Bayern Meister Bier

Photo thanks to Bayern Meister Bier

Now this place was a real treat. I remember it was over a year ago when I first heard that there was a German brewing up some great beer in the mountains near Fuji. It was only just last week that I made it there for the first time. Let me tell you, if you haven't had this beer, you are missing out.

DISCLAIMER: This beer is not super hoppy, mixed with any types of black currants or dry hopped with tobacco leaves. This beer probably wouldn't even make the BeerAdvocate's or Ratebeer's top 1,000 because it's not 65% alcohol. BUT IT IS REALLY GOOD.

From left to right: Weizen, Weizenbock, and Pilsner

Stephan Rager is a real German Brewmaster who has a brewery called Bayern Meister Bier. No really, he is a licensed German Brewmaster. Many brewers and drinkers in Japan and around the world throw the word 'brewmaster' around a bit too liberally at times. With one taste of Stephan's beer you will know that he has earned this title. His beer is great. He only makes three styles: a pilsner, a wiezen and a weizenbock. Especially after trying the travesty which is Fujiyama beer, Bayern Meister's beer is top notch.

We made our way to the brewery with Chuwy's navigation and my buddy Jordan's tiny car. Bayern Meister is in the mountains, and when we arrived it was foggy and rainy. We happened to show up on Stephan's birthday, and truth be told, his brewery was closed. However, he kindly welcomed us in to his place and poured us some beers. Each one was excellent. It's hard to say which one was the best, since each one was a perfect example of it's style.

Will you look at those pours? And the color??? Perfect.

But since I must choose a favorite, I will. Weizenbock happens to be one of my favorite styles of beer, and while I prefer to drink it on a lazy summer afternoon, this one was out of this world. This is saying a lot, but his Weizenbock was the best I have tasted. BAR NONE. Great stuff. So smooth. So much malty goodness. Wow. I have one left in my fridge and I better stop writing about it or I may be forced to run home and pop it open now.

Stephan's place is small and it is quaint. It looks and feels like you may well be in the German mountains. It is a bit of a drive, but it is most certainly worth the trip. We were treated to such a great night with amazing service, and we were even lucky enough to hang out with three Germans who came to celebrate Stephan's birthday! Talk about a great night!

Thanks to Stephan for showing us such an amazing time, and for making an awesome beer. He truly is a master of his craft.