We have come for your women and children...(japan edition)

Moving

2009-08-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

I have moved the blog to http://jonno79.wordpress.com/. Please update your links accordingly blah blah blah... see you there soon!

better late than ever..

2009-07-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

Secret Society

2009-07-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

Shhh I'm a member of a secret society. No not the Freemasons or Skull and Bones or the Illuminati....The Beer in Japan Forum!! And it's by invitation only, so you probably can't join. Unless you show me the secret handshake. Or just ask HBJ. Either way I'm good.

Off to the forum beerman....

Holy cow Bobin

Sucks to be you

2009-07-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

Friday night was a quiet one. Just had an Yebisu (6.5/10). Had to try it after all the bashing it has been getting recently. And guess what? It's a good beer. Nice full body. I enjoyed it and would drink again in a heartbeat If offered.

Saturday involved a trek to Shibuya to check out the Oita Ukiyo-e Museum. Being a fan of this style of art, I highly recmmend this place. It's in Harajuku and has a good collection of art. After that I took a quick photo of the Meiji Shrine Torrii and then headed to Mejiro. At Tanakaya they had a good selection in. Picked up a Firestone Union Jack, Lagunitas Hop Stoopid and Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA. As you can see coming in to a hot summer requires big, hoppy beers!

I was waiting in McDonalds with a McFlurry for my friend to call. They did, but to cancel our plans, so I decided to drink the Firestone (8.5/10) in the Maccy Ds. Haha. It was good. Really hoppy and sweet without being over the top. Would try it again, but at 1500 yen a bottle, It's pushing it a bit. The Mcflurry was awesome too. Oreo, If you really need to know.

After a bomber of that I headed to Akihabara to visit a maid cafe. I had never been to one and since I'm leaving thought I better cross it off my list. Well it wasn't quite what Iexpected. The maids only smiled and 'Genked' it up when they had to. When I tried to take a photo they nearly jumped on me yelling 'No photo!!'. I drunk my 600 yen coffee, chatted to some young ladies there, then hightailed it to Popeyes.

Popeyes is an institution. The best selection of beer in Japan. 70 plus taps. The staff are great, particularly Aoki san, the affable owner. The beer quality and serving quality are not always amazing, but never bad. On this evening I downed a Yona Yona Real Ale, Rogue Brutal Bitter, Ozenoyukidoke IPA, Yo Ho Barley Wine and a small Divine Vamp, the House Beer. Good times. As this was my last visit Aoki san graciously presented me with a Popeye's mug and magazine. I will always have fond memories of this place and will be back with bells on If I ever come back to Japan.

I then made my way to Aldgate for a Rogue Double Dead Guy. Unfortunately It was finished, so I had a Preston IPA, Aldgate ale (Swan Lake Amber) and a Erdinger Weiss. The boys (ie Capa, Chuwy, HBJ and TimE) showed up for a bit, but by then I was 3 sheets to the proverbial wind so after a bit of drunk banter I took my drunk ass home for some kip.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++@

Sunday was a reasonably early start, as I went bowling with my co workers. It was fun time, but I really need to practice. I sucked! Although in my defence, I haven't bowled in at least two years. After a few games we went for lunch at an all you can eat bread place. I ate about 20 pieces of bread and a salad. Just a small meal. We then took some print club and played some games at the arcade. Man those places swallow your loose change so fast.

After that, I invited my co workers around for a drink at my place. I drunk the Hop Stoopid (8.5/10) and Torpedo (7.5/10) as well as a few Westys (look at the great pouring shots taken by my co worker above). Good times and interesting conversation. After walking these retrobates back to the station it was time for bed. Back to work next morning, where i find myself writing this, during my lunch break on a balmy Summer day. Atsui, ne!?

Hopstar 88 yen beer - sound appetizing? no thanks....

I don't know If this was the name of the shop, but it gave me a chuckle.

music by the numbers

2009-07-09T18:24:00.000-07:00

Haven't done a list for a while, so here goes...

Top 10 best songs ever (off the top of my head)

1. Electric Dreams - Giorgio Moroder (hey I'm an 80s child!)

2. Alive - Pearl Jam (My teenage song)

3. No Surprises - Radiohead

4. Float on - Modest Mouse

5. Get your Walk on - Xzibit

6. I'm Broken - Pantera

7.Perfect Day - Lou Reed

8. Slow Show - The National

9. Maybe I'll Catch Fire - Alkaline Trio

10. That techno song I used to listen to whose name escapes me right now

How about you?

what's not to like?

2009-07-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

Friday night involved hoping on a bullet train to Tokyo to meet Tim and his mates for a special beer tasting. After having a Whiskey barrel Iwate Kura IPA at Bulldog, we went and found a very urban, chic environment (ie under the train tracks) to try Mikkeller Beer Geek Weasel (made with civet coffee - most expensive in the World) and Deschutes the Abyss (aged in French Oak and Bourbon Barrels).

Two huge, black 11% Imperial Stouts they were both sublime, as we watched (and cajouled) the nightlife walking by. The winner for me was the Abyss (9/10), just because of the huge complexity, though the weasel (8.5/10) was no slouch. Anyone that knows me knows I love a big, black imperial - so I was very happy. Company was good too. Cheers for sharing Tim! Back on the train for last trains to Yokohama, then home. PHEW safe!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Which brings us to Saturday. I decided to head to Motomachi to buy some shoes (a steal at 6000 yen down from 16000 yen), before walking through Chinatown and along Yasmashita pier to the Red Brick Warehouses for the Y150 celabrations. If you don't already know, it is 150 years since the Black Ships of Commodore Perry shimmied their way in to Yokohama, opening up trade with the outside world for the first time in centuries (except for with the dutch I believe). Here is a replica of said ships.

Anyway, enough with the history lesson. They have an exposition type event at the port, which I wanted to see. First problem was the entrance fee - 2400 yen! Over thirty Australian dollars. Next it was all in Japanese and finally it was a waste of time. The exhibits were bland and lifeless. There was an Anime especially made for the event, though it was all in Japanese and the quality of the anmation wasn't that great. The big robot spider thingy from Paris was interesting, but only a few hundred yen interesting. Get where I'm going with this??

