Ise Kadoya Brewer of the Year 2009

Narihiro and Ise Kadoya have been racking up on the hardware lately. Of course, to Ise's own Dan Traylor (and GBCB friend) this comes as no surprise. Recently, Ise Kadoya was named the Brewery of the Year for 2009. Congrats go to them for their sucess!!

Kinshachi Weizenbock "Desert Beer"

I haven't written much about Kinshachi Beer lately, even though our good friend Yamaguchi-san (the brewer) makes some tasty brews. Colder weather usually means that his Chocolate Stout is soon to be on the scene, which is always a good thing.

Last weekend in Nagoya, I saw one of his new beers on the shelf at Seijo Ishii. It was a 6.5% Wiezenbock...with an interesting name.

We all know that sometimes Japanese companies don't fully get the English spelling or the pronunciation down. That's ok. If I tried to make a Japanese label, I am sure my kanji would be laughable. Hell, my spoken Japanese is laughable.

This Weizen Bock was a tasty brew, although not the best I have had in Japan. (Gotemba Kogen anyone???????) That being said, I'm not sure if it was good enough to forgive such a English gaff!

Oh what a difference an "S" makes!

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin 2009 #25

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

An annual autumn rite of passage is the release of a deliciously down-to-earth Baird Beer best characterized by two words: simplicity, sophistication. Country Girl Kabocha Ale marks her 8th annual debut on Friday, October 30 (just in time for Halloween) and this year's version is perhaps the best yet.

*Country Girl Kabocha Ale (ABV 6.0%):

Kabocha is a Japanese pumpkin-like squash the taste of which is elegantly sweet. The kabocha we use is grown in the garden of our carpenter-partner-friend, Nagakura-san. We first cook it in order to gelatinize it, then we add it to our mash where the enzymes from the malt help to further break it down into simple fermentable sugars. Several characterful varieties of malted barley produce a hearty wort that when married to the kabocha yields a flavor partnership of great depth and balance. After fermenatation, re-fermentation and conditioning, the result is an earthy, rustic beer that manages to deliver an extraordinarily sophisticated yet subtle complexity of flavor. It is, to many resident beer enthusiasts, the flavor of fall in Japan!

Country Girl Kabocha Ale will be available on draught at Baird Beer retailing pubs and restaurants throughout Japan (including all of our Taprooms) beginning Friday, October 30. It also we be availabe for purchase in 633 ml bottles through the network of Baird Beer retailing liquor shops in Japan starting the same day.

*Festival of Hops @ Nakameguro Taproom -- Hop Seminar & Tasting (Saturday, November 7 @ 12:30 - 2:30 pm; Saturday, November 14 @ 2:00 - 4:00 pm):

In conjuction with the upcoming Festival of Hops at our Nakameguro Taproom, we will be hosting a hop seminar and tasting on two separate occasions: the Saturday, November 7 seminar which kicks off the festival will be conducted in Japanese while the Saturday, November 14 seminar will be held in English. The content of the seminars and the tastings will otherwise be identical. Details of the seminar and tasting follow:

*Seminar Theme: Hop character in beer

*Seminar Beer Tasting: Eight hop-accented beers in 4 separate blind paired tastings

*Seminar Food: A collection of light beer fare will be served up fresh from the Nakameguro Taproom kitchen

*Seminar Duration: 2 hours

*Seminar Cost: 3,500 yen per person

Each seminar/tasting is limited to 20 indiviudals. Advanced reservations are required. Those who want to hear the discussion in Japanese should sign up for the November 7 seminar; English speakers should opt for the November 14 event. Reservations can be placed by sending an email to the Nakameguro Taproom (nakameguro-tap@bairdbeer.com) or by calling: 03-5768-3025.

Additional details regarding the nine day Festival of Hops will be forthcoming shortly.

Cheers!

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
www.bairdbeer.com

From Kentucky to Japan, What is up?

So, I won't apologize or make excuses for not posting in forever. However, I will show you pictures of the many wonderful beers I drink in Kentucky. I woke up this morning and decided it was the day to brew Sexual Dracula, the Cherry Imperial Stout I have been dreaming about. Right now that perverse monster is boiling, so it seemed a good time to reconnect.

