Sumidagawa - Porter

Sumidagawa (Asahi) - Porter - Tokyo - ? ABV - Japanese Pint - @ The Dry Dock:
Taste: Roasted coffee, bitter, minimal smokiness, chocolate hints, some malt, less hops, not very sweet either- though some caramel in the background.
Smell: Faint nose, some coffee, toffee, and roasted malts.
Look: Dark brown, like black coffee, big stained head, strong lace.Verdict: This is more similar to a stout than a porter; that being said this is a decent beer but ultimately I could never fully recommend it for two reasons; first there are better porters and stouts out there; and second this brewery is a subsidiary of Asahi.

Keel's Lager - by Hitachino Nest

Hitachino Nest - Keels Lager '09 (a Dry Dock original) - Ibaraki Prefecture - ? ABV - 330 ml bottle @ The Dry Dock:
Taste: In your face hops, nice sharp bitter bite, hops drown out any other flavors that might be in there!
Smell: Hops of course, some malt, and a faint trace of fruits.
Look: A beautiful deep copper red/orange with a brown tint, slightly cloudy, poured with head, but little lace retention- hardy any actually, and not really carbonated.Verdict: I really enjoyed this beer; very reminiscent to Dogfish Head 60 Minuet but more intense! One of the best Japanese American-style IPAs I have had and fully recommend this to any hop-head.

The Dry Dock

The Dry Dock was a joint I wanted to hit up just on the basis of the name & location alone. To me this is the ideal bar, its got a nautical theme and is in a seedy location- literally directly under the tracks of the biggest train line in Tokyo (the Yamanote Line). What this means is such: its a shady looking place where at no matter the time of day- sunlight ain't gonna reach it; AND every 4 minuets or so the entire structure shakes under the force of the trains passing overhead.
The nautical theme begins from the exterior with some key details; first the structure is submerged so that the first floor is actually 1/2 underground, a few circular nautical windows are in place (just like on a ship) so that you can peek in (or out); next is the front door- it's a beautiful stained wood which also has in-place a circular hatch window; and it's damp (no sunlight remember) adding to the effect of being port-side.

[Above picture "borrowed" from Chuwy Reviews]

The nautical theme is carried over even more so once inside; with more wood paneling and captain's wheel and instruments front & center at the bar! There is an upstairs, but it's sit-down dining only and carries a stiff cover of Y500 per head! If you ain't gonna eat (or with a date) stay below decks at the standing-only bar and save the yen for another round.

The beer selection, while decent, had some flaws that really rubbed me the wrong way. I was expecting to find a decent jibiru selection but the night I was there they had only one or two. They did have some nice American microbrews (courtesy of Nagano Trading) and also some Japanese macros. And not to sound too petty (but I am), they were served in Japanese pint glasses but were priced on par with US pints... and to add insult to injury, were served with a big wasteful head... yeah the worst, I know.

Hitachino Nest - Keels Lager '09

Sumidagawa - Porter

[The Dry Docks website is here]

Ginga Kogen - Weizen (Star Bottle)

Ginga Kogen - Weizen (Star Bottle) - Iwate Prefecture - 5% - 300 ml bottle:
Taste: Common wheat-beer flavors: banana & citrus; hints of custard; light hops; very refreshing; carbonation produces a fizzy sensation.
Smell: Potent banana & citrus aroma, with whiffs of cream.
Look: Cloudy mellow yellow; carbonated; head forms - however no lacing lingers.Verdict: Compared to their Pale Ale this is far better; I really like this weizen, it's simple yet tasteful and refreshing. This is the "star" of the Ginga Kogen lineup! "German Purity Law was declared in Bayern by Wilhelm IV and stipulates that beer is made of only malt, hop and water.
We are brewing beer as "natural food" instead of industrial product according to German Purity Law. So, Ginga Kogen beer is made of only malt, hop and water.
According to Japanese liquor tax law, beer may contain some kinds of auxiliary material such as rice and cornstarch.
Ginga Kogen beer that includes 100% of malt and no auxiliary material will provide the sweet taste from malt" -- gingakogenbeer.com

