Category Archives: Beer

Beer, 美食, 観光, Gastronomy, Tourism

Shizuoka Beer tasting: Yonekyu Mori Brewery-Fuji Sansan

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Although most people even in Shizuoka call it Gotemba Brewery, the real name of this establishment is Mori no Biru Kojyou/”Forest Brewery”/森のビール工場!
It is owned by the big Delicatessen Company Yonekyu/米久.

They produce 3 regular brews, Pils, Dunkel and Weizen.
They also come up with seasonal brews.
This particular Brand, Fuji ansan/富士燦燦 is their newest drink which has just appeared in the big supermarkets in Shizuoka Prefecture.
They advertise it as a Pilsner tyoe made with water from Mont Fuji gushing into a well dug 80 metres deep.

Yonekyu Mori Brewery-Fuji Sansan/米久社・富士燦燦

Contents: 300ml
Alcohol: 5%
Water: Natural source water from Mount Fuji

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Golden
Foam: Fine. Disappears quickly
Aroma: Light. Bread. Hops
Taste: More solid than expected and soft at the same time.
Bread. Hints of oranges.
Both refreshing and satisfying.
Pleasantly lingers for a while.
Good balance.

Overall: An interesting beer satisfying both in summer and winter.
Suited to accompany meals of any kind.
Definitely better than expected!

Yonekyu Mori Brewery-Fuji Sansan/米久社　森のビール工場
Shizuoka ken, Gotemba Shi, Hodosawa Aza Sumiyakisawa, 1015-1/静岡県御殿場市保土沢字炭焼沢１０１５－１
Tel.: 0550-89-7611

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

With a Glass,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); Ohayo Bento

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Bars, Beer, 美食, 野菜, 観光, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Pork, Shizuoka, Tourism

1st Agrigraph Japan Brew Bar in Shizuoka City!

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At long last after 2 months of intensive preparations Agrigraph Japan opened its first Brew Bar/Open Air Beer Hall on Saturday July 16th on Aoi Space just behind the Shizuoka City Hall!

This event followed a new concept:
The food was provided by 6 izakaya/bars in Shizuoka City: Uzu, Mando, Hana Oto, Yasaitei, Odakkui and Growstock.
Furthermore, the food was conceived with agricultural products of Shizuoka Prefecture including vegetables and meat. The latter was provided by Sanoman Company from Fujinomiya City!

The whole staff of Agrigraph with the help of people working for Suntory and Subway Companies were put to work including some pretty (?) ladies!

Everyone had gathered in the intense heat at 12:00 to erect the tents, place and lay the tables, etc. Even the IT and translating staff contributed! I can tell you they neeeded plenty of water when I visited them first around 13:00!

Sweaty work to erect that tent!

Shaping up!

Ice porters?

Pretty (?) ladies posing again for posterity!

Precise work!

Now, these ladies are pretty!

The man in charge of the engines!

Hands off!

Call for the last meeting.

Animated discussion on last-minute changes!

The Rainbow machines which will dispense cool mist all over the site. Real Hi-tec!

The dustbins! Low tec but indispensible!

Things certainly looked different when I came for my second visit at 15:00!

Map and photos of the producers contributing their food to the event! What about that for traceibility for such an event!

The same event will be held again on Friday July 22nd and Saturday July 23rd!

All the (very reasonable considering the quality!) prices were clearly indicated!

Mrs. Yuriko Kato, President of M2 Labo and Agrigraph Japan and Mr. Kenya Yoshimura, owner of Uzu izakaya! (in hots discussion?)

Everything at the ready!

Mr. Sano from Sanoman!

Mr. Takeshi Hirai, General Manager of Beck Company (Mando & Growstock)!

The last (hot) pep talk!

The last details being checked!

The venue was about to start when I left at 13:00. When I came back after 18:00 the place was still quite busy!

It was still very hot and the Rainbow cool mist machines were running at full speed!

Still plenty of work to do!

Mangenton Pork sausages from Sanoman!

Comparing notes!

Great healthy vegetable pickles from Shizuoka Prefecture! Perfect with beer!

Staff at the Pump Station!

Not ready to leave yet!

Just had enough time to savour those cute healthy sausages! One of them incudes Shizuoka Wasabi!

