Kobo Brewery

Kobo Brewery in Iwase, Toyama is a serious craft brewery run by a Czech brewmaster in the Kitamaebune port town.

The head brewer, Jiri Kotinek, started studying brewing in the Czech Republic at age 15 and honed his skills at famous breweries like Bernard and Kozel. He came to Japan in 2005 when he was invited to Nihonkai Club in Ishikawa, and served there as brewmaster for more than 10 years.

I love this quote from Jiri: 'What I want is not awards, but to see everyone enjoying themselves and asking for another round.' In 2017, he and Boris from Slovakia launched the company, and they opened the brewpub in 2020.

In Iwase, which flourished as a Kitamaebune port town, they renovated the rice granary of the wealthy Baba family. It's a nationally registered tangible cultural property. Step inside and the atmosphere of the storehouse and the Czech brewing equipment coexist, making it feel like you've time-slipped into a tavern in another country.

Their signature is the 'Premiant Pilsner,' made with Czech Premiant hops. The 'Dark Lager' won gold at the 2023 Japan Great Beer Awards. The '3A Lager,' with the deep bitterness of Amarillo hops, is another standout.

That's what makes it even more interesting. 'Says Lager,' brewed with grape pomace from Toyama's Says Farm; 'Baba Weizen,' made with local pears; and 'Dragon Ale,' brewed with sake lees from the long-established Masuizumi sake brewery. Czech technique and Toyama ingredients come together here.