What kind of beer do you crave after a long day’s work? This simple question lies at the heart of Kyoto Brewing Company. Right here in southern Kyoto, Kyoto Brewing Company isn’t just crafting exceptional beers. They are challenging the very notion of what beer can be in Japan. Kyoto Brewing Company opened its doors in the spring of 2015. The founders, Chris, Paul, and Ben, met years earlier in Aomori Prefecture through the JET Program. They bonded over snowboarding and, importantly, a shared frustration with the limited beer options in Japan. At the time, “toriaezu nama,” meaning “draft beer for now,” summed up the Japanese beer scene. It didn’t matter which macro lager you got; they were all pretty much the same. Kyoto Brewing Company was born from a desire for more variety and a mission to change this beer culture.
Kyoto might seem like an odd choice for a craft brewery. When Kyoto Brewing Company launched, the city had only a handful of craft beer bars. Tokyo or Osaka seemed like more obvious choices. But Kyoto has a centuries-long tradition of artisanal craftsmanship. It embraces outside influences while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. This blend of the old and new resonated with the founders. Kyoto’s appreciation for quality and flavor made it the perfect place to nurture a craft beer revolution. The founders’ love for the city also played a key role in their decision.
The early days were tough. Brewing equipment was delayed for months due to a strike in an American port. Costs piled up while no beer was being brewed. Luckily, a local contractor stepped in, reworking their contract to give Kyoto Brewing Company time to get brewing. This act of Kyoto kindness exemplifies the support they received from local businesses. This support affirmed their belief in Kyoto as the ideal location. Kyoto Brewing Company began brewing with a Belgian-style approach. They blended traditional methods with creative use of ingredients. One of their standout beers is Ichii Senshin, meaning “single-minded dedication.” It blends Belgian yeast and American hops, resulting in a softer finish than typical West Coast IPAs.
Kyoto Brewing Company’s success has been remarkable. Their beers are in such high demand that they have continuously expanded their operations. They’ve also broadened their reach beyond kegs to bottles and cans. This has allowed them to reach a wider audience and further their mission of changing Japanese beer culture. They want people to move beyond “toriaezu nama” and discover the vast world of flavor that craft beer offers. So next time you’re in Kyoto, skip the “toriaezu nama.” Instead, head to Kyoto Brewing Company and experience the single-minded dedication that has transformed Kyoto’s beer scene.