When we first heard about a new brand of beer that hails straight from Brazil, partnering with Culture Beverage, we were intrigued, even more so when we found out the beer blends the owners’ Japanese and Brazilian roots together.
The distributor here in Colorado, Culture Beverage, prides themselves on bringing about a diverse array of beers and brands to Colorado. When brand’s have a story to tell, Culture listens, and the Japanese-Brazillian brand based in Brazil, Japas Cervejaria, had a unique story to share.
Brazil has the second largest Japanese population outside of Japan and Japas Cervejaria aims to showcase those blended roots through their beer and branding. The owners, Maíra Kimura, Yumi Shimada and Fernanda Ueno, met over a mutual love of beer as well as a mutual understanding that they were one of the few of their ethnic background in the industry in Brazil.
The name, Japas Cervejaria, comes from the slang term Japas used in Brazil, which have negative connotations. The owners decided that by taking the name back and using it, it was a way of reclaiming it in a space that long excluded them. Being one of the few Japanese women in the industry, the name is suiting.
As far as the beer goes, there are plenty of variations, “but we add our own twist, such as using ingredients like dekopon, kumquat, matcha, and even wasabi,” says Japas Co-Founder Fernanda Ueno who also serves as a brewer for Japas.
The beers will be available in the Front Range from Colorado Springs to Denver from participating retailers. From their best selling Matsurika, which has Japanese petals to a pilsen recipe and their Nama Biiru with dry rice lager, Sorachi Ace and Lemondrop hops.
“We pride ourselves in partnering up with the best craft brewers from across the world, so we were extra excited when we began talking with the team at Japas,” says Culture Beverage Co-Owner Xandy Bustamante. “Their authentic approach to making Japanese and Brazilian inspired beers is something that no other producer is doing.”
If you’re interested in finding out where to buy Japas Cervejaria’s beer, head to one of these liquor stores to grab some (We’ve also heard that The Wolf’s Tailor may have it on tap at some point as well.)
- Cask and Craft
- Mondo Vino
- Mr. B’s Wine & Spirits (Stanley Marketplace, Golden Triangle, Ballpark locations)
- Highlands Wine and Liquor
- Little’s Fine Wines, Beers, and Spirits
- Champa Liquors
- Uptown Wine, Beer & Spirits