Niyodogawa-cho is a mountainous region with limited flat land. For this reason satsumaimo (Japanese sweet potatoes) and barley were the staples instead of rice. In fact, some residents have told me rice was only for special occasions, such as new years’ day. Many in Niyodogawa-cho continue to grow heirloom varieties of Satsuma-imo. I wanted to honor this product with its important history so once again I carried out experiments and tasting sessions. The beer I came up with is a rich yet easy to drink stout styled dark ale that expresses the flavor and aroma of satsumaimo. The name “17” comes from the population density (in people per square km) of Niyodogawa-cho. Compared to Tokyo with a population density of over 6000, this name will remind visitors of the mountainous terrain and vast nature of our town. Please think of this as you enjoy this beer.

仁淀川町は山間部の町。山々に囲まれ平地が少ないことから昔から米ではなくさつまいもや麦などの栽培が盛んである。昔々、米は特別な日に頂くものであったという。ここで作られるさつまいもには綿綿と受け継がれている品種がありこの町の歴史とも受け取れる。リッチなさつまいもの味と香りを表現したスタウトのダークエールを『17』と命名した。『17』は仁淀川町の人口密度を表す数字17人/㎢。（このクラフトビールを初めて創った2017年参考）ちなみに東京の人口密度は6000人/㎢。『17』を飲んでいると仁淀川町の美しい山々と自然に思いを馳せてしまう。