[Happy New Year] Craft beer from a snowy brewery will liven up your winter mountain trip!

Photo courtesy of GETO KOGEN

The dawn of 2023 has arrived. I'm sure there are many skiers and snowboarders who are celebrating the New Year in snowy regions. There's something very stylish about enjoying a local craft beer while traveling. In recent years, the number of breweries in snowy regions has been increasing. There are also examples of ski resorts producing craft beer as a way to revitalize the local area or as part of their efforts toward the SDGs. Why not add the enjoyment of craft beer to your travels this winter? Let's introduce some craft beers from breweries in snowy regions

*Online store information is also posted for items that can be purchased online

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[Niseko, Hokkaido]

Yotei Mountain Beer

Lupicia Yotei Sanroku Beer is an original craft beer born from Niseko's pure waters and the brewer's dedication. The brewery opened in Niseko, Hokkaido in September 2020. Using underground water that gushes forth from Mount Yotei, the symbol of Niseko, the brewery has begun brewing a new beer with a focus on freshness and unfiltered brewing, aiming to create a beer that can only be made in Niseko

Of the main ingredients, barley, hops, and water, it is the water that determines the taste of beer. It is often said that water is the lifeblood of beer.
As a result of pursuing a sweetness, smooth mouthfeel, and the juicy, fruity aroma derived from hops, five flavorful craft beers were born that could only be produced in Niseko, combined with the clear streams flowing through Niseko's natural environment, the refreshing breeze, and the abundant light. Now, there is an ever-increasing number of interesting beers, including unique limited-edition beers and collaborations with other industries.

Summer Limited Edition Yotei Sanroku Draft Beer, Earl Grey and Darjeeling Beer, 330ml x 6 Bottles, Free Shipping, 5% ABV Craft Beer, Gift, Niseko Lupicia, Yotei Sanroku Beer Launch Price: 6,480 yen (as of 17:47 on July 20, 2022)

Shiroi Koibito Mt. Yotei Beer, White Chocolate Beer, 330ml x 4 Bottles, 5% ABV, Ishiya x LUPICIA, Craft Beer, Free Shipping, Order Now Price: 4,700 yen (as of 17:34 on July 20, 2022)

◆Official website: https://www.yoteibeers.com/ja/

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[Hakuba, Nagano Prefecture]

HAKUBA CRAFT

HAKUBA BEER GARAGE, created by a brewer born and raised in Tsugaike, is a brewery directly connected to the Bell Hill slope at Tsugaike Mountain Resort. "The fun of craft beer is that the possibilities are endless and there is no right answer. We will never forget the artisan mindset, and will continue to pursue a cycle of small observations and improvements in the pursuit of even more delicious beer. We want to make beer that soothes people's hearts and increase the number of fans of this area." This is the idea that embodies HAKUBA CRAFT

There are currently three types of beer in the lineup. The water from Tsugaike, which is made from meltwater from the Northern Alps filtered through the earth and turned into spring water, is refined by nature and further enhances the flavor of the craft beer

The brewery has both a brewery and a pub, with 40 seats where you can enjoy HAKUBA CRAFT beer, as well as a wide selection of dishes incorporating local ingredients such as Shinshu beef and Shinshu salmon, allowing you to enjoy a ``pairing with the space'' that will make for a memorable trip

A taproom attached to the brewery where you can enjoy HAKUBA CRAFT

◆Official website: https://hakubacraft.jp/

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Hakuba Brewing Company

Hakuba Brewing Company was started by two people who were attracted to the mountains of Hakuba and moved there with the idea, "We love craft beer so we can start a brewery and provide delicious local brews not only to ourselves but to other people too!" They bought a lodge along the slopes, and a casual conversation led to a dream of brewing alcohol, which turned into the idea of ​​founding a brewery

The products are characterised by a rich fruity aroma and a fresh, full-bodied, deep flavour. They are also unfiltered, so all the flavour is bottled. Their concept is to use scientific techniques to create brewed alcohol that is all-natural, full-flavoured and that they would want to drink themselves. They say their strength is that they are not subject to the price constraints of major manufacturers, and are able to pursue rarer varieties of hops and malts for users who share their passion. Check out some of their proudest creations here

HAKUBA BREWING COMPANY 7HOP Hakuba Brewing Company Craft Beer 330ml Price: 550 yen (as of 17:20 on July 15, 2022)

◆Official website/online store Hakuba Brewing Company

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Hodaka Beer

Hodaka Brewery is located in Hodaka, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture. It is a small-scale craft beer brewery that uses traditional ingredients and methods, brewing all-malt beer made with 100% malt. Since 2016, they have been cultivating hops in Hodaka, and currently, all beer brewed at Hodaka Brewery uses some hops from Azumino. It is characterized by the taste and rich aroma that can only be achieved by hand-brewing using underground water from the Northern Alps. It is a craft beer that boasts high quality and has won awards at beer tasting competitions