Anyway Toyota had a pavillion which amounted to the World's biggest TV showing a ten minute movie on Japan and lots of advertising for it's green awareness cars. Woo hoo. Finally there was a big 20m in Diameter balloon that displayed images at night, which wasn't as fascinating as it sounded. All in all I felt done. Royally. Well the best I can offer is to warn others not to waste their money, particularly as the Spider can be seen from a nearby pedestrian overpass anyway. Oh for shame Yokohama. It wasn't crowded and you could see why. The number one rule of business is to get repeat custom, but there is no chance with the shite on display. Ahem, moving on.

In fairness, my day did get a lot better. I decided to head to Yokohama Brewery (which I had never visited!) where I met up with Chris 'chief running mouth talkalota' Chuwy. We had a really good pint (600mls actually) of Green Fresh, their big unfiltered IPA. Then it was a quick, gassy dash (I drunk my beer too quickly) to craft beer bar to meet up with Homebrewjapan and his missus. A real affable chap, he bought some of the brews he had been perfecting recently, as witnessed on his blog. But not before I got a pint of Shiga Kogen IPA in, from my favourite brewer.

We made our way down the pier, which was lovely and cool in the evening, with a lovely sea breeze. Very romantic if I weren't with a welsh talking machine and a couple. Homebrewjapan then whipped out the big guns (oh my!). We tried his great homebrew and I must say he shows great potential. For a full run down see here, for HBJ's write up, and here for Chris' two pints worth. I thought his pilsner and hitachino nest IPA were the pick of the bunch, but there were no bad beers. I think they might have suffered from carbonation issues, but that was explained by homebrew. Apparently forced carbonation was used over traditional methods (that's what I was going to say, but he explainrd before I had the chance ;P).

Chuwy then whipped out his big gun...luckily it was a bottle of HaandBryggeriet dark force (8/10) and not his long suffering willy. It was delicious. A big, black wheat (?!) imperial stout. Boozy and long. Cheers Chris, it was a nice surprise. We then made a run to Yokohama for a Thrash, but for some reason it was closed (We would find out later Koichi had a cold). So we made our way to cheers. Haven't been there for ages, as this focus is on Belgian beers, which I haven't been a fan of recently and it is a little costly, compared to Thrash.

We ordered four glasses of St. Bernardus 12, which is a great beer, though just a bit too sweet for me on the night. Great as it was, it was time to down it quickly and dash for the station for the last train again. Whew thanks Chris and Homebrewjapan for a pleasant evening, after a lackluster day. Let's do it again before I leave!

(Above two photos: My second hometown. Always in my heart.)

Where the hell is Numazu you say?

2009-06-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

Met up with the Japanese beer blog fashionista for several pints down the original baird taproom in Numazu. Chuwy, Capa, Nate and DH and of course TimE downed a few as well as made quite a mess shelling peanuts. Bloggers, Ratebeerians and Tweeters alike drank their ambrosia and immersed themselves in increasing hazy and innuendo centered conversation. Head brewer Chris came down later and joined us for a few too. Top guy. Things started to get a bit hazy, but not before Nate poped out some of his IPA and Imperial Stout homebrew (great job on both!) and Tim pulled out a bottle of Barrel aged Imperial Porter from Full Sail. Like Wow! Cheers gents.

More drinking and fun and games in to the night, last trains home and through a series of fortunate events caught the last train on my local line (don't ask me how - I couldn't tell you). Special thanks to Chuwy for making sure I got the right train!

Now Numazu wouldn't be my first choice for a trip again (Much more commercial than I expected) but it was good to get all these beer heads together at a decent brewery. I'm not going to lie and say Baird is my favourite brewer, but they make some decent beer. Now if only they turned decent into great. Maybe Chris is the guy to do it...A good weekend trip, even if it taxed the old wallet a bit!

From memory I had the Numazu Lager, Shimuguni Stout (surprise of the day!), Rainy Season black ale (disappointment of the day), Red Rose Amber, DIPA, Morning Coffee Stout (Fantastic - highly recommended) and Tekioku(?) IPA. Not too bad....

Aussie Beers

2009-06-25T08:52:00.001-07:00

Yeti

2009-06-24T05:59:00.000-07:00

It's commmiinnnggggggg....

Sunday Arvo

2009-06-22T20:05:00.001-07:00

Sunday evening beers - Sierra Nevada Bigfoot (8/10), followed by a 2001 Samichlaus (8/10)! Both big fruity beers. Obviously the Sami had mellowed and matured. It was good, but I think the 2008 is good too - just different! Had a wedding on Saturday (see the pics below), before going to craft beer bar and finishing off at home with a Nogne Imperial Stout (8.5/10), which I found hiding in Tanakaya. I thought they were all sold out, but I found one hiding at the back hooray! Nice big example of my favourite style...

Chizuko's Wedding

2009-06-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

Went to my former student's wedding on the weekend - and what a wedding it was! We cruised around on a ship for a few hours round okohama Bay, whilst enjoying some of the best food I have had in a long while. It was a Chinese Japanese fusion and the quality was unbelievable! Beef that melted in your mouth, smooth filling soup and even lobster! Made the Asahi Super dry I drank with it seem palatable. The service was on top of the ship, before we left harbour and it was very interesting. Lots of western imagery (Rings etc) but totally Japanese in presentation. We even let off balloons at the conclusion of the event.

I was honoured to be invited to such an event and share my deepest respect for Chizuko and Shugo for the future. Good luck for the honeymoon!

Westy v. Berny 12 rounds (geddit?)

2009-06-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

I had a review of the holy grail of beers - the Westvleteren 12 up the other day til blogger decided to f@#$ me around and delete the post. I haven't had the time or energy to put it up again...til now (cue eeire music). So take two - here's my ratebeer.com review...

Yes it’s a great beer. The best in the world? Debatable. It serves as the holy grail and does its job well. Poured a magnificent auburn unfiltered ruby red. A sight to behold. Nose of raisins, alcohol, toffee etc. Taste was expressive. Lots of alcohol, port, sweet dark fruit and a little coffee. mouth feel was medium to full. Left a lasting impression of alcohol and cinnamon in the mouth. Lots of yeasty sediment to this one. Glad to try it, now I can move on try a few more on my wishlist!

I have a few more so I will crack them open later for a better review. I also had a St. Bernardus ABT 12 the same night. The Berny was also very good and a little similar to the Westy. The story goes that The St.Bernard Brewery brewed Westvleteren beers for the monks up till recently. Here is the full story from 52brews.com.