Looking forward to next week!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

With a Glass,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); Ohayo Bento

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Baird Beer, Beer, 美食, 観光, Gastronomy

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/07/14)

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Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
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Seasonal Release: Old World Kolsch; Fish-Tap 11 Year Anniversary

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

Need respite from the scorching summer heat? Enjoyment of a cool and refreshing beer is your best bet. Today we are releasing a fantastically effective heat-beating brew: Old World Kolsch.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:
*Old World Kolsch (ABV 5%):

In the annals of German beer history, Kolsch actually is a relatively “new world” style at a mere two centuries old. It is a pale, dry, assertively hopped golden ale know as the “beer of Cologne.” A fruity-winy bouquet is one of its hallmarks. Baird Old World Kolsch is brewed with Bohemian Pilsner and German Wheat malts, as well as English Maris Otter, and hopped with a combination of German Tradition, Czech Saaz and American Sterling varieties. The appearance is highlighted by a gorgeously full head of long-lasting white foam and a slightly hazy white-gold color. The aroma is zesty and lemon-like. The flavor is dry and quenching with a hint of bitter hop fruit.

Old World Kolsch begins pouring from our Taproom taps today, Thursday, July 14. It will be available on draught at other Baird Beer retailing establishments in Japan beginning Friday, July 15. A very limited number of bottles (633 ml) will be available too.

Upcoming Taproom Events:
*Fishmarket Taproom 11-Year Anniversary Celebration (Sat-Mon, July 16 – 18):

It truly is hard to believe that it has been eleven years since Sayuri and I opened the doors of the Numazu Fishmarket Taproom for business. It is a fact, though. Michiru, Chris and the staff are planning a special 3-day birthday celebration to commemorate. If you haven’t made it out to see us in Numazu recently, or maybe never have been at all, this is a great opportunity to visit. Weekend celebration highlights include:

*All-you-can-eat buffet (including items from the outside grill) @ 1,500 yen per person (orders stop @ 8:00 pm)

*All Baird Beer @ 500 yen (in plastic bura-bura cups; kindly keep your cup for re-use)

*Debut Release of Hop Havoc 11-Year Anniversary Ale (this celebration ale is hopped massively, like Suruga Bay, but with a much lower starting gravity and alcohol content)

*Tapping of a single cask of barrel-aged Second Strike Apple Ale (Monday, July 18 — limit one glass per patron)

*Various live music and magician performances

*Brewer-conducted Baird Brewery tours (1:00 and 4:00 pm on Sat-Sun; 1:00 pm on Mon — tours depart from the Fishmarket Taproom)

Doors open each day, including Monday (which is a Japan national holiday), at noon. Reservations are not required; thirst for good beer, appetite for excellent food, and sociable disposition are required.

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Beer, 美食, 観光, Gastronomy, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/07/07)

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Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
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New Seasonal Release: Baird Belgian Summer Ale

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

To refresh in a satisfyingly flavorful way is the mantra of summer seasonal craft brewing. We do just this with our newest seasonal offering: Baird Belgian Summer Ale.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:
*Baird Belgian Summer Ale (ABV 5.1%):

Generous portions of wheat (malted and unmalted) and rye (malted) lead our grist bill, providing a spicy and sprite flavor base. Four varieties of citrus-forward hops (Citra, Cascade, NZ Cascade and Ahtanum) are combined in both the kettle boil and the conditioning tank to lend a pleasingly light fruit fragrance and flavor. Fermentation with our house Belgian ale yeast ties the flavor ensemble together with deft touches of phenolic tartness.

Belgian Summer Ale begins flowing from our Taproom taps tonight, Thursday, July 7. It will be available on draught an in bottles (633 ml) at other fine Baird Beer retailing establishments in Japan as early as Friday, July 8.

Upcoming Events:
*Fishmarket Taproom 11-Year Anniversary Celebration:

Our Numazu Fishmarket Taproom turns 11 this month. We will be holding a birthday celebration over the upcoming three-day holiday weekend: Saturday – Monday (July 16-18). Chef Michiru is working on a special all-you-can-eat celebration buffet and barbecue; live music is being planned; brewer-led brewery tours are scheduled; and patrons will be treated to the release of Hop Havoc Anniversary Ale. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us in Numazu for the party. More concrete details will be announced very shortly.

