Ukiha Valley Brewery

There’s a brewery called Ukiha Valley Brewery in Ukiha City, Fukuoka, and the water there is absolutely amazing.

Ukiha’s famous spring water is water that rain has traveled through the ground for 30 years before finally emerging. It’s clean and clear with no rough edges, so the flavor of the ingredients can’t be hidden. That’s why they make beer that puts the quality of the water front and center.

They offer four kinds in the 'U'Valley' series: WHEAT ALE has a soft wheat sweetness with a light tartness, PALE ALE has bright citrus aromas with gentle bitterness, AMBER ALE brings a rich caramel-like toastiness, and STOUT has a deep, rich character like coffee and brown sugar.

What’s interesting here is the carbonation design. They deliberately keep the carbonation low. Because the water is so clear, they don’t mask the taste with bubbles, aiming instead for a smooth mouthfeel and a chance to enjoy the water’s natural deliciousness. They also recommend drinking it at 6 to 10°C, so they don’t chill it too much.

The brewery also has a cafe attached, and it’s near Roadside Station Ukiha. You can see the small tanks lined up from inside the shop. They also sell at local events like JA Niji’s Mino no Sato, so it’s a brewery that’s deeply rooted in the community.