Sanriku Oyster Stout - Iwate Kura

Last Updated: 7/17/2020

An English-inspired stout brewed with local Sanriku Coast oysters and their shells. You’ll quickly pick up a whiff of brine on the nose, as well as roasted notes of coffee beans and dark chocolate. This beer is black/dark brown with an off-white pillowy head with nice retention. It’s rather lean for its 7% ABV frame with modest carbonation and a crisp minerally finish. This oyster stout also has mild savory umami which lends itself well towards food pairing.

Sanriku Oyster Stout

Iwate Kura Bakushu hit a home run with this polished stout that’s a throwback of a mostly dead English style. And while American craft brewers can take credit for its rebirth, Sanriku Oyster Stout holds its own against some pretty stout competition (Marston’s and Flying Dog come to mind).

Pairing and Service

Raw oysters and stout are already a classic combo. The briny nature of this Iwate Kura Stout is not extreme but is present enough to marry with them better than most. The umami from the beer plays well with the oyster as well. Seared scallops are another good option. Dishes using mole or wild game birds should also be a fine match. Lastly, don’t forget the chocolate for dessert! Stick to lighter, less dense, and sweet examples, and enjoy!

Serve slightly chilled to just under room temperature.

an oyster stout shell

Technical Info

Ingredients: malted barley, hops, Hirota Bay oysters and shells

ABV: 7% IBU: unknown

Unpasteurized and unfiltered

Water: soft subterranean water + bio energized water combo

Iwate Kura Beer and Sekinoichi Shuzo

Brewery: Sekinoichi Shuzo 世嬉の一酒造 Brand: Iwate Kura Bakushu

Location: Ichinoseki, Iwate EST: 1995 Official: 日本語 / English-ish

Iwate Kura is a co-op craft beer brand produced by Sekinoichi Brewery of Iwate. Generally, their beers are complex and mild-natured. Their exported beer brands are not easily categorized but are delicious nonetheless.