*Great Japan Beer Festival in Osaka (July 16-18):

Yes, Baird Brewing will be participating for the first time in the upcoming Great Japan Beer Festival in Osaka. Sayuri, John and I (along with fellow partners Yakimono Rob and the Carpenter) will be pouring four varieties of Baird Beer at our booth while we spread the good beer gospel in Kansai. If you are a Kansai beer fan, be sure to stop at the booth and say hi.

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Baird Beer, Beer, Gastronomy, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/06/29)

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Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
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Early Summer Seasonal Release: Cool Breeze Pils

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

As I sit sweltering in front of my computer wondering where the rainy season went, I begin longing for a refreshingly brisk and quenching libation. Fortunately, the Baird Beer cellar is stocked with just such a brew: Cool Breeze Pils. Baird Cool Breeze Pils 2011 is available for shipment from our brewery cellar beginning today, June 29.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:
*Cool Breeze Pils 2011 (ABV 5.2%):

Brewed annually, Cool Breeze Pils is Bohemian in style, cleanly malty in body, coquettishly floral in aroma, and crisply dry in its snappy bitter finish. Cool Breeze Pils registers on the imbiber like a fresh ocean breeze does on the perspiring body of a mid-afternoon sunbather. Cool Breeze Pils is unfiltered and re-fermented and naturally carbonated in package where it has undergone an extended maturation. The result, we believe, pays handsome tribute to the glorious history of this storied lager beer style.

Cool Breeze Pils 2011 will be pouring from our Taproom taps beginning Thursday, June 30. It will be available on draught and in bottles (633 ml) at many other fine Baird Beer retailing establishments as well.

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Beer, Gastronomy, Numazu City, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/06/17)

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Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
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Seasonal Release: Shizuoka Summer Mikan Ale 2011

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

While the rainy season continues to be rainy, our beer thoughts have turned distinctly summer and sunny. Today we are pleased to announce the 2011 release of a special fruited summer seasonal brew: Shizuoka Summer Mikan Ale.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:
*Shizuoka Summer Mikan Ale 2011 (ABV 5.5%):

A summer mikan (natsumikan)is a grapefruit-like citrus fruit that is tart and sweetly sour in flavor and wonderfully aromatic. The only fruit to make it through the doors of the Baird Brewery, of course, is fresh whole fruit recently plucked from the land. Our summer mikans are Shizuoka-grown, right in the Heda orchard of our carpenter-partner-friend, Mitsuo Nagakura. The bounty of fruit is painstakingly hand-processed by the Baird Brewery team before its introduction into the brewhouse and cellar. You can taste the glory of the freshness and wholesomeness of the natsumikan fruit in each sip of this extraordinarily zesty brew.

The refreshing citrus character of Shizuoka Summer Mikan Ale is not supplied by fruit alone, however. The natsumikansare complemented beautifully by deft additions of four citrusy-spicy American hop varieties: Citra, Centennial, Santiam and Ahtanum. The quenchingly brisk and tart result is summer paradise in a glass!

Shizuoka Summer Mikan Ale 2010 will be available on draught and in bottles (633 ml) beginning Saturday, June 18. Please visit a Taproom pub or local Baird Beer retailer while quantities last.

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE


The Japan Blog List

———————————
Must-see tasting websites:
-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Beer, 観光, Numazu City, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/06/08)

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Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
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New Seasonal Releases: Kiwi Strong Pale Ale and Wabi-Sabi IPA

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

We are excited to announce the release of two more first-time seasonal Baird Beers: Kiwi Strong Pale Ale and Wabi-Sabi IPA. Both of these brews are innovative and distinct hop-forward treats.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:
*Kiwi Strong Pale Ale (ABV 5.5%):

As you know, we love hops — all hops! Two years ago we got our greedy hands on our first lots of New Zealand hops. The more we experiment with them, the more we love them. This crisp yet hardy Strong Pale Ale is hopped exclusively with the New Zealand varieties we have on hand (Hallertau Aroma, Motueka and Cascade). The aroma is beautifully fragrant, reminiscent of ripe citrus fruit and flowers in bloom. A honey-malt sweetness in the mouth quickly gives way to an invigoratingly brisk, bitter-dry finish.

