Craft beer may cost more than regular beer, but it’s worth every yen! As a true craft beer lover, today I’m introducing a standout beer: ASOBI BEER Pale Ale from Kakehashi Brewing, with a can design as eye-catching as a fashion statement.
This domestic hop beer stands out not only in appearance but also in taste.
Kakehashi Brewing ASOBI BEER Pale Ale
With over 800 breweries in Japan and major manufacturers rolling out products branded as “craft,” the Japanese craft beer scene is booming! It’s safe to say that Japan’s craft beer industry is thriving like never before.
The difference in awareness is striking compared to a decade ago when I first started drinking craft beer. Back then, people often asked, “What’s craft beer?” But now, it’s more common to hear, “Which craft beer do you like?”
Beers like Yo-Ho Brewing’s Yona Yona Ale, Echigo Beer, and Ginga Kogen Beer are staples in supermarkets today.
Yet, there are many hidden gems still waiting to be discovered. With over 800 breweries, there are easily double that in product options.
Kakehashi Brewing is one such hidden gem. Nestled in the town of Yosano in Kyoto Prefecture, this up-and-coming brewery was founded just four years ago.
A Pale Ale Made with Local Hops
Yosano is located at the base of the Tango Peninsula on the Sea of Japan side of Kyoto Prefecture. Kakehashi Brewing uses locally grown hops to create their beers. Hop cultivation began in 2015, with beer production starting in 2020, making them a young brewery.
Currently, the only beer they offer is the ASOBI BEER Pale Ale, but there’s plenty to look forward to from this brewery in the future.
(Technically, they also sell a special edition can in collaboration with a Kyoto basketball team, but it’s still a pale ale at heart.)
With an alcohol content of 5.5% and a classic pale ale style, ASOBI BEER features locally hand-picked Yosano hops. The attention to detail in the production process is impressive. It boasts a refreshing citrus aroma typical of pale ales, making it a clean, easy-drinking beer.
Of course, the taste is fantastic, but the stylish can design is also a major selling point.
Inspired by the symbols of Yosano Town, the abstract design evokes images of sunsets and the sea, giving it an art-like appearance. The color scheme, a beige rather than pure white, adds a modern touch that sets it apart from traditional beer packaging.
Drinking Beer to Help Protect the Sea!
Stretching from the town of Yosano to Miyazu in Kyoto, the Aso Sea has been facing issues with an overpopulation of oysters.
While hearing about an abundance of oysters might seem like a good thing to the untrained ear, it has actually caused several problems. These include foul odors and visual pollution from the large quantity of shells, as well as interference with the operation of boats.
Kakehashi Brewing is helping tackle these issues by using the excess oyster shells in purification tanks, contributing to their beer production in a sustainable way.
A Stylish Beer That’s Perfect as a Gift
The beautifully designed cans of ASOBI BEER can elevate any meal, making them a great gift option as well. The sleek, non-traditional beer visuals would even appeal to those who don’t usually drink beer!
It’s exciting to think about what kind of stylish and delicious beers this brewery will offer next. Keep an eye on Kakehashi Brewing for future releases!
