Yakurai Beer

Yakurai Beer in Kami Town, Miyagi was founded in 1999 with the help of a German brewmaster, and that's where it all started.

And the brewmaster's recipes and techniques are still carried on today. They also insist on German ingredients, and every step from brewing onward is done by hand.

Their standard lineup has three beers. A golden pilsner made only with pale malt, a weizen with banana-like aromas thanks to more than 50% wheat malt, and a dunkel with the toasty richness of roasted malt that's still crisp and easy to drink. All are 5% ABV and very approachable.

What's interesting is that the brewing water is natural spring water flowing from the Yakurai area of the Funagata mountain range. The mountain's underground water forms the foundation of the beer's flavor.

You can see the brewing kettles through glass from the adjoining restaurant. It's a luxurious space where you can enjoy beer while looking at the brewing equipment.

After the earthquake, they also brewed recovery support beers like "Fukkou Ale" and "GRAND HOPE," and during the pandemic they even released a limited run of 2,000 bottles called "Kami-go Amabieru." It's a brewery that has walked alongside the local community.