I worked on Kentucky Ale's bottling line on October 16 and I was paid in beer. I got a case of the Kentucky Light and a case of the Bourbon Barrel Ale. That Bourbon Barrel case alone has got a street value of 60 bucks. Hell yeah. Imagine this picture below times 6 plus another case of a local made kolsch.

I am gonna work there again this Friday and get more beer. Here are some other beers I have been drinking.
Flying Dog's Double Dog Double Pale Ale, Gonzo Imperial Porter, and Kerebos Tripel
Boulevard's Long Strange Tripel and Sixth Glass Quadrupel. Can't even get this in Kentucky, I picked it up in St. Louis.Schafly's Pumpkin Ale, an 8% seasonal that is the best pumpkin ale I have ever imbibed.

Anyway, it is about time to throw in some finishing hops, let the wort cool, and run across the street to Galvin's to find out when I tend bar next. Busy, busy, busy...

Ehime Craft Beer- Arashibori

My lovely bride to be also brought me back one of these from Shikoku. I don't know anything about it, except that the fact that I can't remember how it tasted at all. I want to say it tasted just like every other Japanese beer, and the fact that I can't remember is not a good thing. Of course, the old lady is only so much help, as when I asked her where she bought it she replied: "At a store."

I won't complain.

After drinking a few of these jibeers while waiting on the local train, we caught a local celebrity playing a show at the Toyohashi "House of Crazy". He's good, and if you see Andrew Scott is going to be playing near you, check him out.



As usual, I finished off the night with a sack of Malt's for the train ride home. For us down here far far away from good jibeer....there's almost nothing better!

Dogo Beer

The good thing about having a loving fiance is that she always beings me back jibeer whenever she goes somewhere in Japan. All of her collegues think it is crazy that she is the one trying to scare up some jibeer wherever they go. All in all, life is good.

Recently she brought me back some Dogo Stout. I don't know much about Dogo Beer other than the fact that it comes from a famous onsen joint in Shikoku and won some awards back in 2000. I think the reason is because it is small, and pretty run of the mill. The Stout was good, but nothing to write home about (blog about?) and for sure the coolest thing about the beer is the bottle design, and the killer English inscription:

One gulp of beer taken just after a bath is the time when you feel most refreshed.

How true!

Anyone out there tried any other Dogo brews?

Check out another blogger's opinion here.

Friday!!!!!

Wow. I have been super busy and this week has absolutely flown by. I have been busy doing visa paperwork for the soon to be wife, and anyone who has gone down that road before knows that it's no fun. The flu has also been making its way around the countryside, and as of now I am the only inaka foreign teacher that hasn't had it in our area. I give credit to a strict diet of fatty foods and bourbon.

The big brew news yesterday was that Hansen Co. and Monster Energy have dropped their lawsuit against the small brewery Rock Art in Vermont. This is a huge win for small business and breweries in the US. Also, I am sure it has been a huge shot in the arm for Rock Art, because as of two weeks ago I had no idea who they were and I am sure you didn't either. No longer friends. If they can keep up with demand, I think this whole ordeal could be huge for our brewing friends in the Northeast.

I've got some info to come, but for now, enjoy your Fridays, and from your friends at Nest, remember :

LET S BREWERING WITH ENJOY~!!!!!

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin 2009 #24

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

This time of year marks both the finale of the baseball season and the annual release of a popular Baird Beer fall seasonal brew: Big Red Machine Fall Classic Ale.

*Big Red Machine Fall Classic Ale (ABV 6.2%):

To baseball fans, October means it's World Series (also known as the "Fall Classic") time. To me, the annual Fall Classic invariably brings back boyhood memories of watching and rooting for the great "Big Red Machine" Cincinnati teams of 1975 and 1976 World Series fame. Big Red Machine Fall Classic Ale was brewed initially in 2005 as a 30-year tribute to the Cincinnati Reds World Series championship team of 1975 (they won in a dramatic 7-game series against the Boston Red Sox). We continue to brew it annually because it is such a fine beer and is the perfect libation to enjoy while taking in the Fall Classic.

Brawny in the depth and richness of its malt character, this malt muscle is balanced beautifully by a wonderfully spicy and sprite hop essence. Much as the rare combination of power and finesse was a hallmark of the Big Red Machine on the field, so too is it a hallmark of the Big Red Machine in the pint glass!

