DD4D

In the Mitsuhama area of Matsuyama, there's a beer factory called "DD4D FACTORY & CURIOSITIES," and it's in a really great location.

It means things like "curiosity" or "interesting things." Not just beer, but also food and goods that DD4D members think are cool are selected and displayed there. DD4D originally started as an apparel brand founded in 1998, so that sensibility comes through in the whole space.

DD4D BREWING first started brewing inside an apparel shop in Chifunecho, but demand grew. In 2021, they set up a production base here in Mitsuhama with full-scale brewing equipment. The retro atmosphere of this port town is great too.

They offer factory tours, and on weekends the taproom opens so you can drink freshly brewed beer. A drink after seeing the brewing process up close is something special.

Head brewer Keita Yamanouchi discovered homebrewing while studying in Canada, and later served as the first brewmaster at Y.Y.G. BREWERY in Shinjuku, Tokyo. He returned to Matsuyama after his father became ill and started DD4D. He's a skilled brewer who has won gold three years in a row at the International Beer Cup.

There’s the "DD4D MITSUHAMA PILSNER," named after Mitsuhama; the lager "Salz," made with Ehime’s Hakata salt and sansho pepper; and the classic "DD4D IPA." The tap list, packed with beers that make use of local ingredients, is impressive.