Thursday, July 16, 2009

Proton pack strapped on my back!

So DH is gone and I'm still here until August 10. Tick.

Miyuki's cousin got married this past weekend and the wedding venue had a unique contraption that the groom strapped on to pay respect to all of the guests at his wedding. It's like a Ghostbuster's Proton Pack but, rather than shoot ghosts, it dispenses beer! Here is the groom filling Miyuki's dad up with Super Dry.
And here is Miyuki modeling this beer dispensing back unit.Also, I just finished watchingthe documentary Beer Wars. It is good but I was kinda disapointed that the only craft breweries she talks with are Stone, Dogfish Head, and New Belgium. Well, she visited Yuengling too but...didn't dwell there like she did up in Milton, Delware where Sam and the Dogfish boys play. And who really cares about Moonshot caffeinated beer? That woman should have never left Sam Adams!

Anyway, if you visit surfthechannel it will link to Megavideo to watch it. Defintely worth watching.

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin 2009 #17

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin 2009 #17
Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:
The world began accelerating toward the Pacific Century with the economic takeoff of Japan that launched in the early 1960s. The general economic and socio-cultural impact of this emergence of Pacific Basin societies hardly needs mention. In our niche world of beer, this is the Pacific Century also. The reorientation of the beer world from the Atlantic to the Pacific began in full measure in the 1980s with microbeer movement that kicked off on the shores of America's west coast. This movement is building force in Japan and throughout East Asia like a slow-forming tsunami. Today, Baird Brewing releases one symbol of the coming Pacific Beer storm: Pacific Century Ale.
Pacific Century Ale (ABV 6.5%):
The stylistic genesis of Pacific Century Ale is a classic English India Pale Ale transformed into an American west coast-style IPA through the use of pungently aggressive pacific northwest hop varities (Simcoe, Columbus, Amarillo). Additions of the freshly squeezed juice and shaved peels of the Japanese Amanatsu citrus fruit (from the garden-orchard of the brewery's next door neighbor, Otani-san) make this unique IPA a Pacific Century Ale.
Pacific Century Ale will be available on draught at our Taprooms and at fine restaurants and pubs throughout Japan beginning Thursday, July 16. 633 ml bottles are available for purchase through the fine family of Baird Beer retailing liquor stores in Japan. Supplies are limited so order quickly!

Fishmarket Taproom 9-Year Anniversary Celebration (July 18 - 20):
We will be celebrating the 9-year birthday of our Numazu Fishmarket Taproom on the three-day holiday weekend of Saturday, July 18 through Monday, July 20. We will be open each day from noon until midnight. Highlights of the weekend festivities include:
(1) Baird Fruit & Beer Festival (Pints 700 yen; Half-Pints 500 yen; Tasters 250 yen):
The use of fresh, whole fruit as an integral beer ingredient has become one of the hallmarks of Baird seasonal brewing. The following fruited ales will be available for tasting during the festival:
*9-Year Anniversary Ale (Dekopon Ale) (ABV 5.5%)
*Pacific Century Ale (Amanatsu) (ABV 6.5%)
*Shizuoka Summer Mikan Ale 2009 (Natsumikan) (ABV 5.5%)
*Mikan India Pale Ale (Mikan) (ABV 8.0%)
*Saison Sayuri 2009 (Daidai) (ABV 5.5%)
*Carpenter's Mikan Ale 2009 (Mikan) (ABV 6.7%)
*Asian Beauty Biwa Ale 2008 (Biwa) (ABV 5.5%)
*Japan Tale Ale 2008 (Ume) (ABV 6.1%)
*Yamanashi Sumomo Ale 2008 (Sumomo) (ABV 5.6%)
*Jubilation Ale 2007 (Ichijiku) (ABV 6.5%)
*Country Girl Kabocha Ale 2007 (Kabocha) (ABV 5.5%)
(2) Fishmarket Taproom Buffet (1,500 yen per person; all-you-can-eat); Sidewalk Barbecue (3:00 - 7:00 PM each day) (kushi-yaki skewers 100 - 200 yen per):
Our chef, Michiru, possesses amazing culinary skill and this beer-inspired buffet is not to be missed. We will be grilling some wonderful kushi-yaki specialties downstairs on the sidewalk each festival day from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. Order you beer upstairs in a plastic "bura-bura" cup and enjoy it outside in the glorious seaside summer sunshine while feasting on sumptuous sticks of barbecue.
(3) Baird Brewery Tours:
We will conduct brewery tours twice a day, departing from the Fishmarket Taproom and 2:00 and 4:00 pm. No sign-up necessary.
(4) Live Shows (Music & Magic):
Some local Numazu talent will be contributing to our weekend celebration with live acoustic musical performances on Saturday evening (6:30 - 9:00 pm) and Monday afternoon (2:00 - 4:00 pm). An entertaining magic show will be staged Sunday evening (beginning around 6:00 pm)
We look forward to celebrating the 9-year birthday of the Fishmarket Taproom together with each and every one of you.
Cheers!

