Bakushudo Kasugai – Kunitachi Brewery Taproom Review

We introduce the directly operated store “Bakushudo Kasugai” of the craft beer brewery “Kunitachi Brewery” located in Kunitachi. The brewery and restaurant are in separate locations, but this is a wonderful spot where you can enjoy fresh beer. Especially the low-alcohol beers are exquisite, and the regular “1926” Kölsch is a gem that makes you want to drink multiple pints!

What You’ll Learn from This Article

Bakushudo Kasugai Basic Information

※Hours and closing days may change. Please check the official website for the latest information.

About KUNITACHI BREWERY

This is a brewery affiliated with the liquor store “Sekiya” in Kunitachi City. A brewer from the brewery “AOI BREWING” in Shizuoka City serves as the head brewer, and they released their 1st batch “1926 (Kölsch)” in December 2020.

The official website provides detailed information about the brewery’s history and brewers. For more detailed information, please visit here.

https://kunitachibrewery.com/

https://kunimachi.jp/spot/kunitachibrewery/

Official Social Media

Twitter: @KUNIBURU
Instagram: @kunitachi_brewery

Craft Beers to Enjoy at Bakushudo Kasugai

At Kasugai, you can always enjoy about 9 types of Kunitachi Brewery beers and several guest beers. The tap list is frequently updated and can also be checked on their official Twitter. They also offer a 4-beer tasting flight, so first-time visitors can try many varieties.

1926 – Classic Kölsch Style

Kunitachi Brewery’s flagship beer “1926” is truly an ideal Kölsch style. It goes down incredibly smoothly, with a comforting quality that seems to permeate the body. After finishing a pint, the perfection is such that you’ll want another. As someone who was previously a Helles fan, this beer is so appealing that it’s making me consider converting to being a Kölsch fan.

1926 Kölsch Flavor Profile

The World Flickers Like a Mosaic Pattern – A Low-Alcohol Masterpiece

【Beginner’s Guide: Mosaic Hops】

Mosaic hops are relatively new American hops that began commercial use in 2012. They’re characterized by tropical aromas of mango, pineapple, and citrus fruits, and are commonly used in modern craft beer, especially IPA styles. As the name suggests, they have a complex flavor profile where multiple aromas combine like a “mosaic painting.”

Low-alcohol beers often tend to have unsatisfying flavors, but this beer offers remarkably rich taste despite being only 3.5%. The characteristic fruitiness of Mosaic hops is fully expressed, keeping you engaged until the last sip. Being low in alcohol, you can easily order a pint and enjoy a second glass without guilt, which is its appeal.

Grain Drop – Encountering Unusual Styles

【Beginner’s Guide: Kornøl】

Kornøl is a traditional farmhouse beer style originating from Norway. It typically uses homemade malt and traditional yeast “kveik,” with juniper berries added for distinctive flavor. It’s relatively rare in the modern craft beer scene and is gaining attention as part of the revival of traditional beer styles. Examples of brewing in Japan are extremely limited.

This beer is a modern take on the traditional Norwegian Kornøl style. The distinctive flavor from added juniper berries (used in gin) is so fruity and complex that you might mistake it for containing actual fruit. You can enjoy a unique taste that can’t be simply compared to other beers you’ve had before. It’s a glass that demonstrates the depth of craft beer.

Detailed explanations can also be found on the official website.
https://kunitachibrewery.com/kuniburu-beer/individual-orchestra-5/

Raw Ale – Kunitachi Brewery’s Specialty

【Beginner’s Guide: Raw Ale】

Raw Ale refers to beer where the boiling process is omitted or minimized during brewing. In normal beer brewing, the wort is boiled for 60-90 minutes, but Raw Ale skips this step. This traditional method originates from the Scandinavian Peninsula and is a rare brewing method in the modern craft beer scene. By not boiling, the original flavors and enzymes of the grains remain, creating a distinctive taste profile.

