​Craft beer specialty store "CRAFT BEER PANACHE" in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture. The store is located on the 1st floor of a 3-story building in a good location, a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Shiroko Station.

Panache is a shop that just opened in May 2022. There are about 50 types of craft beer in the store, and there are probably few stores in Mie Prefecture where you can choose as many craft beers as you like.

The owner is Mr. Inokuma, who runs the BAR "Western Liquor Cocktail Rokumeikan" on the second floor of the same building, which is said to be a long-established bar in the local area. He has a 23-year career as a bartender and is a professional who handles alcohol with a senior sommelier (*) qualification.

*Senior sommelier: Only those who have acquired a sommelier can take the exam, and the pass rate is 10-20%, making it a very difficult qualification.

Panache is a rare craft beer specialty store in Mie Prefecture. I took the time to speak with the owner, Mr. Inokuma, about the store's specialties.

The interior of the store is a fusion of “Panache” color and liquor store elements

When you open the stylish white door, you will see a lemon yellow wall, a refrigerator filled with about 50 kinds of craft beer, and a counter.

– When you enter the store, the fresh walls immediately catch your eye.

Mr. Inokuma: “I decided to make it a craft beer shop, so I thought the colors would be white and yellow. Looking at the atmosphere, people often ask me, "What kind of shop are you?''

– Can I drink beer at this counter?

Mr. Inokuma: "This is a 'kaku-uchi,' a space where customers can drink the beer they just bought. We have a lot of people who come here on their day off and just want to have a drink in the daytime.

The stylish interior has a corner space like a liquor store. Mr. Inokuma pours the beer for you when you drink in the store. Panache is the only place where you can drink the craft beer you are looking for and also have the bartender pour it for you for a blissful moment.

What is the thought behind the name of your store?
The key word is "mixing".

The store name is PANACHE.

Panache is the name of a cocktail made by mixing lemonade and beer. The logo is also a cute design with a motif of lemon and beer. Panache also means "to mix" in French.

– Why did you name your store “Panache”?

Mr. Inokuma: "I'm a bartender, so when I thought about a beer shop-like name that would be typical of a bartender, I decided to name it 'Panache,' which is a cocktail. It also means that I will mix my knowledge of alcohol with craft beer. I felt it was a good name, so I named the store after it."

– So you're mixing the knowledge of a bartender and sommelier into craft beer? Are craft beers proposed from different angles?

Mr. Inokuma: "That's right. I sometimes get inquiries from customers about how to pair food with craft beer. If I were only a bartender, I wouldn't have known about this, but I feel like I can suggest ideas for pairing beer and food because of my knowledge of wine."

In fact, some customers even asked, "Is there a craft beer that goes well with the Chinese dish Yurinji?" I feel that Mr. Inokuma's personality and the wide range of beer lineups are the reason why there is an atmosphere where you can feel free to talk to him.

You can also try western liquor at a craft beer specialty store! ?
Experience the world of a wide variety of alcoholic beverages

Even though major liquor stores in Mie Prefecture sell bottles of western liquor, they do not sell by weight or offer tastings. However, Panache sells a 50ml bottle at a bargain price of about 350 to 750 yen.

– Why are you selling Western liquor by weight?

Mr. Inokuma: "A bottle of whiskey is quite expensive even though you don't know what it tastes like. But there are customers who want to try it out! 

– This is a way of making suggestions that only a bartender can do.

Mr. Inokuma: "Some people drink craft beer or try a bit of whiskey at Panache and come back to the bar later. I hope it will be a good opportunity to get people interested in alcohol and the store."

Being able to suggest alcoholic beverages and immediately respond to customers' requests is a skill that only a bartender can possess. I feel that being able to sell Western-style alcohol by weight at a craft beer store speaks volumes about Mr. Inokuma's ability to communicate and his light footwork when it comes to alcohol.

Craft Beer is,
Beer that fits your lifestyle!
What is Mr. Inokuma's point of selection?

Mr. Inokuma believes that craft beer is a beer that you drink to enrich your life.

For example, pair it with a meal or enjoy it slowly while watching your favorite movie. The way to drink craft beer is to choose a beer that matches your lifestyle and take your time drinking it slowly.

Mr. Inokuma has three particular points in selecting craft beer.

These are "limited and novel beers,'' "classic beers with outstanding craftsmanship,'' and "beers that I was deeply moved by.'' Some breweries make a different beer every time, while others make artisanal beers that never go out of style.

Take Uchiu Brewing's craft beer, for example.
This brewery is so popular that you have to keep up with them to get their beers when new products are released. Since they are not available for tasting, he keeps his antennae up so that he can order the limited-edition products as soon as they become available.

Furthermore, the selection is not only a new beer but he always stock up when it runs out of the standard items. Some customers prefer artisanal and particular beers, not trendy ones, and he makes selections to meet their needs.

Mr. Inokuma is particular about selecting not only products that he thinks are delicious, but also the fact that they meet the expectations and requests of customers.

When proposing a craft beer, Mr. Inokuma also includes the story behind the product. When you hear the story, it is easy to get an image of the flavor and want to try it! It makes the experience more enjoyable.

Selected by liquor professionals
5 recommended craft beers!

EQUANIMITY｜Uchu Brewing

A craft beer with a fruity aroma and taste.

With the aroma and texture of pineapple and mango, it is a rich beer that will change your concept of beer. It is characterized by a taste that does not feel miscellaneous after a long time.

Mariko｜Kyoto Brewery

Mariko is one of the most popular beers in the Mariko family series. Many fans have been waiting for this limited edition beer to come out. This craft beer has a bottomless, fresh flavor created by the character of Bergen yeast and tropical hops.

Koneko Ippiki｜Isekadoya

Limited product of Ise Kadoya Beer, which represents Mie Prefecture. It's a craft beer that can't be seen in the local area. Although it is 4% alcohol, it is a product that is worth drinking.

It has a freshness that reminds you of citrus when you put it in your mouth, and you can drink it anytime, regardless of the occasion.

Umibozu’s Day Off｜BLACK TIDE BREWING

Mr. Inokuma's current top recommendation is a craft beer from Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture.

It's not too bitter in the style that uses hops, and the balance is just right. The moment you put it in your mouth, it has a smooth and elegant taste that reminds you of a cocktail. As time passes, the sweet aroma of berries becomes more pronounced, making it a craft beer that can be savored slowly over time.

Full Hop Alchemist V24｜WEST COAST BREWING

A beer with a punchy can design, but with a silky juiciness.

As time passes, you can feel the freshness of passion fruit, citrus, and rosemary, making it a satisfying drink. It is also characterized by its sweetness, which makes it hard to believe it is beer.

Panache, where you can immerse yourself in the world of craft beer from the day you visit.

That's because Mr. Inokuma, a liquor expert who is also a bartender and a senior sommelier, will tell you the story of craft beer.

I'm sure that you will be fascinated with the world of craft beer by his words "Please enjoy it" as you leave the restaurant. He is planning to add more craft beers to its lineup in the future. Keep your eyes peeled!

If you are interested in craft beer, please come to Panache. Why don't you find your favorite craft beer with new discoveries every time you come?