"In 1946 the monks at [Westvleteren] decided to devote less time to brewing, producing a small amount a beer at their abbey (close to Watou) and contracting Saint Bernardus to [brew] the Saint Sixtus line of “Trappist” under contract from 1946 until 1992…

After Westvleteren ended the deal, Saint Bernardus continued with its own brands, extending the range and boosting production to 10,000 hectoliters (8,500 barrels) a year. Today it brews beers with no monastic influence…but still uses recipes the brewery claims haven’t changed since 1946.

Because the head brewer from Westvleteren helped set up the Saint Bernardus brewery, it seems likely he brought along the original Westvleteren yeast with the recipes. We can only guess how Saint Bernardus yeast today might have changed in sixty years. We know, of course, that Westevleteren now uses yeast acquired fresh from Westmalle each time the monks brew. "

So obviously both are great beers. There were discernible differences, such as the Westy having a more auburn colour, where as the Berny was a browny colour with better head retention. The tastes where not dissimilar, with big roasty, fruit flavours, but more like cousins than siblings. Similar profiles with notable distinctions. If I were to pick a winner it would be the Berny, just because it's 1/3 the price of the Westy and a hellava lot easier to get your hands on...just saying.

Anyone got some thoughts on these two?

Van Halen and Satriani's Love child - one night only

2009-06-13T01:36:00.000-07:00

I think this about sums up my guitar playing ability! But I enjoy it and Koichi is always kind enough to let me play at the Thrash Zone. This pic courtesy of Chuwy's highly readable, always quotable blog.

Drank a bit too much last night. Greenflash DIPA (7/10 - their West Coast IPA kills this), Stone RIS (9/10), Minoh DIPA (6.5/10 - Don't get me started on Minoh) and West Coast IPA (9/10). Then went home and drank a Samichlaus (14%!) and whisky...but I was still able to perform my duty at the end of the night;)...As you can guess I'm a bit under the weather today...

paid in full

2009-06-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

Pumping on the stereo -

Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks (Crazy cool song). Even if it is a bit soft, the melodies are keepers. Check it out like...

P.S. remember ANYONE can leave comments so please do so (I'm looking at you anonymous reader!).

Time for a body shot

2009-06-10T06:14:00.000-07:00

Where do you want your body shot? Cold coffee in a can...mmmmmm

If your going to drink...do it properly

2009-06-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Chuwy's blog... I present the aristocacy of street drinking...A tale of two pompous pricks and their hopped up DIPAs and belgium beers in goblets...seriously though, lynch these guys if you see them drinking on the street again...

westy

2009-06-06T22:57:00.000-07:00

woot woot I have westvleteren!

Just had the Westy 8... here's the review ratebeer.com style:-

Wow. fruit. do you like fruit? If not, then this might not be the brew for you. I managed to get my hands on a few bottles of these (thanks TimE!). Expensive as. Actually gushed out of the bottle, even though it had been sitting out of the fridge for a while. Obviously a lot going on here. A huge fruity nose. Blackcurrants, apple, banana etc. The moutfeel was medium bodied and very fruity. As it warmed up it had more toffee and coffee notes, as well as a pronounced alcohol bite. Finish was medium bitterness with spice. An exceptional beer. It is very Belgian. I am not a huge fan of Belgium beers at the moment...but this is class. Can’t wait for the 12.

Maybe my longest ratebeer review ever...Still it was a great beer. Enjoyed after a Weihenstephan HefeWeiss and Lagunitas Imperial Stout, with a Shiga Kogen IPA after that to finish off...oh and watched Running Man with Arnie....beat that for a night in!

Beer hunting

2009-06-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Gonna try something different. I will list my top 10 beers I want to try (that as yet I haven't locked my lips around) and try to wittle them down. Of course more will probably be added over time. Feel free to add your own..I didn't add Dark Lord by Three Floyds cos it's only sold once a year from the brewpub so I will probably not get my hands on it. Same goes for Surly Darkness.

1.Westvleteren 12 (Belgium) Quadrapel

2.Alemsith Speedway Stout (USA) RIS

3.Bell's Expedition Stout (USA) RIS

4.Surly Furious (USA) IPA

5. Bell's Hopslam (USA) DIPA

6.Founder's Breakfast Stout (USA) RIS

7.Oskar Blues Ten Fidy (USA) RIS

8.Murray's 2IPA (Australia) DIPA

9.Dieu De Ciel Peche Mortel (Canada) RIS

10.Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock (Germany) Doppelbock

Obviously a lot of American brews here, but they are doing it better than anyone else at the moment. Also lots of Imperial Stouts (my favourite!)...No Japanese beers because I believe I have tried all the best ones...or have I?

wavves and watches

2009-06-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

This my friends is the coolest bit o' bling I've seen for a while...Saw it in a magazine while I was waiting for a haircut (yeah 1000 yen cuts are the new punk rock...).

Not to mention this video clip by Wavves (who seem to be getting much love recently). Love the overtly Japanese clip...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF9Tu35-pBo

Comments

2009-05-31T01:57:00.000-07:00

I changed some settings...ANYONE can now leave a comment! Please feel free to..

Popeye's Redux

2009-05-31T01:46:00.001-07:00

Beers -

Shiga Kogen IPA

Preston Babakan DIPA

Isekadoya Amber

Hakuseikikan Brown Ale

Rogue Yellow Snow IPA

Tokyo Black (Nitrogen)

Isekadoya Brown Ale

Rogue Shakesphere Stout

Hakusekikan Super Vintage

Nasu Kogen Nine Tailed Fox

Ozenoyukidoke IPA (Through the Hop Heart - like a Randall)

Atsugi Tripel

I shared a few of these - but yes I was pretty hammered!

Beer test

2009-05-31T01:33:00.000-07:00

Walk in to a bar and order three beers. Which three would you choose? Friday night after work I went to Thrash Zone in Yokohama and ordered the following -

1. Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye (8.5/10) on tap

2. Green Flash West Coast IPA (9/10) - unfiltered too! on tap

3. Stone Double Bastard (9.5/10) - bottle

How's that for a list? All were simply delicious. I don't think you could drink these kind of beers at many bars in the US outside California. For this I salute the new found Japanese desire for GOOD beer! They were pricey, but high alcohol and slow drinking, so I prefer it to cheaper, sculling beer from an Izakaya. 'Master' bate to that!

Today is the day

2009-05-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

FA CUP Everton v Chelsea (ie the money boys, chelski etc)

Everton's first cup final in 13 years (?)

Common boys do them Chelsea billionaires in and show the rest of the world what a great club we are!!!!