Bryan Baird
Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
www.bairdbeer.com

Going to KY!!!!!

I'm heading to Centrair now jibeer friends. I'll arrive in KY sometime on Thursday, which will seem like 2 weeks from now I am sure.

I'll keep updating from home, but expect a lot of news on the beer scene in KY and the US. Also, Nate and I will be launching another website soon--geared towards brew in KY.

I hope all of you have great summers and enjoy the events that Japan has to offer!

If you are free this weekend, Get to NUMAZU!

Of course, I'll be updating twitter constantly like a nerd, so follow me on the right.

Catch you on the flipside...

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

The Past Weekend's Beer Fun

Toyohashi doesn't boast any great beer bars, and truth be told--there's not that much jibeer to be found anywhere near the station. However, don't let that fool you. Toyohashi can give you some great times. Nate and I met up at the station last Friday night for the real Last Street Drink, and it was a good one.



We started out with a few street brews, and they we knew it was going to be a good night--because we saw the Booze Train. Many don't know, but Toyohashi is one of the only cities left in Japan that has an extensive street rail system in place. Street cars are everywhere and can be a bother for the first time driver, or my girlfriend.



Anyways, the Beer Train is a special car that runs in the summer. It is simply a car with a table and beer taps in it where you can drink beer while it makes the circle from the station around the city. You have to reserve the whole car, and I think it's booked until the Second Coming. If you get a chance to see it, it's a sight to behold. The only downside is that I heard there isn't a pisser on board. Anyone who has ever drank a few brews knows what it is like to need to go and can't find the proper facilities. WOW. You can read more about it here, here and on GaijinTonic's page here.



All of you conbini hounds might have seen the new Asahi Super Dry aluminum bottles taking up more space in the coolers. We had to have just one. Yup. Tastes the same. The metal itself isn't so bad though.

Also, if you are in Toyohashi, you must check out this pizza joint near the station. It's called Dia, I think. It's only about a 5 minute walk from the east side entrance, and is the best deal in town. For 850 yen you get a 8 inch pizza, a beer, and your choice of an appetizer. As we say in KY, that kind of deal is like a sore pecker--you just can't beat it.

Beer : 30

You know it's about that time. I'm hoping the last day of work goes quickly! For me, 4PM today signals the beginning of summer vacation.

Nate's double-fisting Baird Beer already.* What are you going to do to celebrate?




Don't worry friends. Nate will be in Japan drinking and blogging until he heads home on August 10th. I'll be updating from home as well, most likely making you all jealous with the awesome brews I can get in the homeland. Enjoy your mid-week brews tonight. I will be.

* Leave that one alone chuwy!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

I am too busy!

I've been busy this week and I don't like it. Work wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have to....work.

Just got done watching Beer Wars. Check it out. Nice film about beer in the US. I swear after watching it I will never drink Bud again. Unless it is free. And then I will drink it. Seriously, check the movie out. I am going to try to get an interview with Sam of Dogfish Head as well. Wish me luck!