Kiwi Strong Pale Ale begins pouring from our Taproom taps Wednesday, June 8. It is available for immediate release to all Baird Beer retailers in Japan and to individual consumers via our online Eshop.

*Wabi-Sabi IPA (ABV 6%):

Can there ever be enough permutations of the great India Pale Ale style? Of course not. In this beautifully nuanced, Japanese esthetic-influenced ale, we marry in the conditioning tank ample dosages of earthy-herbal dry hops (Hersbrucker, Styrian Golding, Santiam) with deft additions of whole leaf Shizuoka green tea. The result of this international botanical marriage is, in a word, sublime.

Baird Beer, as you know, is unfiltered and the addition of whole leaf green tea to Wabi-Sabit IPA has contributed a very strong particle sediment. Do not fear or fret, this is all-natural good stuff and it tastes great! You will not find this in a can or mug of your favorite industrial brew. Enjoy!

Wabi-Sabi IPA will be available at our Taproom pubs and at other Baird Beer retailing establishments in Japan beginning Friday, June 10.

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE


The Japan Blog List

———————————
Must-see tasting websites:
-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Baird Beer, Beer, 美食, Numazu City, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/06/01)

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Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
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Seasonal Release: Rainy Season Black Ale 2011

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

The rainy season kicked off a bit early this year and, fortunately, we were not caught off guard. Yes, Rainy Season Black Ale 2011 was brewed in plenty of time to meet the early arrival of Japan’s grey season. This hoppy black ale begins pouring from our Taproom taps today, Wednesday, June 1.

New Seasonal Baird Beer Releases:
*Rainy Season Black Ale 2011 (ABV 6.0%):

A torrential down-pouring of hops define this otherwise roasty, toasty, espresso-like black ale. 60 bittering units of clean, crisp lupulin-resin (courtesy of Warrior, Magnum, Horizon, Tradition, Glacier and Santiam) emerge from our kettle boil; the lupulin-oils (from our friends Tradition, Glacier and Santiam) join the gig via dry-hopping in the conditioning tank and contribute a pleasant herbal-spicy-peppery aromatic character. After a few sips of the pint glass you will find yourself licking from your lips a resinous stickiness that can best be characterized as pungently pleasurable. Here’s to the rainy season!

Rainy Season Black Ale 2011 is available throughout Japan in both draught and bottle (633 ml) form at pubs, restaurants and liquor shops that constitute our wonderful and growing network of Baird Beer retailers. Check out the expanding list of Baird Beer retailers on the retailer’s page of our website: http://bairdbeer.com/en/bairdbeer/retailers.

Individual consumers can order bottles direct from the brewery via our website E-Shop: http://bairdbeer.com/en/shop/.

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE


The Japan Blog List

———————————
Must-see tasting websites:
-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Baird Beer, Beer, Numazu City, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/05/27)

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Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
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First-Time Seasonal Release: Double-Dry Belgian Imperial IPA

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

Beer is a beverage of almost infinite diversity. No one relishes and celebrates this diversity with more enthusiasm than we, the brewers of Baird Beer. In addition to brewing ten year-round styles of Baird Beer, we busy ourselves with the crafting of several dozens of seasonal specialty brews each year. The newest one on the release docket is a debut beer: Double-Dry Belgian Imperial IPA.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:
*Double-Dry Belgian Imperial IPA (ABV 8.5%):

There was a time, before the dawn of the American craft beer revolution, when pursuing the combination of powerful hopping and Belgian-yeast fermentation would never have been considered by a brewer. That time is no more. Today, high-hopped, Belgian-yeast fermented IPAs are enjoying a season in the sun. Well, the Baird Beer brewers are hitting the beach and joining the party with our own interpretation of this oxymoronic style.

Double-Dry Belgian Imperial IPA derives its name from (a) a double dosing of dry-hops, (b) double (actually triple) fermentation with two different yeast strains — one being our house Belgian ale yeast, and (c) imperial-level rates of hops (100 IBUs in the kettle), gravity (17.8 Plato), and alcohol (8.5% by volume).

