Brewery Lab Bashoan
- Address
- Iga City, Mie, 2756-104 Saimyoji
- Area
- Mie Iga City
What kind of brewery is Brewery Lab Bashoan?
Hop BroThere’s a brewery in Iga built by a Osaka company called Saraya. It’s called Brewery Lab Bashoan.
MugiSaraya? The one behind Yashinomi detergent? Why would a detergent maker make beer?
Hop BroSaraya has always been strong in hygiene and fermentation technology, and they applied that fermentation know-how to beer. In 2022, they built a glass-walled brewing facility inside Hill Hotel Sunpia Iga, where they research and produce beer and kombucha. The "Lab" in the name reflects its research-institute character.
MugiGlass-walled! So you can see the fermentation tanks from outside? That alone sounds worth a visit.
Hop BroAnd the main beer has an amazing name: Meigetsu ya, kaori hajikeru awa no oto.
MugiWait, that’s the name of a beer!? It’s basically a haiku!
Hop BroExactly. Iga is the birthplace of Matsuo Basho, so that fits. The style is Kölsch, which originated in Cologne, Germany. It has a fruity aroma, low bitterness, and is matured slowly and carefully. It won the bronze award at the 2024 International Beer Cup.
MugiAn award at an international competition! And Kölsch is a style you don’t see that often in Japan, right?
Hop BroThe brewery is run by three brewers - Mine, Tsuji, and Shimono - and it has also been certified as an Iga brand. What’s interesting is that they provide the spent grain left over after squeezing the wort to a local pig farm as feed. Resources are cycling within the region.
MugiWow! Brewing a beer with a haiku-inspired name in Basho’s hometown, while also thinking about local resource circulation - that’s lovely. I’d want to drink it while staying at the hotel.
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