The Orion Brewery, located in Nago located in northern Okinawa, was founded in May 1957.
When exploring Okinawa, it's hard not to notice the word Orion, whether it's seen on an advertisement, outside a business or on a T-shirt (empty can in my floor board). After spending any length of time on the Okinawa island, it becomes apparent that Orion is Okinawa's beer of choice.
Orion Breweries Ltd. was founded in May 1957 in Nago City as beer's popularity grew in the region during the post-war economic boom. The boom led to more jobs and higher wages, making the drink affordable for most Okinawans. Orion, pronounced or-ee-on, unlike the constellation, prides itself on the freshness of its beer. The beer, which is specifically designed to suit the island's hot and humid climate, is made from malt and hops imported from Germany and the Czech Republic and then ripened under a strictly controlled process.
The brewery's location in Nago was selected for its proximity to a fresh water source.
Orion is a pilsner-style lager, which is distinct because of its use of Saaz. Saaz is a variety of hop found in the Czech Republic and the Hallertau region of Bavaria, Germany, which gives pilsners a stronger hop flavor than most lagers.
Orion's beer production is divided into a six-stage process. The series of steps, ingredients stage, mashing, fermentation process, filtration, bottling and canning, and quality inspection. Beer enthusiasts can witness the entire process by taking a tour of the brewery.
Brewery tours are available to the public for free everyday from 9 to 11 a.m. and 12 to 4 p.m. The brewery is closed Sundays and national holidays. The brewery is also closed from Dec. 31 to Jan. 3rd for the New Year.
A guide escorts groups on a 30-minute tour where patrons can view the entire brewing process. On the tour, visitors can watch beer go through each step as the tour guide explains what is happening. There is also a short video on the assembly line process and a beer tasting. Soft drinks are available to those who don't drink or are driving. There is also an Orion gift shop in the guest hall.
Although tours are in Japanese, an English-speaking tour guide is available if requested in advance. The factory also offers a booklet with English translations of the tour's highlights.
Orion is Okinawa's top selling beer, and one of the top five in all Japan. Orion also has international distributors in Taiwan, Hawaii, California and New York. Orion is fondly known among Okinawans as the "beer of beers."
Additional information about the factory is available at http://www.orionbeer.co.jp. Though they no long maintain the English website you can still call to schedule an English tour, call the brewery at 098-052-2136.