The big news this week has been the merge of Kirin and Suntory. However, this probably won't mean jack to you and me. Just like Bud being bought by Inbev didn't deter the local redneck from drinking "The King of Beers", don't expect this to have any lasting real affect on the average drinker. And for heavens sake, drink some local beer if you can. Your local brewer thanks you.

I'm getting all my stuff packed to leave here on Thursday. Already I am planning on visiting about 8 breweries and trying to do as much beer sleuthing as can be done. Wish me luck.



I found a picture of me and Nate (and Nick) drinking Baird Beer's Japan Tale Ale. It was good, but wasn't my favorite. It was the morning. Forgive the sleepy looks.

We had Nate's going away party last Sunday night. WOW. Pictures to come soon.

I need to finish packing and get some sleep, so I'll be back with more tomorrow. Hope your nightly beers tasted as good as mine did. I had some Malt's and some of Nate's Oaked Bourbon chips Infinite Sadness. It was good. And I'm out. Dang.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Kirin and Suntory to Merge???!!!

In the biggest news to hit Japan since Nate's surprise going away party last night in Toyohashi, Kirin and Suntory are planning to merge by the end of the year. Not sure if they have announced that they will make a hybrid Ichiban Shibori and Malt's beer yet, but they did assure the public that they will continue to brew cheap happoshu to keep the homeless drunks in front of Toyohashi station happy.

Whew. That was close.

Many of you know that Kirin already owns beer brands from around the world, like San Miguel. Many don't know that San Miguel is the worst tasting beer in the world. We voted last night.

Hope your Monday's are as exciting as mine!

Friday, July 10, 2009

Friday News and Pics 7/10/09

It seems like Fridays come quicker and quicker each week! I hope when I am back in KY they slow down...

After school today I'm headed into Toyohashi to meet Nate at the station for a few street brews. This will be the last street drink, and we plan on making it a good one.

I'm not sure of any beer events going on this weekend, so how about enjoying a few local brews at a BBQ in your local park? It's always a good call to dust off the old grill, haul her to the park, pop a few brews, and let the coals to the work. Take advantage of Japan's awesome rule that lets you drink outside in the public parks. They got that one right!!!!

Speaking of grilling, check out Another Pint Please. Wow. That guy knows his way around the grill.

I finally got the pictures of the Beer nerd meetup in Numazu. I hope you can tell how much fun we had. I'd say it's safe to say by looking at the pictures that everyone had a great time. I can't wait until September when we can do it again, and hopefully taste some good brews that I bring back from home!!!






Thursday, July 9, 2009

Becken employees: fired or loved up?

DH just reported that Becken Beer is restructuring. What he didn't report is how he found out that information. He sent the Japanese article to Miyuki and I. Miyuki read it and posted back. This is the conversation I found when I checked my facebook after school.

Miyuki:

They don't completely go under.
They are stopping working and don't know when they can work again.
All of employee got laid.
They are discussing how to work again with Miyoshi city.
I checked MIXI's Becken beer community, the brewmaster said they have a small chance to start working again but it is not sure when.

DH:

MIYUKI! Thanks for the info...remember!!!!! "All of the employees got laid."---means that they all had SEX!!!!

"All of the employees got laid off."--means they got fired!!!!!!

HAHAHAHAHA! too funny! Thanks for translating it!

Miyuki:

Thanks for teaching English.
But I can't say they all didn't have SEX....


-Very true, Miyuki. Whereas we know the employees are not working now, we can't be sure of the extent of their individual love lives. Well played.

I want to drink good beer in Japan!!!! Help!!!!


Don't be fooled...This store in Takayama (Gifu-ken) isn't your normal beer store!!!



Tokyo really doesn't do the rest of Japan justice. The beer scene there is great, and it seems like more and more good bars and beers are popping up all of the time. It stands to reason that one of the world's largest cities would have a good selection of beers...but what about the rest of Japan?

The problem with Tokyo is that many of the folks who only live in Tokyo--don't understand what it is like to live in the far reaches of the nooks and crannies of Japan. I've gotten several emails recently from people asking where in the world can they find craft beer in Japan? Since Nate nor I live in Tokyo, I thought it was time we got back to the basics of where to find good jibeer in Japan.

