Kiuchi Brewery

Kiuchi Brewery

Kiuchi Brewery main building

Kiuchi Brewery is a renowned Japanese brewery located in Naka, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Established in 1823, the brewery has a rich history of producing sake and, more recently, craft beer. The brewery is best known for its Hitachino Nest Beer brand, which has gained international acclaim.

History

Kiuchi Brewery was founded by Kiuchi Gihei, a local landowner, during the late Edo period. Initially, the brewery focused on producing sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine. Over the years, the brewery has maintained its commitment to quality and tradition, while also embracing innovation.

In the 1990s, Kiuchi Brewery expanded its production to include craft beer, responding to the growing popularity of beer in Japan and the relaxation of brewing laws. This led to the creation of the Hitachino Nest Beer brand, which has become a symbol of Japanese craft beer excellence.

Products

Kiuchi Brewery produces a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including:

• Sake: The brewery continues to produce high-quality sake using traditional methods. Their sake is known for its smooth taste and delicate aroma.

• Hitachino Nest Beer: This brand includes a variety of beer styles, such as White Ale, Red Rice Ale, and Espresso Stout. The beers are characterized by their unique flavors and use of local ingredients.

• Japanese Ginger Ale: In addition to alcoholic beverages, Kiuchi Brewery also produces a non-alcoholic ginger ale, which is popular for its refreshing taste.

Japanese Ginger Ale produced by Kiuchi Brewery

Brewing Process

Kiuchi Brewery combines traditional brewing techniques with modern technology to produce its beverages. For sake, the brewery uses high-quality rice and pure water from the local area. The brewing process involves multiple steps, including rice polishing, fermentation, and aging.

For their craft beers, Kiuchi Brewery uses a variety of malts, hops, and other ingredients to create distinct flavors. The brewery is known for experimenting with different brewing techniques and ingredients, such as using red rice in their Red Rice Ale.

International Recognition

Kiuchi Brewery's Hitachino Nest Beer has received numerous awards and accolades at international beer competitions. The brand is exported to many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, where it is appreciated for its quality and unique taste.

Brewery Tours

Kiuchi Brewery offers tours to visitors interested in learning about the brewing process. The tours provide an opportunity to see the traditional and modern brewing equipment, as well as to taste the various products produced by the brewery.

Related Pages

• Sake
• Craft beer
• Japanese cuisine
• Ibaraki Prefecture