Chelsea 2 - Everton 1 too bad. Next year 2010 champions!

time for the kitties...and fugu

2009-05-28T06:21:00.000-07:00

Like Beer?

2009-05-26T06:25:00.001-07:00

Went to Tanakaya before work today ( nearly late!). Here's my haul..

Dark Horizon 2nd ed.

Fantome Saison

Lagunitas Imperial Stout

St. Bernadus 12

Haviestoun ola Dubh 12 yr.

Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA

Guinness Foreign Extra Stout

Lion Imperial Lager

Samichlaus

and for a possible future trade...

Sankt Gallen Barleywine

Daisen G Barleywine

Hakusekikan Brown and Dual Porter

Shiga Kogen wheat wine and IPA (x2)

Yona Yona (x2)

I'm a very happy chap right now...

All hail the Samichlaus

2009-05-25T01:10:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I was a bit skint but this didn't stop me picking up a Samichlaus from import store Seijo Ishi just round the corner from my work. At 600 yen for 14% this is a fair deal. Especially when a lot of japanese micros turn out weizens, pale ales etc for at least 500 yen.

Not only that but it tastes great. How great? I'm buying up a supply so I have a few if it runs out. Big and smooth with lots of doughy sweet malt and a nice bitter finish, it takes a while to get used to, but I must have drunk it a dozen times and I am a true convert.

This is the best thing to come out of Austria since Arnold Swarzeneggar (At least predator era Arnie - don't get me started on the true awesomeness of that movie)! GET TO THA CHOPPA...

P.S I have the glass too...A great sippin beer glass!

Summer came to kick my ass

2009-05-24T01:34:00.000-07:00

Haven't been doing too much drinking recently, but inspired by Capa's blog about porch drinking I have done a bit myself recently (well two sessions..). A great way to spend an afternoon in summer....

Lazy bastard

2009-05-18T06:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am, but in my defence I've been battling a chest cold that won't go away. Anyway a quick harp on what is the best beer I've had recently - Shiga Kogen IPA (9/10). If you know me, you know I love the brewery, but got to try this great brew, in peak condition at Craft Beer Bar on the weekend and it was great. Better than most American attempts. It hits all the right notes without being to over the top or aggressive. My recommendation is to get a pint (or 3) in to you asap to to see what good brewing is all about. cheers!

Golden Week in Pictures

2009-05-06T01:37:00.000-07:00

Yokohama representin'

Hair of the Dog Doggie Claws Barleywine and Goose Island Bourbon Imperial Stout

'We have come for your women and children...' blog groupies

+1 groupie! (Jay of Thrash Zone and Ladderback fame)

Pulling pints with Koichi at Thrash Zone

Tanakaya

Yes I have a big nose...and no hair

San Diego Beer Party

2009-04-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday was a fun day. It was pouring rain most of the day, but just like any trooper in search of beer I made my way to Ginza for the San Diego Beer Party to introduce Ballast Point to Japan.

Held at Salon De G, this was a well planned gig. Props to Andrew from Nagano trading (the importer) for this. When I got there I was one of the first in the door. 5000 yen got entry, food, lots of beer and a pint glass. I ordered the Big Eye first, which is a fantastic IPA.

Good to see many beer lovers there. The two Tims who are very knowledgable on beer and Chewy (who is a beer God!) I had met before. But met a slew of interesting and friendly people as well. One who stood out was Scott, who is a brewer now at Gotemba Kogen, having worked at Sierra Nevada before. He was very friendly and forthcoming. Cheers to all the other people I met.

The food was delicious and plentiful. Ranging from Organic vegetables, to mini hamburgers and fried shrimp to delicious olives. It managed to compliment the beer wonderfully. As for the beer well the aforementioned Big eye was the highlight for me, but the rest of the beer was wonderful too. A quick run down on the beers I drunk are as follows-

Big Eye IPA (9/10)

Dorado DIPA (8/10)

Green Flash 30th street Pale Ale (7/10)

Bourbon Barrel Black Marlin Porter (8/10)

Victory at Sea Imperial Porter (7/10)

Stone IPA (7.5/10)

Abandon Hope Smoked (7.5/10)

Green Flash Trippel (7.5/10)

Calico Amber Ale (7/10)

So all in all a great time. I must have ended up having around 6 or 7 pints (US size) but kept well hydrated, so no hangover! I look forward to drinking more Ballast Point in the future...

ANZAC

2009-04-26T01:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Anzac day...Lest we forget. Thank you for everything you did.

Good man that Churchill

2009-04-23T22:21:00.000-07:00

"Always remember that I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me."-Winston Churchill

"Make sure that the beer - four pints a week - goes to the troops under fire before any of the parties in the rear get a drop."-Winston Churchill to his Secretary of War, 1944

"Sir, if you were my husband, I would poison your drink."-Lady Astor to Winston Churchill "Madam, if you were my wife, I would drink it."-His reply

So you think YOU look bad!

2009-04-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

Finally sumped up the cash for a new camera. I have been taking photos with my camera phone recently. Got a nice little one on special at BIC CAMERA. Anyway heres the first shot using it...Me at the office, first thing. Yeah its not a flattering shot, but at least it I didn't break the camera!

Looking forward to the Ballast Point gig tomorrow! Should be a cracker...

Chuwy don't you lose my number...

2009-04-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

Chuwy, who seems to be the only person who reads my blog (and vice versa!) seems to have disappeared...Hope your doing alright mate. Catch you at the Ballast Point gig!

EVERTON IN! Man U out!

2009-04-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

Yeah the mighty 'ton are headed to the FA Cup final...first time in nearly 15 years, to take on the Chelsea money boys. We gonna do em right good son...

Any opinions where i should watch the final in Tokyo or Yokohama?

Courting controversy

2009-04-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

Going for some controversy here...Want to split beers in to two categories. Worth a damn is the category for styles I generally always enjoy, regardless of the brewer. Wretched Lolly water for those I generally dislike. This is not to say there aren't beers in the style I don't like (Stones Old Guardian is a great beer for example), but generally they don't agree with me.

Whadda ya think? Opinions please...

Worth a damn

Imperial Stout (the quintessential high ABV beer for me)

IPA and DIPA (hop centric and bursting with flavour)

Bitter and Premium Bitter (ESB) (balance and parity)

Porter (deep, dark and wholesome)

Wretched Lolly Water

Barleywine (over the top and sickly sweet)

Dry Stout (bad memories of Guinness - watery)

Belgian Tripel (flavourless for the high ABV)

Marzen and Octoberfest (true lolly water)

over to you if you have an opinion on these or other styles!