Big Red Machine Fall Classic Ale is now pouring from the taps of each of our Taproom pubs. It also will be available both in draught and bottles (633 ml) through the fine network of Baird Beer retailing pubs, restaurants and liquor stores throughout Japan.

*Festival of Hops @ Nakameguro Taproom (Saturday, November 7 - Sunday, November 15):

Hops are close to the heart of all of us at Baird Beer. Therefore, we are pleased to announce a first-ever Festival of Hops to be held at the Nakameguro Taproom beginning Saturday, November 7 and runnning through Sunday, November 15. Highlights of the nine day event will include:

-Eight different single-hop beers on tap throughout

-'Hop Character in Beer' seminar & tasting to be held on Saturday, November 7 (12:30 - 2:30 pm) (limit 20)

-Debut tapping of the newest year-round Baird Beer (Suruga Bay Imperial IPA) on Saturday, November 7 (3:00 pm)

-Debut tapping of Ryoichi Takabayashi's Wan Cup Champion IPA, Six by Two IPA (brewed at the Baird Brewery in September), & homebrewers party (kick-off @ 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 8

-Special hoppy beer-inspired food menu

-Special hop drink card and raffle with Baird Beer prizes

Please mark your calendar for this special nine day event. More details will be announced shortly in an upcoming bulletin.

Cheers!

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
www.bairdbeer.com

Sometimes, the Little Guy Wins...

The Vermonster is here to stay. Power to the People!!

Bears and Beers

It's true, I live near bears. While I have never seen one out in the woods, I have seen evidence of bears and know many people (and students) who have seen bears wandering around the hills, sometimes in their back yards! That being said, I think Japanese bears must me meek and mild mannered compared to their gaijin bear counterparts. Just look at what this bear did last week in Wisconsin!!!



How awesome is it that the bear decided to take a nap in the beer cooler????

Of course, when talking about bears and beers, no one can forget this classic story of a craft beer loving bear who had a few too many!!!

Belgian Beer!

Belgian Beer is once again the talk of Japan! Check out a nice write up about the popularity of Belgium's finest in Japan's big cities!

Good Beer and Country Boys Turns 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's been a year. That's right, today this site turns 1. One year ago today I sat at school and got paid to start typing about Japan and beer and sometimes where the two intersect. It's almost embarrassing to go back and read those early posts. Just like anything, I now realize how little I know about the craft beer scene in Japan, and every day that I passes and I learn more, I realize how much more I have to learn.

It wouldn't be a proper birthday unless I proposed a good toast to those out there who have made Good Beer and Country Boys into what it is today--a place where you can come and have laugh and hopefully learn something about beer in Japan. And waste some time. This site is GREAT for wasting time!

Nate

Nate is the only man ever to Slalom Ski, reach into his life-vest, pull out a High Life, chug it in 4 seconds while holding on to the ski rope with one hand, finish the beer, and stuff the empty can back into his vest. Always looking out for the environment, that Nate.

The first toast must go to Nate. The co-founder who up and left one day to never post again must get some props. Besides going AWOL, Nate is a great friend who knows a ton about beer and bourbon--and now is pursuing a career trying to make one or both of them. Nate has gone back home to KY, and last I heard had secured himself a part time job on Kentucky Ale's bottling line. They better watch out, or as we say back home, they might screw around and come up short. Cheers Nate!


The second goes to my future wife Michi and GBCB friend Miyuki. These two girls helped Nate and I with out beer travels and searches all over Japan, since both of us suck at Japanese. Michi is in for the long haul since recently I tricked her into agreeing to marry me and move back to KY forever. My plan is complete!!!!



I'll raise another glass to none other than Japan's most famous and infamous beer expert and boozehound: Chuwy. Chuwy has supported us from day one and was ready to share his love of Japanese craft beer with us newcomers. For anyone out there who has ever drank craft beer in a pub in Tokyo, I guarantee you have met Chuwy--even if you didn't know it. To this day I have only been to one brewery where they didn't know his name, and that was all the way down on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa. (Of course, I didn't meet anyone there at all, so that could be the reason that no one knew him.)

