Itoshima Hello Brewery

Do you know Itoshima Hello Brewery? It's a small brewery at the foot of Mt. Nijo, and their brewing water is amazing. They use spring water from Kamifukae, and this area is so rich in groundwater that radon hot springs bubble up here too.

The owner, Koji Yasukawa, wasn't originally in the beer industry. He got started after being so blown away by beer he drank at a brewery that he began making his own. With the concept of "a microbrewery that starts with local production for local consumption," he actively uses agricultural products from Itoshima in his beers.

Their flagship WEST COAST IPA delivers a firm, punchy bitterness backed by a fruity aroma, a classic style. And the one to watch is AMAOU, a smoothie-style fruit beer made generously with Fukuoka-grown Amaou strawberries, with a gorgeous strawberry aroma and a sweet-tart finish that's irresistible.

At JGBA 2024, both AMAOU and Oyster Stout won silver awards. Oyster Stout is a dark beer brewed with oysters, and it's pretty bold too. Their STOUT also packs a punch at 8% ABV, with the rich depth and sweetness of brown sugar.

The taproom is called "Mugibou Yoin" and it's a stylish space with unfinished wooden floors, exposed beams, and a wood-grain counter. The building itself is new, but it blends into the same atmosphere as the surrounding old folk houses and storehouses. There's even a sky lounge on the roof, where you can drink beer while looking out over Karatsu Bay and the mountains of Mt. Nijo.

The food also uses meat from a nearby handmade ham workshop and vegetables from Itoshima, so it pairs perfectly with the beer. The HAZY IPA is juicy with a rich aroma from aroma hops, and the Saison is spicy and refreshing. The lineup is broad, so it's a brewery that both beer lovers and beginners can enjoy.