Otaru Soko No. 1

Otaru Soko No. 1 is a brewpub renovated from a 70-year-old stone grain warehouse along the Otaru Canal. It opened in 1995, and there is a working brew kettle right there in the shop.

And the biggest feature here is the brewmaster. They brought in Johannes Braun all the way from Germany; he's from a brewing family that has been making beer since 1753.

What's more, Mr. Braun studied for five years at a brewing university in Munich and earned the German advanced national qualification called a "Brauwingenieur." It's a qualification that covers not only brewing but also equipment design, and it's a step above the Braumeister qualification, which can be earned in two years.

The brewing method is also the real deal: in line with Germany's 1516 Beer Purity Law, they use no adjuncts at all. Just malt, hops, water, and yeast. They also brew using the traditional decoction method, which takes a lot of effort.

Pilsner, Dunkel, and Weiss are available year-round, and for seasonal offerings there's also a smoked beer called "Bamberger Spezial." It's a Rauchbier style from Bamberg, and the aroma of the smoked malt is amazing. They also have a second brewery in Zenibako, where they hold tours.

They also operate overseas, including in Russia. On Thursdays and Saturdays, they have "Prost! Day," where you can drink all you want for 2,500 yen, so you should definitely stop by when sightseeing in Otaru.