I'm headed to the Fuji area this weekend with a good buddy of mine, and hopefully will meet good buddy buddy Chuwy up that way. We've got a weekend full of fun, sun, Fuji, and good Japanese craft beer planned. Too bad that Mother Nature has a weekend of rain and fog planned. We will see who wins!
We plan on hitting the Fishmarket Taproom Friday and Saturday nights, with a trip Saturday during the day to Gotemba Kogen, and possibly Bayern Meister and/or Fujizakura. All will depend on the weather and how long I decide to lay in the onsen.
This week's weather has been a bit spring like. It's sunny and a bit warmer today, which makes me long for Hanami and all the fun that spring in Japan has to offer!
Recently in Nagoya, I was able to stumble upon some good craft beers from Yo-Ho. Now, while Yona Yona can be found at many stores and even some conbinis, these three are much more rare. The ESB and National Trust were good, but the Wild Harvest was very so so.... Anyone out there who has had them, what did you think? I'll go as far as to say the National Trust is the best canned beer in Japan!
Of course the Kinshachi Imperial Stout was good. Just broke the bank!
7 comments:
Hey DH, enjoy yourself and get things warmed up for me -- looks like I'll be making the long trek from Oregon to Numazu/Fishmarket Tap Room on the 31st!
If there are any other good breweries within strking distance of the Izu Peninsula (where I'll be staying), let me know...
I've had them all, and I pretty much agree. The ESB and National Trust were good and I wouldn't mind drinking them again. The other one (already forgot the name) doesn't deserve a place in my fridge -- yuck.
As for spring, I'm not sure when it's coming -- the weather's been total crap for the past couple weeks. I'm tired of it -- give me WARM WEATHER!!!
Red, I will just miss you I think! There's a chance I could be in the area again on the 31st.... most likely the wife and I will spend a few days there in April before we go home. (I'm thinking of a three day hanami!)
Chris, I agree as well. Both about the beers and the warm weather!!
Red: in the area there are several more breweries. Hansharo is closer to Ise...but so so. Gotemba, Bayern Meister and Fujizakura are also close.
National Trust is my favourite Yaho, apart from the rare chance you can get Aooni from the cask - man, that was good. My localish booze store used to stock National Trust. alas not any more. They do however have the full Baird range.
Izu side of Baird and Numazu (there is apparently a land beer cafe place not far from Baird though I've never been there and it seems to be nothing special) you have Hansharo (so-so to ok), wind Valley (not really worht a trip), European beer (they brew an English, Germna, Czech and Hungarian style beer), Izu Kogen (interesting natsu mikan ale - Baird will be making one of those soon, too) Atami beer (not sure who makes that bland lager).
Fuji said you have Gotenba Kogen, nearGotenba, Fujiyama (possibly the most disitincly tasting beer in Japan?) at Fujiyoshida, FujisakuraSylvans at Kawaguchiko, Bayernmeister at Fujinomiya.
There's also Kai beer/winery up to the north, in wine country (along with a few vineyards too). You can pikc up their bottled beers in the souvineer shops around Lake Yamanaka. Dont forget the beautifly Fuji five lakes and glorious views of Fuji san on your way round the breweries!
Alos Izu has spectacular views and ocean roads as well as inland mountainous drives.
Lots of good beer in the area.
You just need a car to get around.
I've cycled the are many times and enjoyed so much booze.
Baird's Natsumikan ale was transferred to the conditioning tanks (double batch) with fresh peels from the latest box of natsumikan that the Carpenter brought us on Sunday. Many those babies smelled great. The juice will probably be added at packaging, like we did last year. Wonderfully tart with a very nice aroma -- that's what this beer is going to be.
Sounds just like my ex girlfriend.
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