Chigira, is the president of Chigira Gumi, a construction company founded 55 years ago. A true construction craftsman has set out to make beer.

He says one drink he had in the United States 10 years ago changed his life. Wanting to recreate that感动, he built a brewery halfway up Mt. Akagi. And since his company is in construction, he could build it himself.

They use groundwater from Mt. Akagi as the brewing water. And every beer name starts with "0703". 0703IPA, 0703HAZY, 0703IBA, 0703STOUT, 0703WIPA. The opening date, July 3, 2024, is used directly in the names.

India Black Ale. It's a style that adds the dark roasted-malt character of a black ale to the hop-forward feel of an IPA. Chigira's concept is an "American ale with serious drinkability," and the citrusy hop aroma comes through strongly. His craftsman-like mindset comes out as craftsmanship.

They've also brewed a collaboration beer with J.League's Thespakusatsu Gunma under the theme "A Drink That Changes Your Life." It was a crowdfunding project that started with a 2 million yen goal and aimed for 10 million yen in the end. Working with a local soccer club is a symbol of being rooted in the community.

There also seems to be a new release party in April at Plus+ Anchor, a historic house cafe in Kiryu, and even though it's only their second year, they have incredible momentum. They're also actively showing up at local events like the Omama Festival.