Hard Beer and Wives Tales

2009-04-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

"Alcohol is 20 years old! Selling alcohol to minors is not permitted hard!" - literal translation from the Rakuten site about beer... In honor of this I bring an oldy, but a goodie...

Beer drinking

Whether one is "shipwrecked" or just plain "wrecked", perhaps the following words of wisdom might help one stay at or near the surface.

SYMPTOM: Feet cold and wet.
FAULT: Glass being held at incorrect angle.
ACTION: Rotate glass so that open end points toward ceiling.

SYMPTOM: Feet warm and wet.
FAULT: Improper bladder control.
ACTION: Stand next to nearest dog, complain about house training.

SYMPTOM: Beer unusually pale and tasteless.
FAULT: Glass empty.
ACTION: Get someone to buy you another beer.

SYMPTOM: Beer tasteless, front of your shirt is wet.
FAULT: Mouth not open, or glass applied to wrong part of face.
ACTION: Retire to restroom, practice in mirror.

SYMPTOM: Floor blurred.
FAULT: You are looking through bottom of empty glass.
ACTION: Get someone to buy you another beer.

SYMPTOM: Floor moving.
FAULT: You are being carried out.
ACTION: Find out if you are being taken to another bar.

SYMPTOM: Beer is crystal-clear.
FAULT: It's water. Somebody is trying to sober you up.
ACTION: Punch him.

SYMPTOM: Don't recognize anyone, don't recognize the room you're in.
FAULT: You've wandered into the wrong party.
ACTION: See if they have free beer.

SYMPTOM: Your singing sounds distorted.
FAULT: The beer is too weak.
ACTION: Have more beer until your voice improves.

SYMPTOM: Don't remember the words to the song.
FAULT: Beer is just right.
ACTION: Play air guitar.

I eat $150 dollar mangos all the time in Japan

2009-04-13T01:37:00.000-07:00

Saw this at Sogo the other day. This was a mango they were charging 10500 yen for. I just about died when I saw the price. It wasn't even that big or juicy looking. Some people have more money than sense I guess....

￥10500 = $104.30US

￥10500 = $147.30AUS

Ballast Point

2009-04-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

Ballast Point Beers outta San Diego are making their way to Japan, thanks to Andrew of Nagano Trading. I am the first to admit I have yet to put a BP to my lips, but I'm looking forward to having more than my share at the Welcome Party for Ballast Point in Tokyo. All I can say is welcome to Japan and I look forward to downing my share of West Coast goodness!

In honour of this I present my 5 favourite japanese brews that could stand up to anything produced in America at the moment...

1. Shiga Kogen House IPA - This is Japan's equivalent to a Pliny from Russian River. Not overpowering, but BIG BIG BIG. Very well balanced for a DIPA.

2. Hakusakien Super Vintage Ale - This is more like a port than a beer. Super smooth and alcoholy at 14.3%. Try the raisin version for extra OOOMMMPHHH.

3.Yona Yona/Tokyo Black - My two favourite readily available brews. Yona is perhaps one of the best pale ales I've ever had and Tokyo is a dark dream. Both amazingly flavourful for 5%.

4. Swan Lake Amber Ale - This is how to make an Amber ale. Full bodied and moreish with delicious caramel tones.

5. Fujizakura Weizen - When I feel like a German this is the brewery to turn to. Their Weizen is the best I've ever had, Japanese or otherwise.

These are all year round beers. If I turned to specials I would include Shiga Kogen and Baird's Imperial Stouts...but then I am biased towards the dark lord of beers;)

Aussie Beer

2009-04-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

Just got back from my Brother's Wedding on the Gold Coast (Australia). Great time had by all but I'm due a good rest now. Hopefully I'll post some pics when available...

On the night before the Wedding I was lucky enough to hit up a great bar in the Jupiter's Casino (!?) that has a focus on craft brews from Australia! Had a great time downing a few with my bro and his other best man Glen. It was a british themed bar by the name of the Prince Albert. They even served sausage by the meter!! Any way here are a few of the brews I tried..

Alpha Pale Ale by Matilda Brewery (8/10) - Nice bitter APA, would stand up to a lot of Americans I've had

Sheaf Stout by CUB (8/10) - Fantastically smooth Foreign Stout by one of the Majors!

Pepperjack Ale (6.5/10)- Apparently they mix wine in this...It got better as it warmed

Hightail Ale by Mountain Goat (7/10)- A nice smooth, caramely ale

Little Creatures Pale Ale by Little Creatures(7/10)- Very fruity and a bit light but still great

Fat Yak by Matilda Bay (5/10) - A bit disappointing no real life here

IPA by James Squire (5.5/10)- A decent take on the style, but I've had better

To be honest I was a bit worried the quality would be a bit low after gorging myself recently on American and Japanese Craft beer, but in general the quality was quite good. Not world beating, but a good start. I think it is similar to Japan 5 years ago. Still learning the trade and in the years to come we could see an explosion of great beers from the Land Down Under! I look forward to trying more Aussie craft beer (and a Fosters or two - hahahaha)!

http://www.ratebeer.com/View-User-43711.htm

Cherry Blossoms and Popeyes

2009-03-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

Will write a full entry when I have time (accidentally deleted the last entry after spending about 30 minutes on it!) about my wonderful day under the Cherry Blossoms and in Popeyes...

Aoki San and I (He is Popeye of Popeyes fame)

Down it in one my son (Drowning a pint of Divine Vamp 3, Popeyes house beer)

Had a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale under the Cherry Blossoms in Ueno (Look at the head!)

Weird and wonderful japan

2009-03-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

In Japan the local dragstore is just a hop, skip and girly laugh away...

Words escape me

St.Swear is the patron saint of Japan. This chapel was named in honor of him.

Sumos patrol Train platforms in Japan in order to curb the growing trend of athletic salarymen training for the 100m dash

Best Beers?

2009-03-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

Nice little link...Most of us know these beers but I've only tried one of them! Haha. Don't necessarily agree with the list but in the interest of fairness....

http//www.holytaco.com/10-beers-you-need-try-you-die

whadaya think?

Pliny I hardly knew you

2009-03-22T07:11:00.001-07:00

Had a bastard of a weekend so I decided o get in to my bottle of Pliny the Elder sooner rather than later. It was good. Damn good.

