koko brew TOKYO

koko brew TOKYO is a brewery with a somewhat unusual position. It’s operated by Shibataya Brewery & Distillery, a group company of Shibataya Holdings.

Exactly. It started as a liquor store founded in 1935 in Nakano, Tokyo, and now it’s a major commercial liquor wholesaler group that supplies more than 4,000 restaurants and bars in the greater Tokyo area. The representative is Hiroyasu Shibata, the third generation. That Shibataya started the business called "koko brew," which supports restaurant original beer from planning and brewing to logistics and promotion, all in one package.

Exactly. The brewing base is in Sayama, Saitama, where they brew the beer. They also have their own labels, and "Koko Hazy IPA" is an imperial-style hazy with 6% ABV. In Untappd review comments, it was described as "a mellow and refreshing hazy with a citrusy character that should appeal to many."

They also have "Koko Saison." It’s served on draft at Asakusa Beer Kobo, and also at the group’s Harumi Beer Brewery and Kitami Beer Brewery, where you can see the brewing equipment inside the venue.

That’s really koko brew’s strength. Because they have the know-how from distributing to 4,000 customer accounts, they can handle not just brewing but delivery too, in one stop. It’s a different approach from a small brewery, and it’s broadening the reach of craft beer.