In Asakusa there is the golden Asahi Beer headquarters shaped like a beer mug, and right next to it is an izakaya-slash-restaurant run by Asahi Beer. I had heard many times that the beer tastes amazing there since it is run directly by Asahi, but living close by, somehow I never got around to going. This time I deliberately made time for it.
The sign
It reads Shushi Azumabashi. Roughly “Tavern Azumabashi” in English.
The brewing equipment inside
They actually brew beer right inside the building. The equipment is not just decoration; they use it to produce their local craft beer. Looking at the bill afterwards, it seemed the production department of an Asahi Beer group company handles the brewing directly.
Asahi Super Dry draft beer 634
A 634 ml mug commemorating the opening of Tokyo Skytree. The foam was incredibly smooth and the first sip really had an impact. Glad I came. It is not in the photo, but they also have a Super Dry stored below zero degrees, called Glacier Super Dry, and that one had none of the roughness of regular Super Dry and even finer foam bubbles. For guys, though, I think the regular Super Dry might be the better choice.
Otoshi
A fried tofu dish, generously portioned and great with beer.
Three-kind appetizer plate
Duck, celery pickles and eggplant terrine. Fun little snacks, and all of them taste good. Since a beer company runs the place, you get to try snacks optimized for beer.
Daisen chicken karaage
I suddenly craved chicken and beer, so I ordered it, and wondered if this is what true chimaek (chicken plus beer) is. The salty fried chicken goes so well with beer. A bit of a shame there was no pickled radish, though.
Weizen
I also ordered a glass of the local beer they brew here, and it had a rich fruity aroma. It went down so easily. Besides the Weizen they sell two more kinds of beer, so next time I should try the others.
Brewing days
They brew a new batch roughly every Tuesday and Thursday. Being able to taste freshly brewed beer at a beer hall right in front of your house.. Asakusa really is an amazing neighborhood.