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- Farmhouse Ales in Japan: Exploring 2nd Story Ale Works – A Craft Beer Guide to Tokushima
- 2nd Story Ale Works Tap List (Updated for 2025)
- BEER MENU
- Tasting Report: Detailed Reviews of 2nd Story Ale Works Beers
- 2ndSAW Flavor Characteristics
- On-Site Guide: Atmosphere and How to Order at 2nd Story Ale Works Taproom
- Beer Lover’s Guide: Recommended Breweries & Restaurants Near 2nd Story Ale Works
- Basic Information: 2nd Story Ale Works Overview
- Access Information: 2nd Story Ale Works Location
- Local Food Guide: Features of the Area and Nearby Restaurants
- More Tokushima Craft Beer Information Here!
- Japanese Craft Beer Journey
- American Craft Beer Journey
- Reference Sources
- Summary: 2nd Story Ale Works – A Paradise of Refreshing Beers Using Tokushima Ingredients
Farmhouse Ales in Japan: Exploring 2nd Story Ale Works – A Craft Beer Guide to Tokushima
2nd Story Ale Works is a brewery in Tokushima City, Japan that has gained attention for its distinctive beers made with local ingredients. Established in 2018 by American brewer Patrick Brown and his Japanese wife Yuki, this brewery specializes in creating refreshing beers that skillfully incorporate local Tokushima ingredients, especially sudachi (a Japanese citrus). Their Farmhouse Ales are particularly exceptional, with a refreshing finish and deep flavor profile that has captivated many beer enthusiasts.
What You’ll Learn in This Article
- The unique characteristics of 2nd Story Ale Works
- 2025 updated tap list information
- Detailed beer reviews from firsthand tasting
- How to order at the taproom and local information
- Highly-rated beers recognized by beer experts and media
- Tokushima’s craft beer scene
ルネちゃん
Craft beer seems intimidating for beginners. Which beers should I try first?
りほ
2nd Story Ale Works is perfect for beginners! Their beers featuring local ingredients have refreshing flavors that make them ideal entry points to craft beer.
Part of the appeal of 2nd Story Ale Works (2ndSAW) is how their beers change in flavor depending on the season and aging process, offering new discoveries with each visit. Their taproom, converted from a former kindergarten, provides a spacious atmosphere that serves as a beloved gathering place for locals.
What is a Brewery? (For Beginners)
A brewery is a facility where beer is produced. Unlike large manufacturers’ factories, microbreweries are smaller operations that create distinctive, character-filled beers. Many craft breweries include taprooms (tasting spaces) where they serve their beers directly, allowing visitors to enjoy them at their freshest.
2nd Story Ale Works Tap List (Updated for 2025)
2nd Story Ale Works offers several beers on tap at any given time. Here are some of their signature offerings:
ルネちゃん
There are so many choices, I’m confused! What’s an IPA? What’s a Saison?
りほ
An IPA is a beer characterized by hop bitterness and aroma. Saison is a refreshing farmhouse-style beer originating from Belgium. I’ll explain each style in detail below!
BEER MENU
Beer Menu as of October 2024
What is an IPA? (For Beginners)
IPA (India Pale Ale) is a beer style characterized by hop aromas and bitterness. It originated when the British used extra hops to preserve beer for shipping to India. Today’s popular American IPAs typically feature citrus or tropical aromas. West Coast IPAs have pronounced bitterness, while Hazy or New England IPAs are cloudy with a softer mouthfeel and juicy flavors.
What is a Saison? (For Beginners)
Saison is a light, refreshing ale that Belgian farmers brewed for consumption during the summer harvest. “Saison” means “season” in French, and historically, each farm produced its own unique recipe. Characteristics include citrus and spicy aromas from the distinctive saison yeast, a light body, and refreshing acidity—perfect for hot weather due to its crisp, thirst-quenching quality.
Glass Sizes
(Small) Half Pint (240ml)
(Large) Pint (480ml)
* Menu is as of October 2024. May change based on availability.
ルネちゃん
Are there other distinctive beers? What exactly is a Farmhouse Ale?
りほ
Farmhouse Ale is one of this brewery’s signature beers! It’s a traditional beer style made by farmers using seasonal ingredients. At 2nd Story, it features complex flavors using local ingredients.
- Farmhouse Germania (bottle, takeaway) – A distinctive farmhouse ale made using raw ale methods. Uses German malts and hops, with a complex flavor from mixed Weizen and Brett yeast cultures. Rated 87 points by Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine. ABV 6%, IBU 26.
