I want to promote craft beer! I want people to discover how delicious it is! Yes, craft beer is generally more expensive than regular beer, but it’s worth it! As a die-hard craft beer lover, I’m excited to introduce some of my favorite picks.
This time, I’ll be talking about Yokohama Lager from Yokohama Beer, the brewery with the longest history in Yokohama—an iconic city known for its fashion, culture, and love for beer.
Yokohama Beer’s Yokohama Lager
Stylish, cutting-edge, sophisticated... Just having "Yokohama" in its name makes something feel inherently superior, thanks to the magic of "Yokohama" branding. Yokohama, one of Japan’s trendsetting hubs, is also a top destination for craft beer lovers, with over ten breweries scattered throughout the city. It’s a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts.
Today, I’m introducing Yokohama Lager from Yokohama Beer, the oldest brewery in the city.
A Bold IPA with Substance
The Yokohama Lager I'm introducing today is an Indian Pale Ale (IPA). It has an alcohol content of 5.0% and an IBU (International Bitterness Unit) of 45.
Before the craft beer boom, Indian Pale Ale was virtually nonexistent in Japan. Its defining feature is its sharp bitterness, which hits the palate with a punch right from the first sip. Despite the "pale" in its name, the flavor is anything but mild. This style can be a bit challenging for first-time beer drinkers or those who aren’t fans of bitterness.
While IPA often gets a reputation for being "bitter" or "too strong," that intensity is exactly what makes fans fall in love. Once hooked, you might find yourself craving that bitterness, feeling like something is missing if it’s not there.
An Award-Winning Classic
In 2024, Yokohama Beer’s Altbier won a silver medal at the World Beer Cup, the world’s largest beer competition.
Although the history of Japanese craft beer may still be relatively short compared to other countries, it’s exciting to see more and more Japanese beers gaining recognition on the world stage. This shows that “Japan Quality” resonates even in the world of beer.
Yokohama Lager itself has won several prestigious awards, including a silver medal at the Japan Great Beer Awards and other accolades at international competitions.
IPA is Best Enjoyed Fresh!
In recent years, more and more breweries have opened their own restaurants adjacent to their brewing facilities. Yokohama Beer also operates a restaurant called UMAYA.
Imagine enjoying fresh Yokohama Beer alongside dishes made from local Yokohama and Kanagawa ingredients—sounds like a fantastic plan for a trip, doesn’t it?