Yes the best double IPA I’ve had along with the ruination. Pours a gorgeous dark yellow with a creamy froathy head. The nose is an unbelievable hop extravaganza. The mouthfeel is smooth and medium to full bodied. Taste of grapefruit, citrus and pine. Lingers in the mouth for a while, but not in an overpowering way. I stumbled across this in Tanakaya and it was 1260 yen well spent. Who knows when I’ll be able to try this amazing brew again, if ever!

Good ol Double IPAs. They certainly know how to show you a good time. On a slight note they are also one of the most dangerous beers to drink in a bar. At 7 to 10% and gooing down so easily, they can really sneak up on you quickly. I really enjoy the Stone Ruination, Speakeasy Double Daddy and Shiga Kogen's House IPA. mmmMMmmm its beer time (copyright McDonalds corp).

Smack bang in the middle of Tokyo

2009-03-21T00:43:00.000-07:00

Be jealous....

2009-03-21T00:09:00.000-07:00

I was in Tokyo yesterday to pick up a passport (long story!!) and decided to stop by Tanakaya in Mejiro. The place is the sh@t!! Always great, even if the prices are not always. Yesterday they had World Wide Stout (18%) and 120 IPA (21%), Avery Metistophiles (?!), Dark Horizon by Nogne and Black Flag Imperial Stout, which I got a recommendation about, not to mention hundreds more.

I was there to pick up some Takashi Imperial Stout by my favourite Japanese brewer. Tamamura Honten, who make Shiga Kogen Beer. Takashi is the head brewer and If you read way back I visited these guys way back in December. They only brew this once a year so I picked up a four pack. Already drunk one, which was sensational (9/10). Here's the review.

Tamamura honten done good here. A reasonably full bodied stout with a strong dark nose. A pitch black pour with a taste of chocolate oils and berries, that just gets better as it warms. Lingers in the mouth. Quite hoppy for the style. Too bad its only brewed once a year...p.s its up to 10% this year.

The find of the day however, as you can see in the photo, was a bottle of Piny the Elder by Russian River! I have never seen Russian River in Japan, so before you could say "Holy cow Batman how did you fit that in there?", I grabbed this little beauty. If you don't know it's a Double IPA (or WIPA as they say over here - geddit?!). It has some majorly good press on ratebeer, so I'll defo do a review when I pop it. Sorry to those in Japan who want a bottle, I think I snapped the last one up...it didn't even have one of those little postings most beers have, just a price tag. But don't feel bummed - Tanakaya still has a kick ass bunch of beers for all tastes! Prost!

Crossover...hope that doesn't mean limp bizkit:(

2009-03-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well last weekend I went to the Thrash Zone to try Koichi san's creation...CROSSOVER. He made the beer at Yokohama brewery and apparently used 5kg of hops to create this monster. Heres my ratebeer review.

This is a brew by Koichi from Thash Zone. It’s a cross between a cream ale and an IPA. Unfiltered. Poured with a half inch of head. A dense, cloudy light orange hue. Big nose of grapefruit and citrus. The hops are Amarillo and Centennial. Big, solid mouthful with a strong grapefruit taste on the palate. Sits in the mouth for a while after. Definately more of an west coast style IPA, they only thing letting it down was that it was a bit one dimensional. Otherwise a more than competent brew. Well done Koichi!

Truly it was a tongue scraping hop monster. Koichi said the dry hopped version was too extreme, so I'm glad I got the original. Always nice to try new brews. If you tried it let me know what you thought!

It's been a while...

2009-03-20T23:58:00.001-07:00

Time to get back in to this blogging lark. So here's a treat for all those who like their Japan weird and wonderful - Chocolate covered Prawn crackers!! mmmmmmm. Sounds delicious huh? I can't tell for sure cos I wasn't willing to fork over the 250 yen at the local convienience store for this mad scientific creation....I may have to investigate this week.

Look at the clarity on that one!

2009-03-12T22:23:00.001-07:00

Bought a Sprite Zero the other day and was surprised to find out it's sexier than water! Well acording to the label. I don't know about you but I've always had a preference for good ol plain water. At least she calls the next day and doesn't mind when I go out with my mates for a night on the tiles....

He's back...D a double d y fat sacs

2009-03-08T01:41:00.000-08:00

Well I'm finally getting over this cold, but boy it's knocked me around. Hope to get up and posting as soon as possible. Had a Hair of the Dog Adam (9.5/10) from Portland last night. Now theres an interesting beer. Like an Imperial Stout crossed with something I can't quite put my finger on! I couldn't drink it all the time, but in true beer geek style I was enraptured to try it...Rock on!

blah

2009-02-23T05:55:00.000-08:00

I've been sick...caught a bug. no beer drinking for a while me thinks...sniff sniff

Old Rapscalion....

2009-02-20T22:34:00.000-08:00

Polished off a bomber of Old Ruffian Barleywine (8.5/10) by Great Divide outta Colorado last night. Picked it up at the fantastic Tanakaya. A real hop malt kick in the bollocks. At nearly 11% it had a big alcohol burn, but was as smooth as you can get at this density. Nice way to finish the week. Bring on the weekend!

So metal it hurts...

2009-02-19T06:14:00.000-08:00

After the admission below it's time to crank up the metal factor with one of the most balls out cool Images I've seen recently. Both fantastically cool and totally stupid in equal measures....

As a child growing up in the 80s....

2009-02-19T05:49:00.000-08:00

Time for another list! Being a child of the 80s I grew up with some great music. Many would call these songs cheesy now, but I still enjoy them. For the melodies, memories and plain good songwriting. My top 10 1980s songs as follows:-

1. Electric Dreams - Giorgio Moroder

2. A Good Heart - Feargal Sharkey

3. Down Under - Men at Work

4. One Night in Bangkok - Murray Head

5. Neverending Story - Giorgio Moroder

6. Careless Whisper - George Michael

7. Don't Lose my Number - Phil Collins

8. We Didn't Start The Fire - Billy Joel

9. Labamba - Los Lobos

10. Electric Blue - Icehouse (great aussie rock!)

and a few that just missed out

Beat It - Michael Jackson (for my Michael Jackson loving friend - You know who you are!)
Dear God - XTC
Our House - Madness
Take on me - A Ha
Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears for Fears
We Built This City - Starship
We're Not Gonna Take It - Twisted Sister
Don't Dream It's Over - Crowded House
Wired For Sound - Cliff Richard
Come Over to my Place - Mental as Anything
I Want to Know What Love Is - ?
Jump - Van Halen
Boys of Summer - Don Henley
I'm Still Standing - Elton John
She Drives Me Crazy - Fine Young Cannibals

Talk about great music! I could listen to these songs on repeat over and over again (and over). There are probably a few I missed, but these were all I could think of for now...

