Koo Miyake has been part of the local beverage industry for some time. His résumé includes time spent as a beertender at Mikkeller Bar in Tokyo, a brewer for South Bay kombucha concern Boochcraft, a distiller at Cutwater Spirits and, most recently, the head of R&D and production for canned-cocktail company Kové. Over the past decade, he’s watched the definition of craft shift multiple times, and along with it, the goals of entrepreneurs in that industry niche.
Miyake misses the early days of the craft-beer movement preceding buyouts, streamlining and consolidation, back when he says “creativity, soul and authenticity” were at the forefront, and everything felt more artisanal. Such is his longing that, when Kové shut down earlier this year, he opted to take over its 1,700-square-foot headquarters at Miramar’s Brewery Igniter campus, with intentions of launching a new multifaceted beverage brand embodying what he calls “the original spirit of craft”. That business goes by the name Koobrew and, if all goes according to plan, will debut to the public sometime next month.
“Our mission is to create drinks that are rooted in culture, made with respect and designated to spark creativity and imagination,” says Miyake. “The brand is inspired equally by San Diego and Japan. From the former, we pull in surf culture, diversity and a free spirit. From Japan, we bring a sense of craft, attention to detail and respect for process. Together it becomes a fusion that feels familiar, but also fresh.”
Miyake says Koobrew will be a house of “better-for-you” drinks that are made not just to be consumed, but to spark thought and conversation, much as craft beer did during its boom period in the 2010s. Miyake’s lineup will include an array of lagers, IPAs and a throwback to the aforementioned era, Belgian-inspired ales. But that will only be half of Koobrew’s portfolio, which will also include “functional spritzers”; botanical-infused teas fermented with wine years, then layered with fruit, herbs and spices. But it’s not just about the liquid.
“I want Koobrew to grow into more than a brewery. It should be a creative hub, a place where beverages, design and culture come together, and where the tasting room feels like a space for new ideas and collaborations,” says Miyake. Teaming with artists to design in-house décor, labels, furniture and a variety of “brewer’s workwear” apparel will be key to establishing that creative atmosphere.
“My goal is to keep pushing for what’s better and what’s unique, whether through flavors, experiences or partnerships. Koobrew will always evolve. I want to create spaces that reflect their communities while staying connected to a bigger vision of craft as something soulful and imaginative.”
Miyake wants the look of Koobrew’s Miramar tasting room to mirror the company’s ethos, coming across as elevated but cozy, artistic yet approachable. The space will mix natural textures of wood and linen with watercolor washes, sun-faded coastal tones and Japanese symbolism. Miyake hopes to open that space to the public in mid-to-late October.
“Koobrew is still in its early stages, but we’re building with heart and intention,” says Miyake. “I hope people see us, not just as another brewery, but as a creative space that brings something new to San Diego’s craft culture.”
Koobrew is located at 9030 Kenamar Drive, #309 in Miramar