- Saint Yoshie – A saison-style beer using Japanese plum (ume). Unique flavor utilizing local ingredients.
- Farmhouse 2023 – The 2023 version of the Farmhouse Ale series, which features different characteristics each year.
- Saint Yoshie Lemongrass – A dry saison with added lemongrass. ABV 5.5% with a refreshing drinkability.
- Chameleon IPA – An IPA using bread yeast. Part of a series that changes flavor over time, living up to its “chameleon” name.
- Farmhouse Citrus – A saison/farmhouse ale using citrus fruits like sudachi. Highly rated with 94 points by Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine. ABV 3%, IBU 0. A low-ABV saison featuring fresh citrus aromas and herbal notes.
- Farmhouse Japonica 2019 – Rated 4.0 out of 5 on Untappd, a popular beer among enthusiasts.
What is a Farmhouse Ale? (For Beginners)
Farmhouse Ale is a traditional beer style that Belgian and French farmers brewed for home consumption. While similar to saisons, farmhouse ales typically have more complex flavors and fermentation processes. Each farm had its unique recipe using local ingredients, resulting in diverse styles. Wild yeasts and bacteria often contribute to their distinctive flavors. At 2nd Story Ale Works, their farmhouse ales incorporate Tokushima’s local ingredients, offering complex flavors that evolve over time.
The brewery also offers non-alcoholic beverages, including freshly squeezed orange juice.
Expert Reviews
Sebastian Hohentanner, Vice President of BET and Director of the Japan Beer Sommelier Association, highly praises “2nd Story Ale Works’ Farmhouse Ale series as unique in Japan, with award-winning recognition in both America and Europe.” (Source: Crowdfunding page)
Jason Koehler, co-founder/brewer of Devil Craft Brewing Co., commends Patrick’s brewing skills: “Patrick has a keen brewing sense and true talent for creating flavorful, memorable beers.” (Source: Same as above)
ルネちゃん
Experts rate them highly! Are there other famous beers from this brewery?
りほ
Absolutely! Farmhouse Citrus is another notable beer. It received an impressive 94-point rating from Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine. It’s a low-ABV saison (3%) using Tokushima yuzu citrus, offering complex flavors despite its easy drinkability.
Additionally, Farmhouse Japonica 2019 has earned an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 (39 reviews) on Untappd, showing high appreciation from users.
Tasting Report: Detailed Reviews of 2nd Story Ale Works Beers
Saint Yoshie Lemongrass
| Flavor Element | Intensity (1-5) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Bitterness | 2/5 | Mild and refreshing |
| Sweetness | 2/5 | Slight malt sweetness |
| Acidity | 3/5 | Refreshing acidity from lemongrass |
| Body | 2/5 | Light and easy to drink |
| Aroma Intensity | 4/5 | Rich herbal and citrus aromas |
The first beer I tried was Saint Yoshie Lemongrass, a dry saison (ABV 5.5%). It has a pleasant drinkability with rich, herbaceous aromas. The aftertaste passes refreshingly, making you want to drink more.
ルネちゃん
What does lemongrass taste like? Is this easy to drink for beginners?
りほ
Lemongrass is an herb used in Thai cuisine with a refreshing lemony aroma. This beer is beginner-friendly with its clean finish and refreshing flavor profile.
Chameleon IPA
| Flavor Element | Intensity (1-5) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Bitterness | 3/5 | Pleasant, balanced bitterness |
| Sweetness | 2/5 | Subtle malt sweetness |
| Acidity | 1/5 | Barely noticeable |
| Body | 3/5 | Medium body |
| Aroma Intensity | 4/5 | Complex, evolving aromas |
Next, I tried the Chameleon IPA. This IPA uses bread yeast and, true to its name, dramatically changes flavor over time. The experiences in October 2024 and March 2025 offered completely different flavor profiles.
When I drank it in October, complex hop aromas were prominent, but in March, the hop aromas had mellowed, and the wild, funky depth had increased. This seasonal evolution is the charm of the Chameleon series—I highly recommend trying it when you see it available.
ルネちゃん
It’s strange that the same beer tastes different depending on when you drink it! Why does that happen?
りほ
They use special Brett yeast that continues fermenting over time, changing the flavors. Just like a chameleon changes colors, the beer transforms—offering new discoveries with each visit!
