Beer Cafe VERTERE

VERTERE - it's pronounced Batele - is a renovated old-house brewery just 30 seconds from Okutama Station. This place is truly on another level.

It opened in 2015, founded by Suzuki Hikaru and Tsujino Kage, who were both 28 at the time. They were best friends since high school and went on to Tokyo University of Agriculture together. After graduating, Suzuki saved up the capital while Tsujino trained for three years in beer-making at Koenji Beer Kobo.

It started when Tsujino discovered craft beer and became convinced that there was still so much potential in Japan. They spent more than half a year renovating a 70-year-old traditional house near the station entirely by hand, and squeezed the brewing equipment into a shed about 8 tatami mats in size.

Now, in addition to Okutama, they also have taprooms in Eifuku, Tachikawa, and Yokohama. Their beer lineup is excellent. Passiflora, a Hazy IPA, has an aroma like tropical fruit, and Casimiroa, an NE IPA, has peach and pineapple notes with a creamy oat-derived mouthfeel.

Anthocharis is a Sour IPA with a crisp citrus edge, Salix is a Dark Lager, and Berbaria is a Pilsner. They use malt from the UK and Canada, hops from the US, and brewing water from Okutama. They're also working on hop cultivation locally, aiming someday for all ingredients to be sourced from the area.

They also release collaboration beers with Inkhorn Brewing, and sell Special Packs online. The terrace seats are dog-friendly, and the feeling of openness surrounded by trees is incredible. After a hike, having a drink here is the best way to enjoy Okutama.