whisky shop in Fukuoka

If you are looking for stores selling Japanese whiskey in Fukuoka, it is available at JOYLAB Fukuoka Tenjin store.

Please inquire in advance about availability before coming to the store if you want to make sure of these.

There is translation tool available at the store, so don’t worry if you don’t speak Japanese.

We look forward to seeing you at our stores.

JOYLAB Fukuoka Tenjin store

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Five types of alcohol that you should try in Fukuoka

Here are five types of alcohol that you should try when drinking in Fukuoka.

1. Hakata Motsunabe Sake Pairing

Motsunabe, a Fukuoka specialty stew made with offal and vegetables in a miso or soy sauce-based broth, is perfectly complemented by sake. In Fukuoka, local breweries produce sake that pairs wonderfully with this hearty dish, enhancing its flavors and warming the soul. Look for sake with a robust umami profile and slightly higher acidity to cut through the richness of the motsunabe. Enjoying this pairing in an izakaya in Fukuoka offers a quintessential local dining experience, combining the warmth of the stew with the smooth, rice-derived liquor.

2. Yame Tea-infused Shochu

The Yame region in Fukuoka is famed for its high-quality green tea, and some innovative distilleries have begun infusing this local tea with shochu, a traditional Japanese spirit. The result is a unique beverage that marries the earthy depth of green tea with the clear, potent kick of shochu. This tea-infused shochu can be enjoyed on the rocks, with water, or as part of a cocktail, offering a refreshing and distinctly Fukuoka twist on traditional Japanese alcohol. Sampling this drink provides insight into the region’s craftsmanship and its ability to innovate within its rich culinary traditions.

3. Hakata Umeshu (Plum Wine)

Umeshu, or plum wine, is a sweet and fragrant liquor enjoyed throughout Japan, but Fukuoka’s version often incorporates plums from the local region, resulting in a drink with a deeper, more nuanced flavor profile. Hakata umeshu is characterized by its balance of sweetness and acidity, making it a delightful aperitif or dessert drink. Enjoying umeshu on the rocks or mixed with soda in a Fukuoka bar offers a taste of the local fruit harvest and the skillful preservation methods that have been passed down through generations.

4. Fukuoka Craft Beer

The craft beer movement has taken Fukuoka by storm, with numerous microbreweries popping up across the city, each offering bold and innovative brews. From rich stouts and hoppy IPAs to beers infused with local ingredients like yuzu or matcha, Fukuoka’s craft beer scene is a testament to the city’s creative energy and its embrace of global trends. Visiting a craft beer bar in Fukuoka, such as Craft Beer Base, allows beer enthusiasts to explore a wide range of styles and flavors, showcasing the diversity and quality of locally produced beer.

5. Amabuki Sunflower Yeast Sake

Amabuki Brewery, located in the neighboring Saga Prefecture but widely available in Fukuoka, is renowned for its innovative use of flower yeasts in sake production, including yeast derived from sunflowers. This unique approach results in sake with distinctive floral notes and a smooth, elegant taste. Amabuki’s sunflower yeast sake represents the fusion of traditional sake brewing techniques with modern, experimental flavors. Tasting this sake offers a glimpse into the future of Japanese sake, where tradition meets innovation.

These five alcoholic beverages – from the traditional pairing of sake with local dishes like motsunabe, to the innovative flavors of tea-infused shochu, sweet umeshu, craft beer, and floral sake – offer a rich sampling of Fukuoka’s drinking culture. Each drink not only provides a window into the region’s culinary heritage but also reflects the city’s dynamic and evolving gastronomic landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply looking to explore Japanese alcohol, Fukuoka’s diverse selection promises an enriching and delightful tasting experience.