On November 21st, Hirosaki brewery "Be Easy Brewing" (Matsugae, Hirosaki City, TEL 0172-78-1222 ) began selling its first Aomori-themed craft beer, "KUROISHI."

This beer is a collaboration between Gareth Burns, a craft beer brewer who lives in Aomori, and Chihiro Ishizuka, who lives in Aomori and is known as the author of the manga "Flying Witch" set in Aomori. Attach a ``MASIC SPELL'' label that depicts the 40 municipalities in Aomori Prefecture.

``Magic Spell'' is an original manga by Mr. Ishizuka, and the story is set in Aomori, where master Hana, disciple Anne, and owl Coco go on a training journey. Ishizuka commented, ``I decided to participate because I thought it would be a fun challenge and a good experience to illustrate the 40 local municipalities.''

The first installment, ``KUROISHI,'' depicts two people training in the grounds of a shrine amidst autumn leaves. The story will be set in a location within the city, town or village that is the theme, but the location will not be revealed.

The flavor of the beer changes each time, and this time they use New Zealand Pale Ale, which is sourced from New Zealand. Alcohol content is 5%. Burns says, ``We made it easy to drink so that people can drink it casually.It's a satisfying start to the 40 craft beers that are about to start.''

The second round is scheduled for mid-January 2024, and the cities, towns and villages that will be the theme will not be disclosed. The plan is to release them at intervals of about a month and a half. Burns says with a smile, ``I'm looking forward to the future myself.I hope people will use the beer as an opportunity to research and actually visit Aomori, and get to know Aomori better.''

The price is 800 yen (contains 350ml). Limited to 2200 pieces. It will be sold at the official sales site "Be Easy Brewing", as well as at Cub Center and "Gareth's Hideout" (Matsugae) in Aomori Prefecture.