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.
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”.
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)
Beer Made by Iwate Kura Bakushu
Label Translation
Iwate Kura Bakushu いわて蔵麦酒
Iwate Kura Beer いわて蔵ビール
Sekinoichi Shuzo 世嬉の一酒造
Sanriku Oyster Stout 三陸牡蠣のスタウト
Sansho Ale エール山椒
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