This is a brashly bitter, twistedly dry and unapologetically alcoholic brew. It is the sort of offspring you might expect from an orgiastic mating among bottles of Orval, Duvel and Stone Ruination. Thirty percent of the fermentables are provided by Japanese korizato sugar rather than malt, leading to higher alcohol and lighter body. The hops, including those used in dry-hopping, are a combination of American (Warrior, Columbus, Horizon) and European (German Hersbrucker and Slovenian Styrian Golding) varieties. The fermentation is threefold: stage one with our Belgian yeast, stage two with the addition of our Scotch Ale yeast, and stage three in package where the two strains continue the party together.

The party, of course, is still not over. Now you, too, are cordially invited. Stop by a Taproom beginning Friday, May 27 and partake in a glass of the festivities. You can visit a Baird Beer retailing pub or restaurant in your area over the weekend and also check in on the party. For you homebodies, just dial up a bottle order on our E-shop.

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE


The Japan Blog List

———————————
Must-see tasting websites:
-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Beer, Gastronomy, Japanese Gastronomy, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/05/06)

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Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
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Nakameguro Taproom 3-Year Anniversary; Debut of Saison Sayuri 2011

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

The greater Tokyo area has always constituted the primary market for Baird Beer. In fact, even though our brewery and first Taproom business (Fishmarket Taproom) were started and are based in Numazu, Shizuoka, it would be no exaggeration to state that we survived our first decade because of the fan base in Tokyo.

It was three years ago this month that we decided finally to bring our Taproom concept to where the action was: Tokyo. We opened the Nakameguro Taproom on May 10, 2008. We will be celebrating the 3-year anniversary of our Nakameguro Taproom this Saturday and Sunday, May 7-8.

Upcoming Taproom Events:
*Nakameguro Taproom 3-Year Anniversary Celebration (Sat-Sun, May 7-8, Noon-Close):

This third birthday party promises to be a culinary treat as Ishikawa-san and his kitchen staff are planning a special menu of items featuring ingredients from both Numazu (including fresh fish and freshly picked produce) and the Tohoku region (including sansai tempura and Iwate prefecture shoulder bacon). All of these items, of course, will be expertly paired with various Baird Beer. Beer and cuisine set cards will be available for purchase during the celebration and patrons who turn in completed cards will be eligible for a raffle awarding various fun beer prizes.

As a special beer treat, we will be unveiling in a sneak-preview debut the 2011 batch of Saison Sayuri. It will begin pouring from the Nakameguro taps at noon sharp on Saturday, May 7. The official Japan-wide release of Saison Sayuri will take place on our matron saint’s birthday: Tuesday, May 10.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:
*Saison Sayuri 2011 (ABV 5.6%):

Saison is an idiosyncratic Belgian-style beer of moderate strength that tends to be spicy and highly refreshing. Sayuri, of course, is my wife and partner and matron saint of Baird Beer. Saison Sayuri is my annual birthday tribute to this lovely woman. The 2011 version is brewed with small spice-like additions of the peels and fresh juice of local dekopon citrus fruit and is fermented with our house Belgian yeast strain. The result is a piquantly quenching brew that still manages a great, albeit understated, depth of character. The 2010 version, of course, garnered a gold medal in the Belgian- and French-Style Ale category of the prestigious World Beer Cup 2010 competition.

Saison Sayuri will be available both in kegs and bottles (633 ml) beginning Tuesday, May 10.

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE


The Japan Blog List

———————————
Must-see tasting websites:
-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Baird Beer, Beer, 観光, Gastronomy, Numazu City, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/04/11)

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Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
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Seasonal Release: Pacific Century Citrus IPA

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

We brewers of Baird Beer love the citrus character imparted by certain Pacific hop varieties. We also are fortunate to have access to a wide variety of fresh local citrus fruit here in Numazu. We combine this love and this fortune every year in the brewing of a special seasonal beer: Pacific Century Citrus IPA.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Release:
Pacific Century Citrus IPA 2011 (ABV 7%):

In this 2011 version we have raised the bittering units to 75 and augmented our traditional use of daidai fruit with additions of Shizuoka-grown dekopon fruit. These fruit additions combine with several citrus-character hop varieties (Columbus, Motueka and NZ Cascade) to yield an uniquely fruity and refreshing India Pale Ale.

Pacific Century Citrus IPA 2011 is available in limited quantities in both bottles (633 ml) and kegs. Consumers can purchase bottles direct from our brewery online E-Shop (http://bairdbeer.com/en/shop/).

