Do you know Okinoerabu Island? It’s a remote island floating right between mainland Kagoshima and Okinawa, and there’s a craft brewery there.
Mugi
What! A brewery on a remote island!? Someone is making beer in a place like that?
Hop Bro
It’s a brewery called Okinoerabu Island Beer, and it’s in Chinan Town. This island is rooted in the culture of shochu, with a black sugar shochu distillery called Okinoerabu Shuzo firmly established there, so when it comes to alcohol, shochu is the norm.
Mugi
Beer on a shochu island... isn’t that kind of a bold challenge?
Hop Bro
That’s exactly what makes it so compelling. The island itself was formed by the uplift of a coral reef, and it has more than 200 limestone caves. Sugarcane and tropical fruits also grow there, so it’s a place with amazing potential as a source of ingredients for beer.
Mugi
More than 200 limestone caves!? Just the fact that they make beer on an island like that gives it so much romantic appeal.
Hop Bro
They still don’t have an official website, and they’re only sharing updates on Instagram at @okinoerabu.beer. It feels like they’re working carefully on the scale of the island, rather than as a big brewery.
Mugi
Exploring limestone caves on an island trip, then drinking shochu and beer... just thinking about it is amazing. I definitely want to go someday!