BTW if you're in Japan you gotta check out this resource. Great to check out which beers are on tap. The guy, Chris, who updates is also an affable chap. Enjoy!

http://boozelist.blogspot.com/

If you look closely I am the last guy to shout Chuwy a Pint. He posts pictures for such a generous deed ( I know, i know, when does the giving stop?!?...;) )

Baird Beer

Went out last night to the Baird Bar in Naka Meguro, here in Tokyo. The Bar is lovely and well kitted out. It never seems overly full and has a reasonable atmosphere. Any way on to the beers.

Hatsujojo Double IPA - 7/10 Well this is a more than respectable beer, but just didn't hit the spot in terms of the hops. Wasn't as aggressive as I would like. The Shiga Kogen House IPA, whilst not overly aggressive, is much more preferable.

West Coast Wheat Wine - 8/10 This was more like it. Like a lighter body barley wine. Quite complex. More than enjoyable.

Naka Meguro Bitter - 5/10 Pretty watery average bitter. Had a slightly intriguing fruity taste. Other than that plowed through it quickly and efficiently.

If you have the chance you have to hit up this place it is an easy trip fom Yokohama or Tokyo. Although Baird tends to spread themselves too thin when it comes to producing too many different seasonal beers. I still recommend their Angry boy brown Ale and Kurofune Porter as their best year rounds. The IPA is good too.

so just a quick list....

of music I haven't heard in agessss and am dying to hear again.

1. Get Up Kids - Something To Write Home About (Had the european version with central standard time!)

2. Promise Ring - 30 Degrees everywhere ( Everywhere in Denver and Red Paint - talk about opening combos)

3. Twelve Hour Turn - The Victory of Flight (Anyone know where I can download a digital copy?)

Yes all emoey goodness, but still great music. Don't hate me because I'm beautiful.

Happy new year! So anyway as I said I was in Nagano last week. A small town called yudanaka to be exact.

These guys to my left are the main attraction cos they love bathing in the local hot springs.

however, even more interesting are the hot springs for human use and the local brewery, known as Shiga Kogen Beer.

I got to lounge outdoors in a Rotenburo (Outdoor Hot Spring) in the mountains, overlooking the town. I watched the sunset whilst whiling away my troubles in the fantastic natural thermal springs. If your in Japan you definately have to visit an Onsen.

At the brewery they were brewing the IPA, which they allowed me to taste during the brewing process. MMMMMMM. They also gave to samples of all their beers except the House IPA, which I bought a bottle of the 2007 vintage anyways. They also brew delicious sake If that's your thing.