Kunitachi Brewery can be said to be one of the breweries most exploring Raw Ale in Japan. While beers using wheat or oats typically create a gentle mouthfeel, Raw Ale similarly achieves smooth texture while adding characteristic nutty nuances for deep, complex flavors.

The brewery regularly brews Raw Ale as their “NAKED TRADITION series,” providing innovative beers that add modern arrangements to traditional Norwegian methods. Furthermore, they actively collaborate with other breweries, with experimental Raw Ales like farmhouse ales with 2ndStoryAleWorks and hazy beers with Nomcraft spanning different genres.

If you see Raw Ale on tap at the taproom, definitely try it. You should be able to experience distinctive flavors that set it apart from regular beer. It’s especially recommended for those who want to feel the character of malts or challenge themselves with new types of beer.

Enjoying Diverse Flavors with Beer Flights

Kasugai also offers beer flights where you can compare 4 different types. With larger servings per glass than typical flights (185ml), you can leisurely enjoy the changing flavors. It’s perfect for comparing differences in hops or brewing methods.

Kasugai’s Food Menu

The food menu that pairs well with beer is also extensive. Particularly recommended is the garlic shrimp, where plump shrimp and garlic flavors enhance the beer’s taste. Other options include crispy fried chicken breast and large fish fritters, offering everything from snacks to full meals.

🍺 Recommended Craft Beer Purchase Guide

For those who want to enjoy Kunitachi Brewery’s beers at home, or those interested in Kölsch style and low-alcohol beers, here are some related products.

Nearby Information – Beer Hopping in Kunitachi Area

Kasugai is located 25 minutes on foot from Yaho Station on the Nambu Line. While it’s a bit of a walk, we recommend leisurely enjoying Kunitachi’s streetscape on the way.

A 12-minute walk from Kasugai brings you to “Beer cafe Mugi to Neko.” This lovely beer bar offers carefully selected beers from microbreweries nationwide and has an extremely extensive food menu. The pasta is particularly excellent and pairs wonderfully with beer. When visiting the Kunitachi area, definitely try touring both establishments.

Kunitachi Area Beer Hopping Model Course

Japanese Brewery Tours

The author, who lived in Japan until 2024, has published records of traveling Japan’s craft beer scene nationwide. From the north in Hokkaido to the south in Kyushu, visiting breweries with unique personalities across Japan. From brewery-direct taprooms to beer pubs rooted in local communities, sharing reports on experiencing Japan’s craft beer culture. Content that delves deep into the appeal of Japanese craft beer, including seasonal limited brews, unique beers using local ingredients, and dialogues with toji (master brewers), can be viewed from this tag page.

https://rihobeer.com/tag/japan-ja/

American Craft Beer Exploration Records

The author, currently residing in Seattle, has published records of traveling the craft beer scenes of America and Canada. From popular breweries in Los Angeles to hidden gems in Portland, and unique taprooms in Vancouver, sharing brewery visit reports from across North America. Content that delves deep into North American beer culture, including limited beers only available locally and dialogues with brewers, can be viewed from this category page.

https://rihobeer.com/category/beer/brewpub/usa

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Order at KUNITACHI BREWERY

At Bakushudo Kasugai, you order restaurant-style. For first-timers or those unsure about menu names, please refer to the following procedure.

Saying things like “Please recommend a low-alcohol fruity beer” or “I’d like a beer that’s not bitter” will get you appropriate recommendations. The staff is friendly, so feel free to ask questions or consult them.

Summary – The Appeal of Kunitachi Brewery and Kasugai

Kunitachi Brewery’s directly managed store “Bakushudo Kasugai” is a hidden gem in Kunitachi where you can enjoy low-alcohol beers and unusual style beers. The signature “1926” Kölsch has such high quality that any beer lover can recommend it. Since the tap list changes frequently, there are always new discoveries with each visit.

When visiting the Kunitachi area, definitely stop by. You should be able to enjoy a special craft beer experience with carefully brewed fresh beer and food menu that pairs well.

Please also check out our other brewpub tour records!

https://rihobeer.com/category/beer/brewpub/

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