Summer is the season when you crave ice-cold drinks. For the author, when it comes to summer drinks, beer comes to mind.
In July 2024, during a series of scorching hot days, the craft beer festival "Craft Beer Glass" was held at Kurashiki Mirai Park. Nine breweries from both inside and outside the prefecture gathered for this event, where attendees could enjoy a variety of unique craft beers.
Attracted by this perfect summer beer event, I invited some friends and decided to check it out.
Here’s an introduction to the Craft Beer Glass event, featuring a wide variety of craft beers and high-quality snacks.
What is "Craft Beer Glass"?
"Craft Beer Glass" is a craft beer event that took place on July 27 (Saturday) and 28 (Sunday), 2024.
Nine unique breweries from both inside and outside the prefecture participated, allowing attendees to enjoy carefully crafted beers while feeling the summer evening breeze.
Many of the breweries from outside the prefecture were from the Kansai and Kinki regions, making it a delightful opportunity for beer lovers to taste craft beers that are rarely available outside their home areas.
Here are the breweries that participated:
- Kibi Doteshita Beer (Okayama)
- Kawazu Brewing (Okayama)
- Mabi Bamboo Grove Beer (Okayama)
- Milestone Brewing (Hyogo)
- Izushi Castle Mountain Beer (Hyogo)
- Hanaten Brewery Holiday Beer (Osaka)
- Sentō Brewing Kamigata Beer (Osaka)
- Good Wolf Beer (Nara)
- Bluewood Brewery (Wakayama)
The food stalls were also diverse, offering a wide range from Japanese and Western snacks to ethnic foods and sweets. Whether you want to "share various snacks while drinking beer" or "have a hearty meal," there seemed to be something for everyone.
Check the image below for the food stalls that participated.
On both the 27th (Saturday) and 28th (Sunday), there were also limited-time stalls available each day.
The main venue was Kurashiki Mirai Park, adjacent to Ario Kurashiki. It was held in a place where people could casually drop by after shopping at Ario Kurashiki or MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki.
The Craft Beer Glass event was bustling with many people until the end. Here’s a look at the atmosphere on the day of the event.
The atmosphere on the day of the event
On July 28 (Sunday), since it was a scorching hot day, I headed to the venue in the evening when the temperature seemed to cool down a bit.
Many people had already arrived, including families who seemed to be coming from shopping. Excited by the rows of stalls, I began to choose what to order.
Sharing snacks and sipping craft beer
First, I looked for craft beer to quench my dry throat.
What caught my attention as I passed by was "Hanaten Brewery Holiday Beer" from Osaka. Not knowing how to read it, my friend from Osaka who was with me said, "Hanaten is read as 'Hanaten'."
Attracted by the unique ingredients like plum and lemongrass, I decided to buy my first cup from Hanaten Brewery.
Curious about all the flavors, I bought a set of four different beers for tasting. The craft beers served had fine bubbles, and just looking at them made them look delicious.
I met up with friends who had bought beer from another brewery, and unable to resist, we toasted on the side of the road.
The craft beer I ordered from Hanaten Brewery had a unique flavor while still being easy to drink, and all four varieties were new to me. I particularly enjoyed the "Hana Ten Ale," which is made with three types of herbs: star anise, lemongrass, and rose red, offering a delightful floral aroma.
It was also fun to exchange beers with my friends and taste each other's selections.
Next, I looked for snacks. Drawn by a delicious aroma, I stopped at "Ihori Cafe" for their oven-baked pizza.
The pizza oven was shaped like a familiar character, and it seemed like it would bake delicious pizzas. Thinking that pizza would be easy to share, I ordered a Margherita.
A few minutes after placing my order, I received the freshly baked Margherita and hurried to a table to eat it while it was hot.
There were tables and chairs set up all around the venue, so I had no trouble finding a place to eat. There was even a space where small children could play with water, making it a comfortable environment for parents to enjoy their meals while keeping an eye on their kids.
The snacks my friends bought were also laid out on the table, and we toasted for the second time.
First, I tried the Margherita while it was still warm. The thin and light pizza crust was easy to eat, and the acidity of the tomatoes paired perfectly with the melting cheese and beer.
The Yangnyeom Chicken (sweet and spicy fried chicken) from "Korean Street NOWA" had a crispy coating and an irresistible sweet and spicy sauce. The flavorful chicken paired excellently with the strong craft beer.
The two types of herb sausages from 'FLAGO' were served hot. It's a delight to be able to enjoy authentic sausages outdoors, something special to the event. The sausages were delicious, even down to the juices.
All the snacks were substantial, making them just right for sharing. I was glad I came with multiple people.
Refilling Craft Beer While Enjoying the Night Breeze
With delicious beer and food, the conversation flowed, and before I knew it, the sky had darkened. As night fell, more people began to arrive, and the venue became even livelier.
For my beer refill, I decided to buy from 'Kamigata Brewery', which I had been curious about from the vendor list. The shop's exterior has a retro feel, reminding me of a bathhouse's reception area.
While being watched over by a rubber duck toy, I received my order of 'Wood-Fired Brown'. This beer, made with smoked malt, has a rich flavor and is quite satisfying to drink.
As the name 'Kamigata Brewery' suggests, it seems that Kamigata Beer is made at a brewery renovated from a former bathhouse site. Knowing the background of the brewery adds to its character and makes the taste even richer.
To pair with the beer, my friend bought 'Onomichi Shrimp Bread'. The shrimp paste is placed on thick-cut baguette. I usually have few opportunities to enjoy bread as a snack, but the rich flavor and aroma made the beer go down smoothly.
While enjoying the beer and snacks in conversation with my friend, the time for the event to end approached quickly.
I regret not being able to try some craft beers this time, but I hope to encounter them again at another event in Kurashiki.
Conclusion
The Craft Beer Glass event was held until 9 PM, and the liveliness continued until the end, indicating the popularity of craft beer events.
With so many vendors, there were many things I was curious about but couldn't try, and I hope to reunite with them at other events in the city someday.
Although this was a beer event, I was surprised by how many children were present. I thought it was a unique charm of events held at commercial facilities that families can enjoy after shopping.
Kurashiki Mirai Park and the outdoor event space at Ario Kurashiki regularly host food and drink events. They have an appeal that makes it easy to drop by while shopping, so please check the event information and come visit.
Craft Beer Glass Data
| Name | Craft Beer Glass |
|---|---|
| Date | July 28, 2024 (Sunday) From 3 PM to 9 PM |
| Location | 12-1 Kotobuki-cho, Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free to participate Beer and food costs are separate |
