[From Numazu] The charm of craft beer brought by the water of Kakita River

Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is home to several craft beer breweries and taprooms, and craft beer is spreading as a culture. There are many unique craft beer breweries and taprooms scattered around, each with their own unique flavor and style of beer. Numazu's craft beer not only reflects the natural bounty of the region, but also the passion of the craftsmen who put it into their beers.

Kakitagawa Brewing is a craft beer brewery located near Senbonhama in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Delicious water, fresh agricultural and marine products, and the majestic Mt. Fuji. We will introduce Tetsuya Kataoka, who is passionate about brewing beer in Numazu, the exquisite beer he creates, and his new challenges.

"The Beer Craftsman's Dream" Born in England

Kataoka-san, founder of Kakitagawa Brewing and president and brewmaster of Numazu Craft, decided to become a brewer after studying abroad in the UK. He says he was enchanted by the craft beer he tasted in the local pubs where people were chatting happily over a beer in hand.
After returning to Japan, he joined Baird Beer in Numazu.
After gaining eight years of experience as head brewer, he founded Kakitagawa Brewing in 8.

"Numazu Craft" born from love for Numazu

An impressive logo mark that combines an anchor, which evokes the image of the port town of Numazu, and a hairtail, which symbolizes Numazu.
Kataoka launched the brand "Numazu Craft" with his love for Numazu in his heart.
The brewery was founded on the first floor of the building where Kataoka used to live. The space was originally a photo studio, which was renovated to become the brewery.

Special beer nurtured by the waters of the Kakita River

The biggest feature of Kakitagawa Brewing's beer brewing is that it uses water from the Kakitagawa River.
It is one of Japan's leading springs and has been selected as one of the "100 Famous Waters" by the Ministry of the Environment.
This soft water has an abundant amount of water and an excellent mineral balance, and is characterized by its gentle texture.

Among them, the "Cream Lager," made to suit the characteristics of the water in the Kakita River, is a beer characterized by its mellow, pure flavor.
With a lineup of standard beers, you can fully enjoy the deliciousness of Kakita River water.

A blissful beer experience, savoring it slowly

At Kakitagawa Brewing, our concept is "SLOW BEER SLOW LIFE," and we aim to create beer that can be savored slowly over time.
This beer is carefully brewed with an emphasis on the balance of malt and hops, making you want to savor every sip and take in the aroma and flavor.

Numazu Craft's flagship product is the Merseyside ESB, a traditional style beer that Kataoka discovered while studying in England, with a rich malty flavor and full-bodied taste that fills the mouth.

"In the UK, there's a culture of taking as much time as drinking a glass of ale as you would a cup of coffee. I wanted to make a beer that people could enjoy slowly, savoring the taste in the same way." His words convey his deep love for brewing beer and his consideration for those who drink it.

Seasonal beer packed with local produce

Numazu Craft also offers attractive seasonal and collaboration beers.
It is made using an abundance of local seasonal fruits, including citrus fruits such as New Summer Oranges, Jutaro Mandarins, and Nishiura Lemonade, Kirapika (strawberries) from Nirayama, Shimago Peaches from Numazu, and kiwis from Fujikawa.
What's surprising is that they have also made collaborative beers using potatoes from Mishima, olives from Nagaizumi, buckwheat flour, and miso.

The smallest brewing tank at Kakitagawa Brewing is 400 to 600 liters. Because they don't have small tanks for testing, they brew every beer in one shot.
"I can do it because I'm confident," he said with a smile. His words conveyed the confidence that comes from his many years of experience and solid skills.

The tasting room next to the factory also offers rare collaboration beers.

There is a tasting room right next to the brewery.
You can experience beer brewing up close and drink freshly brewed beer.
There are 10 taps in the tasting room. In addition to the standard beers, they sometimes also have rare collaboration beers available.

Promoting Shizuoka craft beer together with the local community

Craft beer brewing is thriving in Shizuoka Prefecture, with over 30 breweries, making it one of the top five prefectures in Japan.
With a strong desire to further promote Shizuoka craft beer, Kataoka founded the Shizuoka Craft Beer Cooperative about three years ago and serves as its representative.

"Things that would be difficult for a single brewery to achieve can be increased by involving local breweries and the prefecture as a 'Shizuoka brand.'"
Our current plan is to utilize the malt lees that are produced during beer brewing.
They are considering upcycling malt lees to raise "beer pigs" and make "malt vinegar."
"The day may be coming soon when people will be able to eat beer pork with malt vinegar while drinking beer," he says, showing his vision beyond just beer brewing.

The association plans to hold a beer festival in Numazu City in November 2024. They also have their sights set on exporting beer overseas in the future.
I was simply overwhelmed by Kataoka's attitude of getting everyone involved by saying, "Let's all do this together!"

A new challenge: "Senbon Spirits"

Using the techniques we have developed in beer brewing, we are now trying our hand at distilled alcohol.
Senbon Spirits, a distillery located diagonally across from the headquarters and brewery, produces distilled spirits using locally grown fruits.

Among them, "Limoncello," which uses lemons produced in Shizuoka Prefecture, is popular for its refreshing aroma and clean taste.
Everything is done by hand, right from peeling the lemons, and it's amazing that they squeeze a whopping 1kg of lemons in one batch.

Taproom with a Spectacular View "SENSPI"

SENSPI, which opened on the third floor of the distillery in December 2023, is a taproom where you can enjoy craft sours and Numazu craft beers made by Senbon Spirits.
From the terrace seats you can see the majestic Mt. Fuji, and in the summer you can also watch the fireworks festival over the Kano River.

It opens early, making it a great place for daytime drinking.
You can enjoy delicious drinks and time in a space filled with Kataoka's desire for people to "take their time and enjoy the space, atmosphere, and conversation with the people."

Finally

Kataoka continues to pour his passion into craft beer and distilled spirits brewing in Numazu.
I am convinced that Kataoka's challenge will go beyond the brewery and become a major force in further promoting craft beer in Shizuoka.
Be sure to visit Kakitagawa Brewing's tasting room and "SENSPI."
You're sure to have a special experience that you can only get here.

Writer: Midori Kawabe
Photo: e-works Yutaka Uchida