In December 2024, Kengo Suzuki, President of Tsunan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tsunan Town, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture; hereinafter referred to as “Tsunan Sake Brewery”), visited the Santorini Brewing Company (ΖΥΘΟΠΟΪΙΑ ΣΑΝΤΟΡΙΝΗΣ, SANTORINI BREWING COMPANY) located on Santorini Island, Greece. During the visit, Mr. Suzuki introduced Tsunan Sake Brewery and engaged in discussions on fermentation practices in Greece.
After sampling the beers produced by Santorini Brewing Company and touring the production facilities, discussions were held on the similarities between Tsunan Sake Brewery’s low-temperature fermentation techniques used to suppress off-flavors in sake production and the brewing of lager beers, which are also made under low-temperature conditions. The conversation explored potential ways to leverage these shared methods to enhance fermentation practices in both industries.
Santorini Brewing Company: Crafting Greece’s First IPA
Santorini Brewing Company is a small yet revolutionary brewery on the iconic Greek island of Santorini. With the goal of transforming Greece’s beer market, the brewery is a collaborative project between beer enthusiasts and experts from diverse backgrounds.
Their operation combines innovative brewing techniques with sustainable practices, using solar panels for energy and recycling brewing byproducts as fertilizer for local vineyards. All ingredients, except for desalinated seawater, are carefully sourced globally, including hops, malts, and yeasts.
Signature Beers of Santorini Brewing Company
- Yellow Donkey
Yellow Donkey relies on a mixture of hops – Aurora and Styrian Golding from Slovenia, and Cascade and Citra from the Pacific Northwest – which produces a refreshing citrus taste, as well as contributing natural antioxidants and antibacterial elements. Slightly bitter tones refine and invigorate the overall flavor, creating the perfect accompaniment for a meal by the sea, relaxing at the beach or hanging out at a favorite watering hole. - Red Donkey
Red Donkey, formulated with a combination of roasted malts specifically chosen to produce its chestnut hue, utilizes a different combination of hops – Mosaic and Amarillo from the Pacific Northwest, along with Aurora and Styrian Golding from Slovenia to name a few. Awakened by an alternative type of Belgian-style yeast, the result is fruity, full-bodied and richly colored. - Crazy Donkey
The Crazy Donkey label signifies the first IPA (India Pale Ale) produced in Greece and introduced in 2013. Received with enthusiasm by beer aficionados near and far, the Crazy has travelled to Australia, Japan, the US, Norway, Switzerland and the UK. Large quantities of Cascade, with New Zealand grown Nelson Sauvin and Galaxy hops yield a plethora of aromatic bitterness – marrying a fruity, tropical start to a dry finish, for a distinctly different drinking adventure. - White Donkey
The White Donkey is brewed with equal measures of malted wheat and barley. Belgian style yeast awakens Mandarina Bavaria hops, leading to a fresh result, with crisp acidity and exotic citrus aromas that dominate its lovely and mildly bitter finish.
About Tsunan Sake Brewery
Tsunan Sake Brewery is located in Akinari, Tsunan Town, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture. The area is known for its heavy snowfall, and the brewery uses natural spring water sourced from the nearby 2,000-meter-high mountains. The sake is crafted using locally grown “Gohyaku Mangoku” and “Uonuma Koshihikari” rice, with a focus on sustainable brewing that coexists with nature. The brand concept, “Brew for Future – Brewing for a Sustainable Future,” reflects this commitment. Under a new leadership structure since 2023, Tsunan Sake Brewery aims to create new value through the fusion of traditional sake brewing and science, with a focus on expanding its presence in international markets.
Discover more about Tsunan Sake Brewery