Real Ale? Can i have more please sir...?

2009-02-15T20:14:00.000-08:00

Well the Tokyo real ale festival is in the books and a nice event It was. Running between 1 and 5 on a Sunday afternoon is certainly a bit strange, but everyone was well mannered and had a good time. Winners for me on the day were the Baird Barley wine, Sankt Gallen imperial chocolate stout and the Tokyo black. The Baird Barley wine (8/10) was big and bold with lots of sweet fruits permeating though the mix. The other two were brews I've tried more than a few times before and were well represented in cask form. My good friend Aiko enjoyed the Tokyo Black the most, so I really think this represents the quality of the brew. She enjoys beer, but as a more casual drinker she tended to enjoy the more mild beers, so it was an all round winner.

The Shiga Kogen was a little disappointing for me as it was a collaboration with Nogne 0 from Norway. Called 'Not so Mild ale' it was a simple mild bitter that fell in to the normal Shiga profile, but didn't present anything special. Oh well collaborations generally aren't the best anyway, just look at the Stone, Ale Smith, Mikkeller collaboration recently....

The event was reasonably well organised, although the popular beers ran out after about an hour and a half and by about the third hour pretty much everything was gone. Hitachino Nest Japanese classic ale ran out just as I was the the third person in line to try it. It had been sitting there in a shochu cask and I couldn't help but pine for it. Oh well.

The best part of the day was perhaps meeting up with other beer lovers. I saw Koichi the owner of Thrash Zone and a lot of rate beer regulars. It was particularly nice to meet Mark (aka Kyotolefty) and the Jolly one. Thanks for the three philosophers beer generously shared by Mark! Great to meet you mate! Also met Nate and his lovely girlfriend, who does the blog 'Good Beer and Country Boys'. Seemed like a nice chap. Keep up the good work with the blog!

Well now I'm back to work and still dreaming about those loverly loverly brews! Onwards to the next festival!!

Friday the 13th followed by Valentine's Day? What strange forces are at play here?

2009-02-12T21:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a little reminder I left for my students on the class schedule board today...

Already got some chocolate from a few students and even some beer tickets (?!?). Seriously. They know I love beer so I got 6 big bottles and 4 cans worth of beer tickets to use. Hope i can use them on some Yo Ho brews or at the very least Yebisu (or maybe a chocolate beer?) at the local liqour store. Lovely start to this the most evil of days!

To honour this day I present my top 5 horror movies in no particular order.

1. Jaws (Scared me outta the water to this day)

2. Evil Dead 2 (black comedy and grissly horror...Bruce Campbell!)

3. Predator (Not a horror film per ce, but the predator is the stuff of nightmares)

4. Night of the Living Dead (The original - Amazing especially for it's age)

5. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Again a great movie for the time that still stands up today)

The Archduke of Austria always enjoyed a few rounds

2009-02-12T00:23:00.000-08:00

Franz Ferdinand, one of my favs, recently released their 3rd album, Tonight (9/10). And...it's a grower! I wasn't too enamoured at first, but it has worked it's way in to my heart. I went out to HMV in Yokohama and picked it up for the bargain price (for Japan) 0f 1790 yen.

Loosely based on a night out on the tiles, it is darker than past releases. It isn't quite as catchy as the first two records, but has an evident maturity that more than makes up for this as it unravels itself and clinches your synapses in a jarring manner, unwilling to release. My recommendation? BUY BUY BUY!

I once saw them perform live in The Tokyo Buddokan a few years ago with my girlfriend at the time. I remember how tight they were and their ability to replicate the album sound live was nothing short of sensational. Truly one of the greats. Up there with Alkaline Trio and the National for me in terms of top music talent.

Australia's worst national disaster

2009-02-12T00:03:00.000-08:00

Well the fires that have ripped the heart of Australia are still raging. My heart goes out to those affected by this great tradegy. However there have been some glimmers of light, such as the video of one of Australia's national treasures, the humble Koala, being taken care of by a firefighter in the aftermath of the blaze. This will bring a smile to your face. It typifies the unique Australian spirit. The firefighter's Aussie accent is true gold too!

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XSPx7S4jr4

As we wait for the trains, so are the days of our lives

2009-02-11T04:20:00.000-08:00

Rant time on Craft Beer Bar

2009-02-11T04:10:00.000-08:00

Public holiday today here in Japan for Foundation day. The national day for japan like Australia Day or 4th of July for the Yanks. Decided to head to Craft Beer Bar in Kannai to try the Hitachino Nest Celebration Ale. It's a seasonal and at 9% and featuring some interesting spices, it is meant to be quite the beer. But guess what? when I got there it was out...

Which leads me to my rant. Whenever I head to said bar for a special pint, whether it be Shiga Kogen House IPA or a special like the Hitachino, they are invariably out of said brew in record time. This irks me cos it's not the biggest bar (maybe 15 people max?) and is never overly busy. The owner is nice and efficient (no English though) but what is he doing? I think he orders tiny kegs or is drinking half the good stuff himself! A Good beer will last a day or two max! This is not how to run a bar!

My advice is to hit up Popeyes in Tokyo If you can. With 70 beers on tap it is unlikely to not have a beer you have been dying to try. If Tokyo is not an option then the Craft Beer Bar is fine, although expect the good brews to be well gone by the time you arrive.

Well I feel better now...

Choco beer reviews from jay pan

2009-02-11T03:56:00.000-08:00

Sankt Gallen have some special beers out for Valentine's day. I didn't need an excuse to buy and drink them. But, to the love of my life, If you're out there, I bought them for you.

Sankt Gallen Imperial Chocolate Stout (8.5/10). Smooth Impy here. Slightly thin mouth feel is the only distraction form the obligatory dark chocolate and Sweet dark fruit combination on the palate. A bit on the nose at 600+ yen, but good for a few.

Sankt Gallen Orange Chocolate Stout (8/10). Nice surprise here. The orange chocolate is nice and evident throughout what is a nice stout. The beer name perfectly sums up this little beauty more than I ever could. Take a punt and enjoy. A more reasonable 500 yen sweetens the deal for me. 7% abv.

