Susukino Brewing

Do you know Susukino Brewing? It's a brewery brewing right in the heart of Susukino's downtown entertainment district, and its origin story is pretty dramatic.

In 2020, when Susukino's restaurants were dealt a devastating blow by the COVID-19 pandemic, Yasuaki Aoki of APR TRADING launched the "Susukino Ale Beer Project" through crowdfunding. He said, "If the current situation is winter, spring will surely come. When the day comes that we can all laugh together, let's raise our voices and toast."

At first it was contract-brewed, but in 2022 they built their own brewing facility in Minami 7-jo and officially launched as "Susukino Brewing." The concept is, "First, be a source of joy for this city." They wanted to craft a beer that draws people in like a neon sign.

Their standard lineup is the "Susukino Ale" series, with four styles: White Ale, Saison, Session IPA, and Weizen. What's notable is the ingredients: malt made from Hokkaido-grown wheat "Haruyokoi," Cascade and Mosaic hops from Kamifurano, and even honey from Susukino itself.

It's urban beekeeping. Using that really makes it feel like "beer from this city," which is great. And "Susukino Ale Saison" won silver in the keg category at the Japan Great Beer Awards 2025.

Their ESB, "Susukino Ale ESB," is designed with extra malt for a fuller body, and they're always pushing into new styles. There's also a sister location, "Susukino Ale STAND," on the basement floor of COCONO, so it's an easy place to stop by and drink.