Located at the famous Commune 2nd is BEER BRAIN, one of the popular locations for people interested in quality craft beer.
What started out as a conversation between close friends (known as the Tokyo Beer Boyz), about wanting to drink quality craft beer anywhere they wanted to, plans for a small mobile beer bar began.
The friends (which consists of an architect, a carpenter, a blacksmith, a designer for an advertising agency and a chief editor of a craft beer magazine) talked about a mobile tap shed which they call a “tiny house” that can travel anywhere and BEER BRAIN was born.
BEER BRAIN offers four kinds of Japanese and overseas craft beers and they rotate beers, sticking to only their favorites.
And as for their mobile bar, they wanted to do something different by using exterior materials for the interior of BEER BRAIN and interior materials to be used on the outside.
Image source: http://commune2nd.com/beer-brain.html
Image source: http://commune2nd.com/beer-brain.html
The craft beer is served in plastic cups. You have a choice of small at Y600 and regular at Y900 and because they are craft beer connoisseurs, you can expect only the best and if it’s not the best, they will rotate it out with another craft beer.
Part of the cool thing about Commune 2nd is the fact you can drink your beer inside or outside under a tent (there are heaters turned on during the cold weather season)
At the time I was there, they were serving Revolution Brewing’s Mosaic Hero, an IPA (India Pale Ale), a bright golden color beer. A bit bitter with citrus, caramel, toasted malt. This was #1.
At #2, it was Funkwerks Apricot Provincial, a Belgian-style sour/wild ale that is hazy gold with light head. You can smell the fruity apricot smell. Great for those who like their beer a bit sour.
At #3, it was Swan Lake’s Amber Swan Ale. A Japanese made amber ale that is orange/reddish in color which you can smell the caramel malt, pine and resin. A sweeter beer but very good!
Swan Lake is a well-known, award-winning craft beer from Niigata and for those living in Japan, they can purchase a 2018 Spring Thank You Craft Beer Set from Rakuten featuring ten bottles.
At #4, the Minami Shinsyu Apple Hop beer with a nice hazy gold color with a little off-white head. Smells like apples, actually green apples would be the best description with a malt taste and sweet light dryness. But overall, refreshing.
Speaking of Minami Shinsyu, I read the restaurant at Komagane Farms is pretty awesome. And the selections of what’s on the menu and of course, the beer offered is pretty cool!
At #5, the Daisen G Beer Weizen is a Japanese made, German Hefeweizen type of beer. Pale yellow, a hint of citrus and banana, spice and wheat. A smooth craft beer that’s quite solid.
Daisen G Beer Weizen won the 11th WBA World Beer Awards for “World’s Best Wheat Beer Grain-Only” back in 2011.
And this was back in December when I was there, so obviously the offerings more than likely have changed since then.
But if you happen to be in the area near Omotesando and Minamiaoyama, definitely give BEER BRAIN a try!
