Camosi Brewing

There's a brewery in Itoshima called Camosi Brewing, and what's interesting is that brewer Mr. Hanada is fully committed to the West Coast style.

It's a style that originated on the U.S. West Coast, with the bitterness and aroma of hops hitting hard. Itoshima is by the sea and has a bit of a West Coast vibe, doesn't it? The atmosphere of the place and the style of the beer are linked.

Their signature beer since opening has been a pale ale called "Wonder Coast," which has a strong hop aroma and solid bitterness. Another one, "Each Other," finishes fruity with a moderate tartness.

They have an ABV 7% Hazy IPA called "CAMOSI HAZY," and it's amazing. They double dry-hop it with Citra, Mosaic, and HBC431, an experimental hop variety.

It's still a new variety, and it's known for aromas of peach, berries, and tropical fruit. Regular Hazy IPAs can get overly sweet, but CAMOSI HAZY has a dry, crisp finish while still offering plenty of body, which makes it beautifully balanced. Using English malt and rock salt is also unique.

It's at the foot of Mt. Nijodake, about a 10-minute walk from Chikuzen-Fukae Station. They use mineral-rich water from Itoshima as their brewing water. Mr. Hanada is also well versed in natural wine, so he's a brewer with an eye for both beer and wine.