Baladin Kioke Beer: A Fusion of Italian Craft and Japanese Tradition at Izakaya Juraku

Baladin Kioke Beer is a genuine collaboration: Italy's Baladin Brewery aging beer in the wooden barrels Japan has used for centuries to ferment soy sauce and sake.

The Story Behind Baladin Kioke Beer

Baladin Brewery, founded by Teo Musso in 1996, has built its reputation on experimenting outside the usual craft beer playbook. For this one, they partnered with Shodoshima's Yamaroku Shoyu, a traditional Japanese soy sauce producer, and aged the beer in kioke barrels, the large wooden barrels used for fermenting soy sauce and sake.

Kioke fermentation is an ancient Japanese technique that imparts distinct character through the microorganisms that live in the wood itself. The result is deep umami, gentle wood notes, and a naturally complex flavor profile.

Baladin Kioke Beer's Unique Flavor Profile

• Style: barrel-aged specialty ale
• Aroma: subtle notes of oak, vanilla, and fermented soy
• Flavor: a balanced blend of malty sweetness, umami depth, and a touch of acidity
• Mouthfeel: smooth and rounded, with gentle tartness and a lingering oak finish
• Pairing: grilled dishes, yakitori, and aged cheeses

Why We Serve Baladin Kioke Beer at Izakaya Juraku

We pour it because:

• It's made with a real Japanese fermentation technique, not just a Japanese-themed label
• It pairs beautifully with our smoky, umami-rich dishes
• It's a good conversation starter — most guests haven't had an Italy-Japan beer collaboration before

Come try Baladin Kioke Beer at Izakaya Juraku (121 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002).

Kanpai!