The GBCB with Bryan and Sayuri Baird

Next has to be to Japan's great brewers and jibeer producers! Everyone that we have met has always been so accommodating and taken care of us. BIG BIG thanks go to Chris Poel and Bryan Baird of Baird Beer, and Scott Brimmer of Gotemba Kogen. You won't ever meet anyone better than Chris and Bryan, and both have always shown me the utmost kindness. From the beginning Scott Brimmer has always taken care of The Country Boys, and I'll always have a seat open for him at the bar in KY. Oh, and they make badass beer too.

Masakazu Nakanishi of Ise-Kadoya

Scott Brimmer from Gotemba Kogen!


Chris Poel from Baird Beer

Yamaguchi-san and Sugiyama-san from Kinshachi Beer

Lastly, to all the readers and beer buddies we have met here in Japan! You know who you are, you faithful few! In the Japanese beer world, you would be surprised at how you keep coming across the same people, the folks who are passionate about good beer and getting the word out about it.
Thanks to everyone who reads this site, and to all that take time to chat and give your opinions in the comments. If no one read the nonsense that I wrote, I don't think I would have kept writing!

I have enjoyed teaching to pay the bills and writing and dreaming about beer in my free time. I hope one day I can change that around.

Cheers!!!!!

Japanese Women Drinkers

A good topic for discussion can be found here. What do you think about Japan's culture and the promotion of women (and men) drinking alone?????

That being said, are Japanese women bigger fans of jibeer than Japanese men? At many of the events I have attended, Japanese women have almost outnumbered the boys.... At many of the bars in Tokyo and Nagoya that I have frequented, the ladies are always represented well.....Thoughts?

Rock Art Brewery vs. MONSTER

So this doesn't directly deal with beer in Japan, but it does deal with real beer made by real people.

Meet Matt and Renee Nadeau, a husband and wife couple brewing good beer in Vermont. They started Rock Art Brewery, to share their passion of brewing great brews with their good beer loving friends in beautiful Northeastern America. They have grown their business and their clientele, and by all accounts are doing really well.

Meet their The Vermonster, a very popular American barley wine that has great reviews on the web, as well as beeradvocate. I have never seen this beer in Japan, or even Kentucky--and I think Rock Art have a relatively small distribution area limited to the Northeast.

All was going well for Rock Art, until September 14, 2009 when soft drink and energy drink producer Hansens, the makers of Monster Energy, issued a cease and desist order to Rock Art Brewery because the name "The Vermonster" infringes on its intellectual property rights.

Now, as they say, the plot thickens. Monster Energy is a division of Hanson Beverage Company, however the Monster and Hansen sites don't say much of anything about each other. However, you can find Monster listed here, on the Anheuser Busch site. That's because Hansen and AB have an on premise sales and distribution deal. What does that mean to you and me? It's hard to say exactly, and it's hard to say who is calling the shots behind the scenes of Monster now, but Monster and Bud are linked at the hip for sure.

Back to tiny Rock Art. It appears that "Monster Energy" is looking to get into the alcohol market, and they are looking to get rid of any other 'monsters' out there before they do. Sure Rock Art holds the beer trademark for "The Vermonster" in Vermont, but Hansen (AB/Monster/?) says that this will cause confusion for those looking to buy the Monster Energy drink and possibly one day an alcoholic Monster product.

What can Rock Art do? Rock Art has a trivial amount of production and profit compared to these other corporate giants. A family owned brewery can't spend the money that it would take to even begin to fight the giants. After all, they are REAL working people who have jobs to do. Hansen knows that it would be much easier (and cheaper!) for Rock Art to just give in than to try and fight them.

So what did Rock Art do, you say??? Fight, say I. And Fight well. They took to the medium that has become the great equalizer......the web. Facebook, Twitter, and blogosphere are buzzing about this issue. Facebook groups have been started, Monster boycotts have been put in place, stores have begun to remove Monster from the shelves.....

Nadeau says this: “This is a fight about principles and to tell corporate America that our justice system is not for sale. We, the people, hold the power and we have the tools to combat your deep pockets.”

Nadeau has a point. Just because a corporation has the means to tie a matter up in expensive litigation, doesn't mean that it should get its way--especially at the expense of others.

What can you do? You can contact Hansens. You can tell them to shove Monster where the sun don't shine. You can offer up some encouragement for Rock Art here: ROCKART@PWSHIFT.COM. Most importantly, you can NOT BUY Monster.