◆Official website: https://www.eiwamm.co.jp/beer/

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[Shiga Kogen, Nagano Prefecture]

Shiga Kogen Beer

Tamamura Honten was founded in 1805 at the foot of Shiga Kogen in Northern Shinshu. It is a historic brewery known for its sake brand "Engi." In 2004, they began brewing "Shiga Kogen Beer" and "Yamabushi," and in 2006 they began producing hops and other ingredients

With the desire to create "a unique beer that can be enjoyed worldwide," they started by cultivating fields in Shiga, which was Japan's number one hop producing region until the late 1950s, and now many of their products use ingredients grown on their own farm. Their "Harvest Brew Series," which uses home-grown hops and is brewed in what is likely the world's fastest time from harvest to brewing, has a unique flavor that can only be achieved with the fresh and soft taste of fresh hops, and is a big hit every year

*[Refrigerate] Shiga Kogen Beer Pale Ale, Yellow Label, 330ml Bottle Price: 420 yen (as of 17:43 on July 20, 2022)

*[Refrigerate] Shiga Kogen Beer IPA Red Label Bottle 330ml Price: 420 yen (as of 17:44 on July 20, 2022)

Tamamura Honten's directly managed bar and restaurant (Kanbayashi Onsen) offers up to 13 types of Shiga Kogen beer on tap!

◆Official website: http://tamamura-honten.co.jp/

*[Refrigerate] Shiga Kogen Beer Porter Black Label 330ml Bottle Price: 420 yen (as of 17:49 on July 20, 2022)

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[Yatsugatake, Nagano Prefecture]

8Peaks Brewing

Since 2018, 8Peaks has been promoting a beer lifestyle from the foot of Mt. Yatsugatake. For example, on a chilly night when the temperature drops below freezing, sip a dark stout while gazing at the beautiful moon and the flames of a wood stove. They brew their beer with care, hoping that a colorful life story will emerge with a craft beer in hand in Yatsugatake. 8Peaks' beer is designed to complement the food and nature of the Suwa region, with a balance of sweetness, aroma, bitterness, and richness. It is characterized by a light, refreshing, slight bitterness and a rich aroma without being heavy. In addition to brewing beer, they also hold events to cultivate fans who visit Yatsugatake to drink this delicious beer

◆Official website: https://eightpeaks.co.jp/

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[Mount Hakkai, Niigata Prefecture]

HAKKAISAN RYDEEN BEER

This brewery is located in Uonuma Village, which spreads out at the foot of Mount Sarukura, one of the spurs of Mount Hakkai in Niigata Prefecture. The name "Rideen" comes from the fact that the
brewery uses the famous water "Raiden-sama no Shimizu" (Pure Water of Thunder God), which springs from the foot of the sacred Mount Hakkai. The brand motif is the monkeys that appear around the brewery, giving it a wild and unique character. "Rideen Beer" is brewed in a natural environment blessed with Iwashimizu, which has been selected as one of Niigata Prefecture's 100 famous waters. Each beer has a unique flavor, and there is a wide lineup, including limited editions that are tailored to the season.

The brewery, located in Uonuma no Sato in Minamiuonuma City, also has a beer bar, liquor shop, and cafe, making it a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy freshly brewed beer while taking in the views of Uonuma

Hakkaisan Reideen Beer Weizen 330ml, perfect for summer gifts Price: 499 yen (as of 17:54 on July 20, 2022)

Domestic Craft Beer, Niigata Prefecture, Reideen Beer, ALT, 330ml, Hakkaisan Sarukurayama Brewery Price: 517 yen (as of 17:55 on July 20, 2022)

Rydeen Beer, 3-Variety, 6-Bottle Set [Special Carton] [Summer Limited Edition] Refrigerate Price: 3,280 yen (as of 17:56 on July 20, 2022)

◆Official website/online store https://ec-hakkaisan.com/

A beer bar directly operated by RYDEEN BEER, located at Sarukurayama Brewery (Uonuma no Sato)

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[Myoko, Niigata Prefecture]

Myoko Kogen Alpine Brick Beer

It is characterized by its silky, fine, firm foam, the fragrant flavor of malt that spreads throughout the mouth, its rich yet refreshing deep taste, and its smooth texture. What makes it unique is that it is brewed at the local beer factory, "Tatrakan," located within the Alpenblick Resort, which is also home to the Ikenotaira Onsen Alpenblick Ski Resort. Tatrakan also has a restaurant where you can enjoy freshly brewed beer. The spacious space, which is modeled after the streets of Europe, the home of beer, has seating for 400. You can enjoy a hearty buffet with craft beer

A directly managed restaurant where you can enjoy a hearty buffet with local beer

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