Unfortunately I went to pick up the Shonan Chocolate Porter today at Sogo, but it was all sold out. Blast my indecision!

This guy drinks too much DRINK IT BLACK!

2009-02-08T21:22:00.000-08:00

Got my ticket for the real Ale Festival in Tokyo this week! Lots of lubuly beers poured as they are brewed without the use of nitrogen and other such gassy agents. Should be fun! Really want to try the Shiga Kogen - Nogne collaboration and the couple of Imperial stouts and barley wines on show. There was a beer list in english but it seems to have disappeared. The entry ticket allows for 10*120ml pours and the glass is thrown in as a souvenir. Good value all round!

In honour of this I present my fav japanese coffee in a can - DRINK IT BLACK! Hot or cold (yes they drink cold coffee here) its always time for a drink it black. Is that a rolling stone reference?? BTW I have no idea who that guy holding the can is, but it was the only google search picture I could find. I will upload my own picture when I have time, cos that guy is kinda creeping me out...

Ahhh, before I forget I rented The Dark Knight (8/10) last night. Good movie, even at 2 and a half hours. Heath Ledger's performance really made this movie. I will be the first to say I was always skeptical about him, but he proved his ability here. BTW does anyone else dislike Christian Bale? Either he is great at playing douches or he just plays himself repeatedly in movies. I dunno...hope it's the former rather than the latter.

Beer Geek Breakfast

2009-02-07T00:35:00.000-08:00

Just downing a bottle of the infamous bear geek breakfast. All I can say is wow that title is certainly no misnomer. Not for the uninitiated. Huge coffee bitterness. Very smooth due to the oatmeal. Actually would make a good first beer for the day, although thankfully I haven't regressed to that stage (yet!). Do yourself a favour and check this bad boy out. Steve Newman at his baddest in a bottle. Cheers Mikkeller!

My God I am losing my hair big time!

2009-02-06T23:20:00.000-08:00

Here it is! My first taste of the Racer 5 (8/10) by bear republic on tap at the always fun Thrash Zone. Huge IPA with lots of pine and citrus hops. A very full body. Just shaded by Green Flash's IPA as the best american IPA I've had.

Next up was the Big Bear Stout (8.5/10). At 8% abv it teeters precariously between a huge stout and a light Imperial stout, but either way it is delicious. Bitter, ugly and black, I could drink this all night.

Lastly had a Green FLash Barleywine, generously shared by a Gentleman there with his Girlfriend. Nice people. The Barleywine (8/10) was huge, especially on the nose. VERY full bodied and lots of sweet flavours on the palate. A bit too much, as I had trouble finishing it.

Then the dash for the last train home before watching 30 rock and curling up for a well deserved kip. TOP NIGHT! Thanks Koichi!

Fano O Taweiki

2009-02-06T00:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Waitangi Day! New Zealand's national day is being celebrated today in rememberance of the treaty between the Maori and Pakeha in 1840. Cue much contention over the years. Still let's celebrate what is a great nation and a pack of mad bastards when it comes to Rugby!

Another list

2009-02-06T00:13:00.000-08:00

I put this post up in the ratebeer forums under Japan and thought I'd share it here.
Just my thoughts on local beers. Disclaimer - Subject to change!!

Love
Shiga Kogen IPA and House (actually they don't make a bad beer)
Swan Lake Amber
Baird Dark Sky IRS
Hakuseikian Super Vintage
Yona Yona and Tokyo Black

Want to try
Isekodoya Imperial smoked Porter
Shiga Kogen IRS
Yo Ho Barley Wine

Favourite Brewery
Shiga Kogen (nice guys too)

Most disappointing Brewery
Minoh (still producing weak bodied brews)

Most overrated
Unfortunately Baird (they have a few good uns but just spread themselves far too thin)

Favourite Bar
Popeyes (but living in Yokohama the craft beer bar/thrash zone combo is more common for me)

I Iz in ur computer watchin u watchin me

2009-02-06T00:04:00.000-08:00

I am a dog person, but those LOLcats are pretty fricken funny. Here's a few of my favs courtesy of icanhascheezburger.com.

Its all about the beerjamins

2009-02-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

BTW If you happen to stumble upon this blog and are curious about the beers I enjoy take a whizz at my ratebeer profile....

http://www.ratebeer.com/View-User-43711.htm

More Baird Beer

2009-02-05T05:49:00.000-08:00

Had the Baird Dark Sky Imperial Stout (8.5/10) last Weekend on tap. A flavourful, burnt raisin molasses infused bomb. The only down side might be the *slightly* thin body. Still top notch and the best IRS I've had brewed in Japan.

Their Brewmaster Nightmare Rye Ale was also very tasty (7/10) but this one definately did suffer from a lack of body, especially since I had a Hot Rod Rye from Bear Republic earlier in the evening. Still Baird are doing well and If they keep improving will one day be the premier ji biru company.

My one piece of advice is for them to concentrate less on pumping out the seasonals so often and concentrate and tinker with the few that do impress such as the two above. They tend to be quite hit and miss with their seasonals IMHO. Just my two yen worth...

Bear republic kicking ass

2009-02-05T05:34:00.000-08:00

Love me some bear republic! The IRS (9.5/10) and Hot Rod Ale (8.5/10) are both fantastic. They now have these on tap at my favourite bar, Thrash zone. I've been meaning to try the Racer 5 IPA out for a while so I'll be hitting the place up sooner rather than later. Thrash zone serve hot beers (at decent prices for Japan) and play metal music, although it is often of the hair variety.

With this in mind I present my 5 favourite metal bands and my fav song my them (in no particular order nach)

Pantera (I'm Broken - metal from the heart baby)

Zao ( To think of you is to...- Black metalcore so hot it hurts)

Amon Amarth (Twilight of the The Thunder God - Oh my...Viking metal yo)

Unearth (Black Hearts now reign - in blooddddd)

Deftones (Bored - yeah I know....)

2009-01-11T04:06:00.001-08:00

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?!?...;) )

2009-01-11T03:39:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-01-03T06:24:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-01-03T06:14:00.001-08:00

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.

2008-12-31T04:51:00.000-08:00

nuck nuck nuck first entry

went to yamounouchi yesterday will blog about the place and shiga kogen beer (my fav) as soon as I can be bothered