When it comes to beer, it is said that there are 100 types of beer in the world and most of the time, it’s divided into “ale” or “lager” beer.
The differences between the two is on the temperature they are fermented. And this is important because of chemical reactions and how yeast reacts to the temperature change. (Note: You can read a much better explanation of lager beer vs. ale beer here)
Lager beer is beer fermented at a low temperature using lager yeast (bottom fermentation via saccharomyces uvarum). 99% of the beer drunk in Japan is lager beer.
As for Ale beer, it’s fermented at room temperature using yeast (top fermentation) and has a longer history and tradition than lager beer. Ale yeast is good for producing a good aroma and taste and one can produced a beer with a fruity aroma and richer, hoppy taste than lager beer.
And for those who want something different than Lager Beer, good news is that Yona Yona Beer Works offers Ale Beer and also craft beer. And the beer comes directly from Saku City in Nagano Prefecture.
The craft beer at Yona Yona Beer Works is sold via small (Y450), regular (Y680) or by pint (Y900). Sold are Yona Yona Ale (an American Pale Ale -ALC5.5%), this is the flagship beer for the company is recommended; Indo no Aooni (an India Pale Ale – ALC7%) and great for those who love bitter beer; Suiyobi no Neko which means Wednesday Cat (a Belgian White beer – ALC5%) which is a slightly bitter beer; Tokyo Black (a Robust Porter – ALC5%), Yona Yona Real Ale (an American Pale Ale – ALC5.5%) which is said to be made at a higher temperature than the normal Yona Yona Ale but it is a rich, fragrant beer; Sunsun (A Golden Ale – ALC5%) which is a good golden, wheat-based ale and Hare no Hi Sennin (a Barley Wine – ALC8-10%) and I didn’t drink this, while I was there, because of its high alcohol content.
And now one can enjoy Yona Yona Beer Works at Aoyama, Akasaka, Kanda, Kichijoji, Shinjuku East Exit and Ebisu Higashiguchi.
In addition, they believe pairing the beer with the right food is a major plus, that’s why you can get a roast chicken (you can order it via quarter, half or full), which comes in original or spicy (the chicken comes from Date, Fukushima). The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside.
Their other big item on the menu is their original sausage made with herbs and spices (you can get 1 piece, 3 pieces or 5 pieces).
But let’s say you are not in the mood for any of these, they offer a “Beer Friendly” menu such as Icefish and chees frit, roast pork with Tokyo black sauce, beer steamed mussels or tartar of pineapple & salmon.
“One Bite” which includes assorted ham and salami, assorted cheese, french fries with seaweed & consomme, dumpling with coriander or gizzard & mushroom ajillo.
For those who want greens, there is Green salad with grilled mushroom, coriander & spinach salad, fresh vegetable dip, anchovy cucumber or grilled asparagus & baked lemon.
For those who want pasta, the “Carbo” menu includes Yona Yona ramen, baked spicy curry with egg or ketchup spaghetti.
And for dessert, there is beer tiramisu, Tokyo Black Beer pudding, french toast or malt ice cream (vanilla or chocolate).
The Yona Yona Beer Works that I went to was in Aoyama and it opened at 4:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on weekends. But I recommend going in the afternoon, I went around 5:00 p.m. and it was less crowded but by 6:00 p.m., the place started to get packed.
The atmosphere is good, the place was clean and customer service was also solid.
Overall, a pleasant experience and would definitely visit Yona Yona Beer Works again (and this time, will take more photos)!