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE


The Japan Blog List

———————————
Must-see tasting websites:
-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery
——————————–
Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

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日本語のブログ
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Beer, Numazu City, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/04/06)

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Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
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Spring Seasonal Release: Temple Garden Yuzu Ale

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

We have enjoyed a glorious run of clear and sunny weather recently which, in its own small way, contributes to the lifting of spirits here in Japan as our friends in Tohoku continue to cope with the devastation of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear aftermath. Beer too, like sunshine and blue skies, can play an uplifting role in people’s lives. A pint of flavorful beer enjoyed over a friendly conversation is one of life’s small but great pleasures.

It is in this spirit of uplift and renewal that we happily announce today’s release of delicious spring seasonal brew: Temple Garden Yuzu Ale.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:
*Temple Garden Yuzu Ale (ABV 5.5%):

Yuzu is a Japanese citron fruit the aroma of which is gorgeously spicy and the flavor lemon-like tart. This sprite, snappy ale is fruited with yuzu and hopped in a complementary way with a combination of NZ Motueka, NZ Cascade and US Santiam varieties. Additions of wheat and rye to the malt grist help accentuate to piquant and aromatic character of the yuzu fruit. We add the fruit to our whirlpool in two forms: as peel shavings and as freshly squeezed juice. Thus, we achieve both a depth and complexity of yuzu flavor and an exquisite fruit bouquet. Temple Garden Yuzu Ale is a perfect spring libation.

Temple Garden Yuzu Ale is available in both kegs and bottles (633 ml). It is, of course, pouring from the taps of each of our Taproom pubs as well as from the taps of a host of other fine pubs and restaurants in Japan. Be sure to come in and enjoy a pint while quantities last.

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE


The Japan Blog List

———————————
Must-see tasting websites:
-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery
——————————–
Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-
日本語のブログ
—————————————-

Baird Beer, Beer, Japanese Gastronomy, Numazu City

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/03/03)

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Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
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New Seasonal Releases; Lucky 7 Stout Week
Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

The tremendous variety inherent in beer rivals the frequent vagaries inherent in weather. As we approach spring here in Japan, daily changes in the weather are becoming more pronounced; so too are demonstrations of beer diversity. We are pleased to contribute to the beer diversity cause with the release of two unique brews: Second Strike Apple Ale and Wheaty IPA.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:
*Second Strike Apple Ale (ABV 6%): The concept, and the succulent Nagano prefecture apples, for this brisk and refreshing fruited ale — brewed for a second consecutive year, were provided by the Harajuku-based company Alias’ president, Tajima-san. The chief difference with last year’s version is fermentation with our house Belgian ale yeast. The grist consists of a combination of wheat and barley malts, as well as un-malted wheat and Sudakito sugar. Hopping is moderate (25 IBUs) and simple (two additions of two varieties: Perle & Vanguard). Freshly cut, sliced and minced Nagano apples are incorporated in three different stages: (1) Wort kettle , (2) Whirlpool, and (3) Conditioning tank. The flavor result is crisp, tart and effervescent.

Second Strike Apple Ale enjoys an exclusive debut release at our Harajuku Taproom on Friday, March 4. General release happens on Saturday, March 5. It is available both on draught and in bottles (633 ml). Individual consumers can purchase bottles direct from the brewery via our online E-shop.

*Wheaty IPA (ABV 6%): This is another in our line of small-batch ales brewed exclusively for Real Ale dispense via the hand-pumps at our Taproom pubs. As the name implies, this is an India Pale Ale heavily accented with malted wheat (30% of the grist). The hop bitterness is clean (Warrior and Horizon) but the flavor and aroma is fruity (Centennial, Cascade, NZ Cascade). The soft and low-CO2 real ale dispense through our British hand-pumps yields an exquisite imbibing treat.

Wheaty IPA is being poured exclusively at our Taproom pubs beginning Friday, March 4. Please stop in for a pint while quantities last.

Upcoming Taproom Events:
*Lucky 7 Stout Week @ Nakameguro Taproom (March 13 – March 21):

Each of the past several years we have used the Irish national holiday, St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), as an excuse to celebrate the quintessential Irish ale style — Stout. Stout, of course, is a wonderful pitch-black ale that enjoys many stylistic manifestations. We serve up seven different interpretations of Stout during our week-long celebration which we call Lucky 7 Stout Week. This year we will be holding Lucky 7 Stout Week at our Nakameguro Taproom, kicking off at noon on Sunday, March 13 and running through the Japan national holiday, Monday, March 21.

