The brewer invites locals to help start a new brew at its Ebisu museum brewery

Thirteen local residents were chosen to assist in beer-making at a historic brewery in Tokyo. The event was organised by major Japanese beer maker Sapporo Breweries to help raise awareness of its beer museum and recently refurbished brewery in the capital’s Ebisu district.

The 13 individuals were chosen by lottery and were able to experience the first stage of the beer-brewing process. After being briefed, they changed into white coats and poured buckets of malt into a huge brewing kettle filled with hot water. They also checked the aroma and texture of malt and hops.

The event took place at the museum’s brewing site, which originally opened in the late 19th century. In 1988 it was closed, but it has since been redeveloped for small scale production, and reopened in April this year.

Okii Takako, brand manager of Sapporo Breweries, said: “This neighborhood got its name from Yebisu-brand beer. We hope the opening of the brewery helps revitalise this area and makes local people familiar with our brand.”

Sapporo says the new beer will be ready in about a month, in time to serve at an event in October.