Here’s another one of those prefectural round ups that has so little in it that it almost seems like a waste of time writing it. Saga might not be on most people’s places to visit in Japan shortlist. I’ve been to Tosu city quite a few times for football games but there’s nowhere to drink there. There are however a couple of places in Saga city. So if you’re heading to Nagasaki from Fukuoka, or maybe if you’re going to the Hot Air Balloon museum, or even if you just have always fancied going to Saga city, we’ve got your covered. Well, sort of. There are two places I know of in which you can drink craft beer in Saga city although one of them didn’t open till after we were on the train back to Fukuoka. I’ll add some vague details about it below as you might not be leaving Saga city as early as we did. But it will remain as a question mark on the map as I can’t vouch for it myself. I guess there’s a chance that some day I might find some more Saga places and they’ll be added here if I do. But until then, this Saga prefecture round up will basically only include Saga city.
Gin & Craft Beer Give & Given
The place we made it too! They were open on a Sunday afternoon and it was very nice to get inside on a very hot and humid day. Small bar in what seemed to be Saga city’s nightlife district. Has been open quite a few years apparently. On a bright sunny day it was slightly weird to go into a pretty much windowless bar, but it was a fun and comfortable place to have some beers and a bit of food. They have two taps, but I think they are Tap Marche beers, so you could get quite unlucky. When we were there, one was Yo-Ho’s Ao Oni, which if we’re being picky and you know I normally am picky, isn’t a craft beer as they are owned by Kirin now. Along with the taps there is a fridge full on cans, some Japanese and some imported, in a decent range of styles. And as you might have guessed from the name, there are loads of different types of gin too. The food was good too, with the master knocking us up a very uniquely Japanese pizza. I have to say, it was a really fun place to visit. I like these kind of places a lot and in towns where they don’t have many options, you get quite a different experience in the pubs that are there. They don’t seem to update their Instagram much, but to be honest, if you’re in Saga and you want a craft beer, you don’t really have the luxury of choosing who has the most things you want to drink. Instead, why not surrender to chance and just enjoy the experience with whatever they have available.
Instagram
B-point
As I said above, we didn’t make it here as it opened too late. A quick look at their instagram makes it look like they focus on quite trendy modern style beers with plenty of imports. That’s about all I know.
Instagram
Kirin is buying any number of craft beer breweries worldwide. That being said, if this bar ever puts on Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, you need to order, have, and taste that beer.
It is not one of my favourites! But it has been voted as the best U.S.-brewed beer for the last few years before Larry Bell sold to Kirin (but did not utter he sold to Kirin). So, if it appears in Japan – which I anticipate occuring, please, have it.
Actually, I think we might have had this conversation before but thanks for the tip. I doubt it will turn up on Tap Marche systems though as they don’t have imports as far as I know. All US beer is served at premium prices, whether it is really craft or not really craft.