Farmhouse Germania (Takeaway Bottle)
| Flavor Element | Intensity (1-5) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Bitterness | 2/5 | Mild, well-balanced bitterness |
| Sweetness | 3/5 | Rich sweetness from German malts |
| Acidity | 3/5 | Complex fermentation-derived acidity |
| Body | 4/5 | Substantial mouthfeel |
| Aroma Intensity | 5/5 | Complex, deep aromas |
Farmhouse Germania deserves special mention. This beer was developed in collaboration with BET, with advice from Shiba-san of KUNITACHI BREWERY, using the Raw Ale brewing method. It uses German malts and hops, fermented with a mix of Weizen and Brett yeasts, then aged for 6 months in fermentation tanks and another 8 months in bottles and barrels. With ABV 6% and IBU 26, this authentic beer received a high rating of 87 points from Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine. As the brewer commented, “Raw ale leaning heavily on spelt, fermented with weizen yeast and blend of Brett,” it features woody and floral aromas, bitter citrus flavors, and tannic qualities. I highly recommend purchasing this beer if you come across it. More detailed information can be found on MyBeer.
What is Raw Ale Brewing? (For Beginners)
Raw Ale brewing is a traditional method where the wort is fermented with minimal or no boiling. In conventional beer production, the wort is boiled to coagulate proteins and extract bitter compounds from hops, but Raw Ale brewing minimizes or skips this process. This method preserves the original malt flavors and enzymes, resulting in more complex-tasting beer. Originally known as a traditional brewing technique in Scandinavia, it’s now being rediscovered by craft breweries.
2ndSAW Flavor Characteristics
2ndSAW beers feature a distinctive finish where the liquid seems to drop smoothly into the back of your throat. Many of their beers incorporate homemade sudachi (Japanese citrus) in a well-balanced way, which tightens the overall flavor profile and creates a very pleasant experience.
ルネちゃん
Does sudachi really work well in beer? What flavor does it add?
りほ
Sudachi, a specialty citrus from Tokushima, has a refreshing acidity and aroma that pairs wonderfully with beer. It tightens the overall flavor while providing a clean finish that makes you want another sip.
On-Site Guide: Atmosphere and How to Order at 2nd Story Ale Works Taproom
The 2nd Story Ale Works taproom is housed in a converted former kindergarten, featuring a spacious, open atmosphere. It’s beloved by locals, and you might see neighborhood residents stopping by for a break.
Sometimes Pat, the brewer, may be serving customers, offering a valuable opportunity to hear directly about his passion and knowledge of beer—a treat for beer enthusiasts!
They also offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, including freshly squeezed orange juice, making it a welcoming space for non-drinkers or designated drivers.
How to Order
At the taproom, you can order directly from the staff. First-time visitors might want to ask the staff for recommendations or which beers are in prime condition that day. They also offer takeaway bottled beers and related merchandise. Payment is made at the end of your visit.
| Step 1: | Approach the staff at the counter |
| Step 2: | Ask questions like “What do you recommend?” or “Do you have any fruity beers?” |
| Step 3: | Select your beer and specify size (small/large) |
| Step 4: | Take your beer and enjoy it at a table |
| Step 5: | Pay at the counter when leaving |
ルネちゃん
I’m nervous about visiting for the first time… I don’t know what to order…
りほ
Don’t worry! The staff is friendly. Just say, “This is my first time, could you recommend something?” and they’ll happily guide you. Starting with small sizes is a good approach.
Google Maps often incorrectly shows them as closed. Check their Instagram account (@2ndsaw) to confirm they’re open before visiting.
Beer Lover’s Guide: Recommended Breweries & Restaurants Near 2nd Story Ale Works
Tokushima Prefecture has several other attractive breweries. When visiting 2nd Story Ale Works, consider checking out these breweries as well:
- Kamiyama Beer Project – Located about 25 minutes by car from 2nd Story Ale Works.
- KAMIKATZ BEBR – Another popular brewery in Tokushima Prefecture offering delicious beers.
- JouZo BEER BASE – A brewery known for its exceptionally tasty beers, temporarily closed until spring 2026 due to taproom relocation.
ルネちゃん
I’m curious about other Tokushima breweries! What makes them special?
りほ
Tokushima has a few distinct breweries. Kamiyama Beer Project uses its mountain village environment for brewing, while KAMIKATZ BEBR is known as an environmentally conscious brewery focusing on local ingredients and recycling.
