Interview with Andrew from Nagano Trading Company

Here is an interview with Andrew Balmuth from the Nagano Trading Company of Tokyo. He is working hard to import the best of American craft beers to Japan, but he had enough time to answer a few questions for Good Beer Country Boys. I typed 'Andrew Balmuth' into google photo search and this was the second picture that came up.

1. now you live in Japan. Where are you from and how did you get here?

I am from a small town in Upstate New York. FYI- we hunt with 12 and 16 gauge shotguns. Shotgunning gets me thinking about the only way you should drink a canned domestic beer.. real fast. I would rather hunt turkey with an M-16 as those birds are hard to shoot! Who said machine guns have no other purpose but to kill innocent people? I ain't never met an innocent turkey!

2. Why did you start this business and how long have you been doing this?

What do you mean the drinking or the drinking business? I started drinking at 16 and the drinking business 4 years ago. Before that I was either drinking, or thinking about drinking but not in the drinking business. You follow?

3. What products (specifically beer) does your company import now or plan to import in the future?

My company is called Nagano Trading. Not sure you know the story but I will tell you someday. I officially import and distribute the following brands listed in no order of power or preference...

North Coast Brewing Co.

Speakeasy Ales & Lagers

Maui Brewing Co (new release with draft this summer)

Stone Brewing Co

Green Flash Brewing Co

Bear Republic Brewing Co

Ballast Point Brewing Co (first arrival in April)

FUTURE 2009 New Arrivals...

Great Divide Brewing Co

OSKAR BLUES Brewing Co

Southern Tier Brewing CO.

I think that is great representation of an All-Star Western Craft Beer line-up.

4. Your company is based out of Tokyo, so why is it called the Nagano Trading Company?

Why the hell not, you got a problem with it? No, just kidding. I filed the name of my company in Japan as Nagano Trading as I once lived in Nagano and had visions of exporting Japanese foods and beverages. Is this a long or a short interview? Short, good.

5. If someone in a less beer priveledged area of Japan wanted their local liquor store to stock your wares, what would they have to do?

Well you got them guns so I think that is all the leverage you need.... Send us the contact information and we will give them information and our prices. Your desire to have the beers in a local shop is great so let's talk about how this could work. If they don't order then call me as we can help you with buying beer.

6. In the whole wide world of beer, what are your five favorite beers, in no particular order?

I can't give you a reply. I am a hop head and a big beer fan. IPA's, IIPA's and Imperial Stouts are my favorite styles.

7. What was the first beer you ever drank?

Molson Canadian.

8. Have you ever visited Kentucky?

Yes as far as I remember, hope to go back and drink some bourbon barrel aged beers someday!

You can check out Andrew's company at www.naganotrading.com. I would type more about the extent of Andrew's good deeds and accomplishment but Miyuki is yelling because we have to leave in the middle of the night to go to Izu. These things happen.