Iwate Kura Beer - Sekinoichi Shuzo - Craft Biru at The Japanese Bar

Last Updated: 7/17/2020

Iwate Kura Bakushu is a craft beer brand that began producing beer in 1995, shortly after microbreweries were legalized. Sekinoichi Shuzo (世嬉の一酒造) brews in partnership with a local co-op.

Iwate Beer Sanriku Oyster Stout bottle and glass — Sanriku Oyster Stout

The majority of beers from Iwate Kura are ales. But they make a lot of products, including a number of lagers. They’re generally unfiltered and unpasteurized.

The two most common examples available in the States, Sanriku Oyster Stout and Sansho Ale, are hazy in appearance which includes small particulates from the adjuncts. The benefit is more flavor, texture, and depth. More broadly, both beers feature ingredients that exemplify their corner of the Iwate prefecture. Both are outstanding. They are great representations of the free-form Japanese craft beer “style”.

cap from a bottle of Japanese beer — Iwate Kura Beer

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake heavily damaged the Sekinoichi brewery. In 2017, a new facility was completed for brewing sake. The brewery emphasizes ginjo-shu and using local rice Ginginga, as well as standards like Gohyakumangoku and Yamada Nishiki. Sekinoichi sake isn’t widely exported. Unless you have friends traveling to Japan, you’ll likely need to travel there to pick up a bottle.

Check out their website: English (Google Translate)