Basic Information: 2nd Story Ale Works Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | 2nd Story Ale Works |
| Location | 148 Tomohiro, Hata-cho, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan |
| Established | 2018 |
| Founders | Patrick Brown (American brewer) and Yuki (Japanese, wife) |
| Official Website | https://2ndstoryale.jp/ |
| @2ndsaw | |
| Operating Info | Instagram confirmation recommended over Google Maps information |
| Characteristics | Beers using Tokushima ingredients, Farmhouse Ales, refreshing finish, flavor evolution through aging |
| Awards | Farmhouse Citrus: 94 points from Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Farmhouse Germania: 87 points from Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine |
Access Information: 2nd Story Ale Works Location
Local Food Guide: Features of the Area and Nearby Restaurants
Tokushima City is known for its citrus fruits like sudachi and specialty products like Naruto Kintoki (sweet potatoes). Tokushima ramen is also a famous local dish. Enjoying local dishes made with Tokushima ingredients alongside 2nd Story Ale Works’ beers enhances the region’s appeal. I personally enjoy the ramen shop Chuka Soba Tamura https://tamura-men.com/. Nearby is also a liquor store, Sake House Morimoto, which carries Tokushima craft beers.
ルネちゃん
What foods pair well with these beers?
りほ
Tokushima ramen, with its light pork-soy sauce flavor, pairs perfectly with craft beer. Fresh local seafood and Awa Odori chicken (a local specialty) are also excellent with beer!
More Tokushima Craft Beer Information Here!
Japanese Craft Beer Journey
The author, who lived in Japan until 2024, shares records of travels exploring craft beer scenes throughout Japan. From Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south, visiting distinctive breweries across Japan. Reports on experiencing Japanese craft beer culture, from brewery-operated taprooms to regional beer pubs deeply rooted in their communities. Content exploring the appeal of Japanese craft beer—including seasonal limited brews, unique beers using local ingredients, and conversations with master brewers—is available from this tag page.
American Craft Beer Journey
The author, currently living in Seattle, shares records of travels exploring the craft beer scenes in America and Canada. Reports on brewery visits across North America, from popular breweries in Los Angeles to hidden gems in Portland and unique taprooms in Vancouver. Content exploring North American beer culture—including limited local beers and conversations with brewers—is available from this category page.
Reference Sources
This article was created with reference to the following information sources:
- Official Information
- Beer Review Information
- Expert Comments and Brewery Information
- Crowdfunding Page (featuring expert comments)
- Beer Tengoku – 2nd Story Ale Works Information
Summary: 2nd Story Ale Works – A Paradise of Refreshing Beers Using Tokushima Ingredients
2nd Story Ale Works is a brewery whose charm lies in its distinctive beers using Tokushima ingredients and deep beer-making that changes flavor with the seasons. The spacious taproom provides an environment where both beer enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts can enjoy together. The Farmhouse Ale series, in particular, has received high praise from experts, making this a must-visit destination for craft beer fans.
When visiting Tokushima, be sure to stop by 2nd Story Ale Works to experience exceptional craft beer while connecting with the local terroir. I hope you’ll share its excellence with many others.
ルネちゃん
How is it different from other breweries? What should beginners drink?
りほ
2nd Story Ale Works stands out for its refreshing beers using Tokushima ingredients. For beginners, saison styles like “Saint Yoshie Lemongrass” are recommended. Advanced beer lovers should absolutely buy Farmhouse Germania if they find it!
If you enjoyed this article, please hit the “Next Pint!” button!
It’s a craft beer lover’s way of saying “I’ve decided on my next drink!”
Frequently Asked Questions
| Q: Where can I purchase 2nd Story Ale Works beer? |
| A: You can drink directly at the taproom and also purchase bottled beer. In Tokushima City, liquor stores like Sake House Morimoto also carry their products. |
| Q: Can I visit with children? |
| A: Yes, the spacious environment was converted from a former kindergarten, and they offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, making it welcoming for families with children. |
| Q: Is a reservation required? |
| A: Reservations are typically not needed, but for large groups, contacting them in advance through Instagram is recommended. |
| Q: Do they serve drinks other than beer? |
| A: They offer non-alcoholic options, including freshly squeezed orange juice. |
| Q: What’s their most popular beer? |
| A: The Farmhouse series, especially Farmhouse Citrus and Farmhouse Germania, has received high ratings from beer publications. For beginners, saisons like Saint Yoshie Lemongrass are recommended. |
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