MUSÉE DE LA BIÈRE DE SAPPORO

The history of Sapporo beer has a very special yet little-known flavour. The development of this brand is closely linked to that of the island of Hokkaido. The starting point of the production of this beverage on Japanese soil is due to one man: Nakagawa Seibei. An adventurer of his time, Nakagawa-san left Japan at the age of 17 for Europe. During a long stay in Germany, he was taught the craft brewing techniques that were essential for beer production. Back in Japan in 1876, in Sapporo, Nakagawa-san became the country's first master brewer. The choice of the city of Sapporo was absolutely not a coincidence. The island of Hokkaido had many jokers for brewing beer. Sapporo's environment was of high quality and provided perfect conditions: beautiful mountain water, a mild climate in summer and cold in winter, and fertile soil. As much as Germany was an ally of choice for brewing techniques, the Americans brought their in-depth knowledge of agriculture, especially hop growing. Importing was considered, but the overall idea was to become as self-sufficient as possible and to produce locally. Hokkaiko started its own barley cultivation in 1871 and hops in 1872. Thus, in 1876, the first brewery in Japan was established under the name of Sapporo. And in June 1877, the very first beer in Japan was produced. The first turbulence was caused by the ownership of Sapporo beer. At the time of its official launch, the brand belonged to the Japanese government, which had undertaken this great development programme for Hokkaido. In 1886, it was the island's government's turn to obtain the rights to the brand. Barely a year later, it was sold to three Japanese businessmen who turned it into a private company. The success was immediate and a second factory opened in the Japanese capital in 1890. In 1964, the brand founded the entity we know today: Sapporo Beer Company. The history of this beer can be found at the Sapporo Beer Museum in the heart of the eponymous city. A visit to this place is highly recommended to learn more about this beer, this brand and the chronicles of this beverage in Japan. You will be able to taste some of the beers brewed only in the museum, in the old red brick premises.