The new airport hosts three bars offering a selection of domestic drinks, focusing on Kyushu, as well as international beverages. Two editorial staff members, Chase from the USA and Rose from Slovenia, both residents of Kumamoto, have been completely charmed by the taste of Kyushu’s liquor. They will introduce the features, allure, and atmosphere of each bar. Let’s embark on a world liquor tour together!
WITCH’S
BEER FLIGHT
Enjoy Craft Beers from Across Kyushu
The main store, “WITCH CRAFT MARKET” is a craft beer specialty store offering over 400 types of domestic and international beers. The airport branch, “WITCH’S BEER FLIGHT,” was opened by owner Akiko Tanoue to bring Kumamoto’s beer to the world. You can enjoy 7 types of local draft beers from Kyushu and over 15 types of canned beers. The name “WITCH CRAFT” is a play on words, “Which craft beer?” This time, Ms. Tanoue has carefully selected craft beers perfect for accompanying your journey at morning, noon, and night.
Owner Akiko Tanoue.
You can bring food from nearby shops to the counter seats!
Order and immediately enjoy “draft craft beer”!
Morning Recommendation
Uncharted
Uses pineapple, banana, Aso’s Jersey custard cream, and vanilla beans. “Its fruity sweetness is perfect for a refreshing early morning journey,” says Ms. Tanoue.
1,580 yen (tax included)
Noon Recommendation
White Pearl
A beer combining pesticide-free pearl citrus from Amakusa and hops in a perfect balance, offering a fruity taste with a sharp bitterness. “Pearl citrus has a unique fragrance and flavor, but it’s easy to drink and pairs well with any meal,” says Ms. Tanoue.
1,000 yen (tax included)
Evening Recommendation
WITCH’S FLIGHT
A limited edition original beer developed by Ms. Tanoue to commemorate the opening of the Kumamoto Airport store. “Opening the can releases aromas of orange, osmanthus, and hops from Ozu Town, Kumamoto. It lightly stimulates the throat and leaves a refreshing aroma that lingers,” says Ms. Tanoue.
930 yen (tax included)
COLLET
THE BAR
Where Kyushu’s Liquor is Gathered
Located within “COLLET Kyushu Okinawa,” a store handling souvenirs from Kyushu and Okinawa, “COLLET THE BAR” offers over 20 types of liquor and seasonal fruit cocktails. In the bright atmosphere of the store, you can taste drinks and snacks from all over Kyushu and Okinawa and also purchase them as souvenirs.
One of the attractions of “COLLET THE BAR” is the presence of bartenders knowledgeable about world liquor. Bartender Kouichiro Sumida has picked out Kumamoto’s gin and wine for us.
Bartender Sumida’s Recommendation #1
Bear’s Book
A craft gin developed with Mr. Sumida’s involvement. Using local ingredients like Shiranuhi citrus and Yuzu, it gives you the feeling of strolling through the forests of Kumamoto. “Gin’s characteristics and individuality are easily expressed through its production method. Thus, we created ‘Bear’s Book’ in collaboration with Takahashi Distillery, with the theme of ‘forest’,” says Mr. Sumida.
1 glass 1,100 yen (tax included)
Bartender Sumida’s Recommendation #2
Kikuka Chardonnay
A wine from Kikuka Winery, which in 2022 and 2023 was the only Japanese wine to receive an award at the French wine contest ‘Chardonnay du Monde.’ “Made with the finest grapes from Kumamoto Prefecture, its light vanilla-like taste and dry flavor make everyone want to embark on a journey,” says Mr. Sumida.
1 glass 1,210 yen (tax included)
Liquor Museum
Offering Whiskies and Brandies from Around the World
The bar has a collection of over 35 types of domestic and international whiskies and brandies. Additionally, there are more than 25 types of drinks including cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, allowing anyone to easily enjoy the bar atmosphere.
The bar has a romantic yet open atmosphere. You can also bring in food from nearby shops to enjoy with your drink.
We asked Kiyotaka Kobayashi, who instructs all bartenders at the “Liquor Museum” with 55 stores, for whiskey recommendations for different people.
Recommended for Gourmet Lovers
Aso Kumamoto Airport Original Blend
An airport store exclusive product made from whiskies produced in the 1980s and 1990s. “We developed it after much trial and error to enjoy the aroma and subtle sweetness without overpowering the taste of food,” says Mr. Kobayashi.
1 glass 700 yen (tax included)
Recommended for Whiskey Lovers
Hakki/Shozui
Original blend whiskies available only at the “Liquor Museum,” using sherry cask original spirits from Shiga and Nagahama. “Hakki is characterized by a long-lasting sweetness and smoky taste, while Shozui has a smoky yet fruity sweetness,” says Mr. Kobayashi.
Hakki 1 glass 2,200 yen (tax included)
Shozui 1 glass 1,400 yen (tax included)
