SanktGallen

SanktGallen's predecessor was a dim sum restaurant run by the father of representative Nobuhisa Iwamoto. Shocked by the aroma and flavor of craft beer encountered at a store in San Francisco, the question of "why doesn't Japan have beer like this?" became the origin of brewing, it is said. As small-scale beer brewing was not permitted in Japan at the time, the founder first obtained a brewing license in the United States and started by serving beer at local brewpubs.

Subsequently, in the flow of craft beer legalization in Japan, SanktGallen began full-scale domestic brewing and sales as the "original craft brewery." Receiving the name from the Sankt Gallen Abbey in Switzerland, the brewery progressed aiming to be a craft beer brand that works both in Japan and worldwide.

In 2003, the brewery set up its factory at the current Kaneda, Atsugi City location. In addition to standard beers like Golden Ale and Amber Ale, the brewery successively developed original lineups — fruit beers, chocolate beers, and barley wines. Winning numerous gold and top awards at beer competitions in Japan and abroad, it has become a presence drawing passionate support from craft beer fans.

In recent years, the brewery has developed many products with seasonality and storytelling — beers generously using Kanagawa-original citrus "Shonan Gold," Japanese pear, and peach, the "FRESH HOP IPA" timed with the hop harvest, and limited beers for the annual delivery club. From the Atsugi brewery, new beer ideas continue to be born daily.

"Original craft brewery" — a pioneer from before Japan's craft beer legalization

The name SanktGallen comes from the Sankt Gallen Abbey in Switzerland, said to be the first in the world to receive a brewing license. Before small-scale beer brewing was permitted in Japan, the founder acquired a license in the United States and started authentic craft brewing. That initiative is said to have been one of the catalysts for the legalization of craft beer in Japan — truly an "original craft brewery."

Ale beer consistency and a rich standard lineup

From its founding to today, SanktGallen has held up an "ale beer consistency" style. Diverse ale beers — including the crisp and refreshing "Golden Ale," the moderately rich "Amber Ale," the "Brown Porter" with the toastiness of roasted malt, and "YOKOHAMA XPA" letting you enjoy hop bitterness and aroma — have won numerous awards at competitions in Japan and abroad, beloved as craft beer representing Atsugi.

Playful limited beers including fruit beers and chocolate beer

Seasonal limited fruit beers are also synonymous with SanktGallen — including "SanktGallen Sakura" using cherry blossoms and leaves from Takato, Nagano, fruit beer made with whole Kanagawa-original "Shonan Gold" citrus, and "Apple Cinnamon Ale" expressing "drinkable apple pie" with apples and cinnamon. The brewery also offers many highly talked-about products — Imperial Chocolate Stout and Orange Chocolate Stout for Valentine's Day season, the one-sho-bottle-size "Gratitude Beer," and the barley wine "el Diablo."

From the Atsugi brewery, to all of Japan and the world

The brewery is in Kaneda, Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and beers made here are delivered to department stores, specialty shops, restaurants nationwide, and through the official online shop. Introduced by the Atsugi City Tourism Association as a "craft beer pioneer," the brewery actively participates in events, Oktoberfests, and beer fests. It also receives high recognition not only domestically but also at overseas beer competitions.

"SanktGallen TAP ROOM" — the directly managed shop in front of Hon-Atsugi Station

On the 1st floor of the commercial complex "Hon-Atsugi Mylord 2" — right at the north exit of Hon-Atsugi Station on the Odakyu Line — the brewery operates the directly managed beer bar "SanktGallen TAP ROOM." Up to 20 kinds of fresh beer delivered directly from the brewery are available on tap. From standards to seasonal limited and collaboration beers, paired with pizza and snacks that go with beer, you can experience the SanktGallen world on the spot.