Until recently Oita was a bit of a craft beer desert. Abe Bond seemed to be the only craft beer bar and other than that there was only maybe Monkey Mountain which was basically a counter where you can buy bottles to takeaway. But there are a few new places now. Well one is new and one is new to me and maybe newly beery. Not sure. Think it’s probably only Oita city where there is anything to visit. Anyway, here’s what they have now.
Oita-shi
Abe Bond
The interestingly named taproom of the Yell&Ale brewery. Pretty small place fairly close to the station. It’s been a while since I’ve been there but I think they had around 10 taps which were about 60% their own beers and the others Japanese craft guests. Their beers have a distinctive element to them which might not be to everyone’s taste. If you like your beers bitter, maybe this is the place for you.
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Daily Beer Gold Pond
New kid on the block. A tiny standing bar / bottle shop very close to the station. Specialises in popular styles and imported beers. Expect plenty of IPAs, many of them hazy and lots of beers from the US. Also had imports from lots of other countries too and some from the more high end Japanese craft breweries. They had one tap on when we visited too. Nice staff member who was happy to chat about a variety of things. Will definitely visit again when we go back to Oita.
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Monkey Mountain
Has been a while since we went here too. Very small brewery with a counter and fridge at the front where you can buy beers to take away. When we visited a few years ago I don’t think there was any option to
drink on site. But it’s a local brewery so you should give them a go in your hotel room I guess.
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Tasaki Liquor Store
Slightly old fashioned booze shop but now with lots of craft beer including some stuff from Kyushu. Whereas Daily Beer Gold Pond focuses more on the imports, Tasaki covers the domestic stuff. There are some imports too though. Drinking there is ok too, either in the shop at a couple of tables or outside on the pavement at some tables. Daytime opening unlike some other places in Oita. Can’t find any online presence for them so you’ll have to trust me.