Isetan's e-commerce site, "I ONLINE," has opened a limited-time section called "CRAFT BEER SELECTION," showcasing craft beers from Japan and abroad. It will be available until March 31st. The lineup includes a domestic tasting set featuring local beers from Hokkaido to Miyazaki, a Scottish brewery called "BrewDog," a particularly popular imported craft beer, and Italian craft beers that are currently gaining popularity. It also includes beers from popular breweries, including those that have won gold medals at beer competitions. From within Japan, the store will also feature "COEDO" from Saitama Prefecture, which is highly acclaimed overseas, as well as "Minoh Beer," a popular craft beer from Minoh City, Osaka. The set will include a classic pilsner and a dry dark beer that won a WBA World Gold Award. Other beers on offer include "Fukuoka Brewmaster," which offers fruit ales made with Amaou strawberries from Fukuoka and kabosu citrus fruits from Oita Prefecture, and "Ibaraki Prefecture Hitachino Nest Beer," produced by the long-established Kiuchi Brewery.
"Our top picks are the Danish beers produced by craft beer luminaries Mikkeller and Tuall. You'll be able to experience unique beers that are rare even around the world, such as barrel-aged and coffee-infused beers," says Obata Takahiro, buyer for Japanese and Western Liquors in the Food Division of Isetan Mitsukoshi, who oversaw the project.
Since the revision of the Liquor Tax Act in 1994, the number of local craft breweries has increased across the country. Thanks to the popularity of beer bars offering beer from the brewery and Oktoberfest, the craft beer market has been gaining attention every year.
Regarding how to enjoy craft beer, buyer Obata says, "Craft beer is extremely deep, with a wide variety of flavors, aromas, and production methods, and each one has its own unique character. Also, many of the beer labels have pop and stylish designs, which give them a playful feel. Just like enjoying local beer when you're traveling, I hope you will take this opportunity to enjoy craft beer from Japan and abroad as if you were ordering it online."