Let's hope that Rock Art Brewery can keep "The Vermonster" name and come out of this thing alive. If one thing is for certain, it is that Hansen has been the greatest marketing tool that Matt Nadeau could have ever dreamed of. More people are talking about Rock Art now than ever....

Here's a video that Matt put up on his site:

And that my friends, is how you stick it to the man...

Komagatake Brewery- Mianmishinsyu Beer

Finally! I have been on a bit of a jibeer drought up here in the hills... I have been staying around these parts for the last few weeks or so, and this means that I haven't been able to trek into the big city in search of some good brews.

But never fear, my good friend Derek came to the rescue last weekend. We all met at his place for his local town festival, and these two bad boys were my birthday present from him!

These are Komagatake Brewery's Minamishinsyu Beer's Golden Ale and the Amber Ale. Both of them were easy drinking, good brews. I remember seeing their names at the GJBF in the past...I think they make the Apple Hop as well?? This beer comes from a beautiful spot here in Japan, and I highly recommend to anyone who has never visited Nagano to do so! (Of course, the jibeer that Nagano has to offer is just and added plus to the beautiful scenery!)

I Survived!

I apologize for the lack of posting this week...with the typhoon coming it has been wild out here in the mountains. Thankfully we have power back now, so I don't have to read about beer in the dark by candlelight...while drinking a hot beer.

Hey, there was no power in town--what was I supposed to do???

The Turtleman

This is going to be a random post, but I am in a nostalgic mood thinking about KY. I'm gonna post a video of arguably one of the greatest Kentuckians ever to live, the Turtleman.






It's true that this video doesn't have anything to do with Japan or beer, so to appease everyone out there I'll post a recent pic of me at the Tahara festival.



Happy Monday everyone!

Baird Beer's Harajuku Taproom

When I learned that I had to make the trek to Tokyo to head to the US Embassy, I must say that I was excited for a few reasons. First, I knew it would give me a chance to catch up with some of the Tokyo beer crowd, and second--I knew that I would get a chance to visit Baird Beer's Harajuku Taproom for the first time.

When the Harajuku Taproom opened for the first time, Nate had the privilege of attending the pre-opening party--however his adventure there and pictures have been taken back along with him to the land of Bourbon.

After walking around Tokyo for a bit with the 'ole lady, we decided that it was time to search out Baird's newest location. I had a general idea of where the Harajuku Taproom was, but of course--being the man that I am I wasn't about to pretend that I didn't know the EXACT location. Now, you should know that my fiance has the worst sense of direction in the world. She could get lost on a water slide. She knows this fact, but it doesn't stop her from trying. Usually this isn't a big deal, as I am pretty good with finding my way. This day however, I had to enlist some help from Chuwy.

Being on the Takeshita-Dori in Harajuku is a good experience for those not accustomed to the wild style of Tokyo's teens. I'll just say that if you were to wear some of those clothes to my high school in KY, you would be going home with either a bloody nose or a seriously bruised self esteem. We'll leave it at that.

Walking from Harajuku station and staring down the Takeshita-Dori (which one of my boys pointed out is one misplaced "a" from being "Take-a-shit Street"), take your first left. Walk down that road and you will see The Harajuku Taproom on your right, on the second floor of the corner building. You have arrived.




Inside The Harajuku Taproom, Baird has kept the same wood theme that it has going in all of its establishments. The feel is a bit more modern than the Numazu Bar, but still quality craftsmanship is evident. There is a very approachable bar in front of Baird's impressive beer selection, as well as an adjoining room with tables that has a large window--good for gazing (gawking) at the passers-by below.



The Harajuku Taproom breaks from the normal Baird pub fare (none of Sayuri's chili here, which was good for others riding the train with me...) and has a nice selection of yakitori. I didn't try any of the solid food, but what I saw looked and smelled delicious. All of the chicken sticks were very reasonably priced.



The atmosphere at The Harajuku Taproom was very inviting and I feel that I could spend a whole afternoon there without blinking. The staff was kind and knowledgeable, just as I would expect from a Baird Beer establishment.


There were about 16 beers to choose from, from American style IPAs to the signature Harajuku Real Ale (batch #2 was great!) to all of the regular lineup. Truly something for everyone. The best of the day might have been the Pacific Porter...but I have a special place in my heart for Angry Boy....

