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Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin 2008 #13

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

Japan’s craftsmen and its manufacturers have long been recognized as world class. This history, as I often have stated, is a prominent and continuing source of inspiration for us at Baird Brewing. It is our endeavor, in conjunction with other committed players in the field, to make Japan the citadel of creative craft brewing. As a measure of our effort, today we are proudly releasing three wonderfully unique and distinctive late-spring seasonal beers.

(1) Temple Garden Yuzu Ale (ABV 5.5%):

This is the third in our line of seasonal beers that incorporate local citrus fruit in the ingredient portfolio. Per our custom, we use only fresh citrus fruit, the juice and peels of which we process by hand at the brewery. Yuzu is the Japanese name for citron, a terrifically aromatic and tart citrus fruit. We annually receive our first lot of Yuzu fruit from the garden of a local Buddhist Temple. In addition to the Yuzu fruit, significant portions of both malted and unmalted wheat are included in the grist providing a sturdy platform of sweet-tart character for the Yuzu to act upon. Bittering and flavor additions of Vanguard hops complete the flavor circle. The aromatics stem entirely from late kettle additions of Yuzu peels.

The result is other-worldly. Temple Garden Yuzu Ale is on tap at both our Fishmarket and Nakameguro Taprooms and will be available on draught at other fine Baird Beer retailers throughout Japan. It also is available in 633 ml bottles for purchase direct from the brewery or from Baird Beer retailing liquor stores throughout Japan.

(2) Kiss of Smoke Amber Lager (ABV 5.0%):

This is a new addition to our lineup of seasonal lager beers. Stylistically, it is a Bamberg-type Marzen Rauchbier but with an extremely subtle and delicate smoke character. This “kiss of smoke” serves admirably both as a counterpoint to the rich malty flavor and as a compliment. The malt bill is entirely German and includes a small 10 percent addition of Weyermann smoked malt. 25 BUs of hops in the form of Magnum, Horizon and Sterling play a barely noticeable but important supporting role. Brewed in August 2007 and packaged the following month, this unfiltered and naturally carbonated lager has been shaping into form for nearly a year.

Available on tap at the Fishmarket and Nakameguro Taprooms as well as other Baird Beer retailing pubs and restaurants. 360 ml bottles are available for purchase at Baird Beer retailing liquor stores as well as direct from the brewery.

(3) Oatmeal Brown Ale (ABV 5.0%):

The idea for this first-time seasonal, as well as its brewhouse implementation, was the work of two of our talented young brewers. Oatmeal traditionally has been used in ale brewing to create a silky texture and more prominently smooth character. This is precisely the effect achieved here in this English-style Brown Ale. A pleasant underbelly of fruitiness (perhaps from late additions of Fuggle hops) contributes an extra and pleasing layer of complexity. Our young brewing bucks are learning their lessons well!

This beer is available on draught in very limited supplies exclusively at our Fishmarket and Nakameguro Taprooms.
Cheers!

Bryan Baird
HOMEPAGE