Background
Kamakura Beer is a microbrewery located between Zushi and Kamakura in Kanagawa, more precisely, just in front of the Nagoshi tunnel, the main tunnel between Zushi and Kanagawa. The predecessor of Kamakura Beer was a local liquor store that had been in business for three generations since the Taisho era. It was affectionately known to the local community as the town’s general store.
The idea for the brewery came about as the owner at the time lamented the fact that the old capital city had no craft beer brewery within the city limits, something unheard of at the time of the rising industry, especially with the tourism industry across Japan supporting the opening of craft beer breweries. Kamakura Beer’s brewing equipment was made in Australia. When the company was founded, local technicians were called in and assembled it.
Kamakura Beer’s brewing capacity, at the time of writing, is 500L per batch. However, do not let that dissuade you as Kamakura Beer is also a multple award-winning brewery, having won awards for several of their beers: Kamakura Alt, Kamakura Dark Ale, and also their Kamakura Brown Ale. When it comes to the making of the beers, rather than brewing specific styles, the beers are brewed to support the local cuisine – known for its reliance on locally grown vegetables and simple flavours.
Beer Reviews
The following are some of the beers we’ve had:
- Kamakura Enoshima Beer – A 5.5% Kölsch beer that pairs up with the local produce of Enoshima; seafood.
- Kamakura Flower – A 5.5% brown ale that is well paired with cheese or desserts.
- Kamakura Hayama – A 5.5% Australian pale ale which uses Nelson Sauvin hops imported from New Zealand.
- Kamakura Moon – A 5.5% altbier that is top-fermented and akin to an amber ale.
- Kamakura Star – A hoppy 5.5% pale ale that is suited to eating with sashimi.
Limited & Seasonal Beers
The following are some of the limited and seasonal beers we’ve had:
- Kamakura Taiga of Stars aka English Ale – A 5.5% English ale brewed using British hops.
- Kamakura My Funny Valentine – A 5.5% dunkel style beer brewed for Valentine’s day.
- Kamakura Moonlight Rainbow – A 5.5% UK inspired amber ale that is closer to a pale ale.
- Kamakura Lokosuka Beer – A 5.5% bitter that pairs well with Yokosuka’s local food; curry.
- Kamakura Zaimokuza Coast – A 5.5% American IPA that uses five different imported US hops though which ones are unknown at the time of writing.
Details
- Address : 5-9-29 Ōmachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0007
- Phone : 0467-23-5533
- Homepage : https://www.kamakura-beer.co.jp/
- Online store : https://shop.kamakura-beer.co.jp/
- Social Media : Facebook / Instagram