I urge all of you that haven't tried Baird or who have tried it in the past and come away wanting to hit the Harajuku Taproom. Sure, all of their beers may not be for everyone--but I am positive that you can find something there that you like. It's hard to keep a quality product made by quality people down. For those accustomed to drinking Asahi, Kirin and even Budweiser--be sure to try the Nide Lager. You will be amazed at the excellent taste that a truly well-made lager can have!

Of course, The Angry Boy Brown Ale was spot on!

Baird Beer may be the best in Japan at constantly bringing out new and different beers. Also many beer lovers know, the same beer (real ale especially!) can change depending on the day. Take my advice and head down there several times, and try the same beers! See if you can taste the subtle differences and how you feel about them.

*Baird Beer also has The Nakameguro Taproom in Tokyo, as well as their original spot- The Fishmarket Taproom in Numazu, Shizuoka. Their beers can also be purchased online, as well as at fine beer retailers throughout Japan!

Feel free to comment below with your own views and opinions of Baird Beer and it's pubs! I would especially like to hear from those outside of Tokyo, more specifically about if you can buy and have tried Baird Beer in your area!

DH in Tokyo: A Fish out of Water

Tokyo is a different world. That is one thing that is for sure. Of course, I live in Japan--but where I live resembles Kentucky more than Tokyo. Walking on the streets of Shibuya at night, I passed more people in ten minutes than I have passed on the streets in Toei in two years. Even my fiance, who is Japanese, comes from a smaller town and is completely lost on the streets in Tokyo. You name it, Tokyo has it.

Of course, that means it has tons of options when it comes to good beer.

We had to make the trip to Tokyo for the purpose of visiting the embassy. As you can imagine, that is not all giggles and smiles. Once that was done with, we decided to hit a few hot spots and drink some good brews. We did the touristy things (we were tourists after all) and of course saw the Asahi Golden Turd and went to Sumida Brewing, which lies in the Turd building itself. Good lunch buffet, OK beers.

For me, being in Tokyo is almost too much. I guess my simple brain has gotten used to not having to make any choices. Where I live, a Friday night presents these choices: Do I buy beer at the one combini, the grocery store, or the sparsely supplied liquor shop? Do I want to go to one of the four restaurants in town, or do I want to cook at home? Do I purchase the Ichiban Shibori, or the Malt's?

In Tokyo, there are more places than you can shake a stick at. (Good KY phrase) Do I want to drink this, that, or that? Do I want to try this bar, that store, or this place?

So what did I do? Of course, like all who are presented with daunting decisions, I stuck with the familiar. I decided to hit up the Baird Beer Harajuku Taproom, and then to go meet Chuwy.

The Harajuku Taproom was nice--it had great beers, atmosphere and staff. It deserves and will get its own post. For now, suffice it to say that if you are in Tokyo and around Harajuku--you owe it to yourself to go. It's a sanctuary of good beer and of welcome relief from the thousands of crazy folk on the Tokyo streets.

Two lovely Baird Beers. Them boys in Numazu sure can brew it!

After we had a few pints there, we went to Aldgate to meet Chuwy and Canadian Dave--who we had previously seen at The Harajuku Taproom. The Aldgate was having a IPA festival and Estonian food. I don't know about you, but when it comes to IPAs, I just can't help but think of Estonian grub.


At the Aldgate we had some great company and brews. The IPAs were tasty and even though the place was pretty dead (so Chuwy said), I enjoyed it greatly. As I sat there I couldn't help but wish that Nagoya had more places like this...

The next day we grabbed some excellent (and cheap!) sushi before we left. Sometimes Japan is great. Where else in the world could you take a picture of cold beer and a menu featuring $2 otoro and whale sushi!



You can find much more about Tokyo and the great bars that it has to offer on sites like Chuwy's Boozelist and Beer in Japan. Since I am from outside the Tokyo world, these cats are much more competent to tell you about Tokyo than I.



However, if you find yourself in the Kitashitara-gun of Aichi-ken, I know a KILLER bar by the onsen that is always poppin'. It only seats 6, so make sure you get there early. I met up with some inaka boys there recently. Usually the average age is about 85, but the old fellers always enjoy a few young cats to spice things up. They only serve Sapporo, but if your bring your own fifth of Kentucky's finest Jim Beam, you can get the party started. Just remember to pour a bit for the old guys too!

Notice the self brought bottle of Beam on the table....