We will be selling special Lucky 7 Stout drink cards throughout the week and purchasing customers who complete the card during the week will be eligible for a raffle of special Baird Beer prizes. The NT kitchen will be serving seven Irish specialty dishes all week to match the stouts. Sayuri and I will be in attendance on March 13 to enjoy Stout, talk Stout, eat Irish food and revel in the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts. More Stout Week details will be forthcoming shortly.

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE


The Japan Blog List

———————————
Must-see tasting websites:
-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery
——————————–
Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-
日本語のブログ
—————————————-

Baird Beer, Beer, Japanese Gastronomy, Microbrewery Beer, Numazu City

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/02/16)

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Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
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Ganko Oyaji Barley Wine 2011 Debut; Barley Wine Beer School @ Nakameguro Taproom

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

It is the time of year when the big bear of the Baird Beer world, Ganko Oyaji Barley Wine, emerges from its hibernal rest in the Baird Brewery cellars. Ganko Oyaji Barley Wine 2011 will debut, along with its new brand artwork, on Saturday, February 26 (coinciding with the kick-off of our Nakameguro Taproom Barley Wine Beer School event).

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:

*Ganko Oyaji Barley Wine 2011 (ABV 9.5%):

Brewed in June 2010 and packaged upon krausening in July, Ganko Oyaji 2011 sports a grist bill consisting of floor-malted Maris Otter and Bohemian Pils, as well as British crystal malt and 10% Japanese red (akato) sugar. This year we lowered the starting gravity somewhat(23.9 Plato), primarily fermented with an American Ale yeast, increased the hop bitterness (75 IBU), and krausened with our house Scottish Ale yeast. The result is a potently complex yet extraordinarily balanced big beer. Ganko Oyaji is an ideal after-dinner or before-bed restorative; it might even be delicious at breakfast too! It promises to condition nicely for months and years to come.

Ganko Oyaji Barley Wine 2011 will be available on draught at all of our Taproom pubs and at other Baird Beer retailing restaurants beginning Saturday, February 26. Bottles (633 ml) can be purchased direct from our brewery E-Shop and through the fine family of Baird Beer retailing liquor shops in Japan beginning the same day. Vertical tastings of three years of Ganko Oyaji (2008, 2010, 2011) will be possible exclusively at our Nakameguro Taproom. A small number of kegs of the 2008 Ganko Oyaji remain available for retailer purchase.

Upcoming Taproom Events:

*Nakameguro Taproom Barley Wine Beer School (Saturday-Sunday, February 26-27):

This is another in our popular series of Nakameguro Taproom Beer School seminars. Our thematic focus this time will be the historical beer style known as Barley Wine. Two Beer School sessions will be held: an English language version on Saturday, February 26 (3:00 – 5:00 pm) and a Japanese language version on Sunday, February 27 (1:00-3:00 pm). The English language Beer School will be conducted by Baird Beer Lead Brewer, Chris Poel, and Nakameguro Taproom Beer Manager, Marco McFarren. The Japanese language Beer School will be led by Baird Brewer, Tetsuya Kataoka, and Nakameguro Taproom Manager/Chef, Akitsuke Ishikawa. Cost of participation is 3,500 yen and enrollment is limited to 30 people per session. Advanced reservations are required (email: nakameguro-tap@bairdbeer.com or call/visit the NT directly).

During the Beer School, the following Barley Wine ales will be tasted:

Baird Ganko Oyaji Barley Wine 2008
Baird Ganko Oyaji Barley Wine 2010
Baird Ganko Oyaji Barley Wine 2011
Swan Lake Barley Wine (2011 debut version)
Green Flash Barley Wine
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine 2009
Iwate Kura Barley Wine (wine yeast fermented)
Additionally, Chef Ishikawa-san and his staff will be serving a wonderful light tasting of speciality dishes matched with various of the Barley Wine ales. This is a beer and food event not to be missed. Please contact the Nakameguro Taproom today to reserve you spot.

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE


The Japan Blog List

———————————
Must-see tasting websites:
-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery
——————————–
Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-
日本語のブログ
—————————————-