Hello~~~~!!! Is everyone drinking~~!?!?

Nothing beats an ice-cold beer on hot days, does it?      

And then there’s the delicious, fresh spring water in abundance. Can you imagine the beverage that makes the most of their advantages?  

…and it’s right here!!

Water in Kumamoto is Recognized by Suntory!

This time, I visited Suntory Kyushu Kumamoto Plant in Kashima town, reaching their remarkable milestone of 20 years in 2023.

Suntory Holdings, ranked 6th in Fortune Magazine’s “The 2020 World’s Most Admired Companies” in the Beverage & Alcohol Industry sector, operates this factory. Here, not only can you tour the factory but also taste freshly brewed beer. But this is not all!! Actually, this plant produces not only beer but also some soft drinks, of course utilizing the water      from Aso, and you can drink their soft drinks too! Meaning, even non-drinkers and designated drivers can enjoy a variety of tastings.

 The factory has very high standards for accessibility, including nursing rooms and benches. The wide corridors and elevators make it accessible for those in wheelchairs and parents with strollers.

During the tour, visitors have the opportunity to listen to talks about not only beer but also the spring water in Kumamoto, so both adults and children can have a great time learning about the beer production process and Kumamoto’s vast natural spring water Many people, including families spanning three generations, were present. Even though I attended without my friends, it seems that it is not unusual for some individuals just drop in solo after spotting the sign by chance..      

The temperature indoors is quite pleasant, and listen to this: you can join the tour for free! 

Now, it’s about time to start the tour! Many people are gathering in the entrance hall since the meeting time is almost coming. At first, the tour guide explains some points that we must be careful about and leads the participants to the plant adventure… BUT!!!

Since we would spoil the tour, we can’t tell you what we saw on the tour, so please enjoy just Ito’s facial expressions and impressions, then imagine what an interesting and great time he had during the tour!! 

It has a spicy aroma!

Amazing!!

What a large brewing room!

The thing rotating like a washing machine is the filling machine.

Look!! The goods that I see almost every day are whizzing by on the production line! I was completely blown away at this point, so remember this part if you join this tour!

In fact, the Suntory’s beer brewery plant in Kashima      Town produces not only beer but also Chūhai and soft drinks! Chūhai is a mixed Japanese drink with fairly low alcohol content. 

 To brew delicious beer, you need delicious water.      It seems like they chose water from Kumamoto because Kumamoto is known for having excellent quality and abundant water compared to other sources in Japan. Moreover, it was chosen for importantly, its sustainability for future use

 Suntory acknowledges the water in Kumamoto…!!!

The Long-Awaited Tasting Time!!

After the informative tour, it’s time for tasting!! 

The offering of soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages is on the left and the offering of beer is on the right.

You can enjoy three versions of “THE PREMIUM MALT’S”, one of the most famous beers made by Suntory.

You can have as much soft drink as you want! But remember, moderation is key! Enjoy according to your health.

Both adults and children can get some snacks if they wait in line nicely.

Look! What a foamy beer! Its foam is called “Kami-awa (Divine Foam)”.

Wow… You can tell it’s going to be amazing even before you drink it.

Now, let’s give it a shot~!

Wait…

“This PREMIUM MALT’S is different from what I know!! It tastes completely different from the cans!!!”

Astonished at the good taste of the beer, he was really passionate to convey the deliciousness of it, but actually not only he but also other people responded in the same way and were filled with joy and happiness.

 This really is the best part of a factory tour, isn’t it! Experiencing the best taste right then and there, and getting to share the joy of that deliciousness with everyone.

Soooo Delicious~~~~!!!!

And after that…

I drank one after another and…

I savored the difference of the taste or foamy, then…

 and this is the conclusion we reached. 

 “It’s absolutely fantastic!!!!”

By the way, those who are old enough to drink but don’t drink can enjoy non-alcoholic beer!! It is also made from the natural spring water!  No wonder it tastes great!

Don’t Miss out the Great Souvenirs Available Only Here!

 After finishing the tasting in high spirits, I headed for the souvenir shop. 

 Besides the three products we tried, there are also limited-time, limited-quantity Autumn Amber Ale assortments

a beer server, which can produce Kamiawa, and…

the set of “natchan” glasses!! (“Natchan” is one of the most famous orange juice products in Japan.) However, let me show you the original products of the Kumamoto plant.

First of all, their original T-shirt which is simple and everyday-use factory-exclusive T-shirts!!

And the next one is this glasses!! Can you see the line on the glass? That line works out as the standard on how much you should pour beer into the glass. Check out whether the bottom of the foam layer has reached the line or not!!

Sustained by Nature and Water

Whether it’s scorching or freezing outside, beer always hits the spot with its delicious taste, right? In fact, the water accounts for about 90% of beer, so the fresh and good-tasting water is indispensable for making delicious beer!!     

 Suntory’s commitment to quality led them to choose Kumamoto’s water, renowned for its purity and abundance. But they don’t just take; they give back. Through the “Suntory Natural Water Forest Initiative,” they ensure over twice the water they use is replenished in nature, truly embodying a lifestyle in harmony with water. It’s what they call being WaterPositive. Every sip of beer here is a reminder of the precious water of Kumamoto, making this factory tour an eye-opener to the wonders of nature’s gifts.

Hey!! They offered us the reader presents!! 

When you join their tour, tell them “I read the Higo-Journal article about the beer brewery tour!!”, then they will present you a “The Premium Malt’s” beer glass! Try Suntory’s delicious beer or soft drinks with this glass! (A maximum of four individuals per group are eligible to receive the glass; those who are below the age of 20 will be given a file folder as a complimentary present.) To reserve the tour, visit the following website or call the Suntory Factory directly.

Link: https://www.suntory.co.jp/factory/kyushu-kumamoto/ 

Inquiries or Reservations: 096-237-3860 (Available Hours: 9:30-17:00)

*The drinking of alcohol by persons under 20 years of age is prohibited by law. It is mandatory to be at least 20 years old in order to partake in the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Suntory Beer Factory in Kashima Town