(Being an English teacher, I know that many new teachers are about to come to Japan in the late summer/fall to start their teaching assignments. Often times these people don't have too good of an idea of where to find good beer in this country. I hope this helps.)

If you live outside of Tokyo, but still in a bigger city (Sapporo, Osaka, Nagoya, etc.) you probably are still in luck. However, be prepared to find that the beer scene in every other city of Japan can't compare to Tokyo. I live near Nagoya, and I can count the number of bars on one hand (that I know of!) that are serving Japanese craft beer.

In the bigger cities, the first thing you need to look for is an international store. Stores like Seijo Ishii and Yamaya are goldmines when it comes to finding good jibeer from Japan, and the rest of the world. Ask around and see if anyone knows of a good international grocery or liquor store in your area. Chances are you can find the most popular and widely distributed jibeers in these joints.*

After that, hit up your department stores. Stores like Matsuzakaya and Mitsukoshi usually have nice 'grocery' and specialty food shops in their basements. More often than not, this means that they will have a liquor department. Many department stores carry several types of jibeer, usually only from the area and surrounding regions though.

Once you have checked all of your department stores, it's time to hit your major supermarkets. Stores like JUSCO, AEON, Domi, and other bigger supermarkets will usually have some kind of jibeer for you to choose from. In Aichi, we have Atsumi Foods, a great local supermarket that carries a great selection of jibeer.

Now comes the tricky part. You can hit your conbinis, but more often than not their shelves will be full of The Big 4's brews and Chu-hai. Now it's time to look for your liquor stores in town. Most liquor stores won't have too big of a beer selection, but you may get lucky. The best thing to do is to develop some kind of relationship at a store, and then ask the owner where you can get jibeer. I always find that people are more willing to help AFTER I have just bought something from them. It may be worth dropping 1000yen on a cheap bottle of sake to help your chances of finding a good jibeer spot.

The hardest place to find jibeer (in Aichi at least) is at your local bar. Most bars only serve one of the Big Four's Brews, and that's that. When you ask for a beer, you will be served a 'beer' and won't even be told what kind. Don't worry. It's Japan. However, the bar is a great place to meet (surprise surprise!) other drinkers who love beer. Try asking some of the locals if they know of any places to get jibeer in the area.

The Japanese people might not be as helpful as you imagined when you ask them about jibeer in the area. I have been in Nagoya right next to the cities ONLY brewpub and had people tell me that they had never heard of beer in Nagoya before. Don't get discouraged.

Lastly, to those of you living in the countryside: Gambatte. I do, and I can't buy any kind of jibeer for miles and miles. This just means that I have to know where to look on the weekends and stock up when I am in the big cities. ALSO, don't overlook the Internet. Many Japanese brewers offer good deals with beer shipped right to your door. The beer might have been mistreated a bit, but wouldn't you choose a mistreated good beer over no beer at all?

Many ask us where Nate and I find so many jibeers in Aichi, since we don't have all the availability from Tokyo. The answer is simple: We are very tenacious. It's not uncommon to find us walking around Nagoya early on a Saturday morning hitting up all the usual spots, looking for anything new. We put a lot of effort (and travel!) into tracking down some good beer here, and it can get tedious. Keep fighting. Great is your reward!

Remember, if you are having trouble locating good Japanese beer in your area, get on the net. Chances are, someone is/was having the same trouble that you are. Get on sites (like this one) and ask people about the local beer near you. Don't be afraid to ask!!!!!

So, as we all wait for the day when our cities have beer scenes that can rival Tokyo's--let's keep hunting for the best beer we can find here. You never know

* The most available jibeers in Japan are from Yo Ho Brewing (Yona Yona, Tokyo Black, Aooni, etc.) and Ginga Kogen (white ale, weizen, pale ale). They usually run about 260-300 yen a can and are good beers. These are a great place to start if you are getting into the jibeer scene here in Japan!