Fujizakura Kogen - Rauch Beer

Fujizakura Kogen - Rauch Beer - Yamanashi Prefecture - 5.5% - 500 ml bottle:
Taste: Smokey- but not overwhelming so; wood; bacon; very unique & pleasurable.
Smell: Smokey- yup it's at the forefront here too; burning wood; burnt meats; creamy scent emanates from its head.
Looks: Clear light shades of brown; lots of carbonation; big frothy head that lingered about for a few minuets; lacing which holds strong.Verdict: Drinking this beer conjures up images of sitting by a log fire burning on a winter's day, really what others beers do that for you?! There is a reason why Fujizakura wins medals, and this beer is reason enough! Couldn't drink this on the regular, but can appreciate the craftsmanship behind it.
Notes of interest: Fujizakura Kogen Brewery is located near the base of Mt. Fuji from which the water source is drawn; the beer is solidly German in style, with Rauchbier (smoked beer) being a rare German style from the Franconia region. A small portion of the barley malt used in the beer is smoked and the malt used in the Fujizakura Kogen version is smoked over cherry wood. The resulting beer is world-class. The rich layers of malt flavor are tempered with a subtle smokiness, allowing a free flow of comparisons with top-shelf single-malt whisky. Pairing it with smoked prepared meats such as ham or sausage results in a seamless marriage of flavors.

Ramen - Shimokitazawa

90 Days Stout - by Echigo

Echigo - 90 Days Stout - Niigata Prefecture - 7% - 330 ml bottle @ La-Cachette bar:
Taste: Light roasted malts; hints of bitters (chocolate & coffee), caramel, and smoke; nothing is overwhelming here.
Smell: Roasted malt aroma, nothing else really makes its presence known.
Look: Medium body for a stout (dark brown), wimpy head & lace.
Verdict: This is what you call a light stout- this is not a bad thing actually, as it would go great with raw fish or fresh vegetables. I've had better stouts out here, namely the Tokyo Black and Harvestmoon Double Stout, but as mentioned this could play an important pairing role.

Preston - Pale Ale

Preston - Pale Ale - Ibaraki Prefecture - 5% - 330 ml bottle @ La-Cachette bar:
Taste: Light to medium hops and malts- not too bitter nor sweet; subtle fruitiness- apple, orange, peach; clean, crisp & refreshing.
Smell: Whiff of hops, sweetness, honey.
Look: Golden-yellow, light brown body, a little hazy, poured with head, left behind some lace.
Verdict: I go to pale ales to escape the intensity of IPAs- if I want a hoppy ale I simply order an IPA- so I can't say I was disappointed with the low intensity of the hops. This turned out to be the refreshing beer I was looking for. How about it as a Pale Ale though? Okay I guess... I can't complain; though at this point I gotta admit I'm not sure how into Preston I am...

Harry Porter - by Swan Lake

Swan Lake - Harry Porter (an Aldgate original) - Niigata Prefecture - ? ABV - UK Pint @ The Aldgate pub:
Taste: As a good porter should be this is a smoky and complex beer, malt steps up here while the hops settle in.
Smell: Smokey, roasted malt aroma.
Looks: Near black- but a deep brown from certain angles, head dissipated fast but strong lace is left behind.Verdict: Although porters are not my most favorite of styles (I like stouts more), this was delicious indeed. To me the importance lies in getting a smokey flavor, but one that does not overpower the taste; this is a great example of balancing roasted smoked malts to an enjoyable drinking experience.

Swan Lake - IPA

Swan Lake - IPA - Niigata Prefecture - 6% - UK Pint @ The Aldgate pub:
Taste: Hops have a nice bite, bitterness of pine, but balanced with raisin, orange peels and butter that lingers.
Looks: Orange/red medium body- though leans closer to orange, creamy head, lace is thick & holds.
Smell: I get citrus- orange in particular, hops, malt, and some sweetness.Verdict: Since I've only had this beer once and the Gallowsgate version once- I can't really compare the differences too much. What I can say is that like the Gallowsgate, this is another excellent Left Coast IPA and highly recommended!

The Aldgate Pub

[Above pic "borrowed" from Chuwy Reviews]

Located not far from Shibuya station, The Aldgate is a perfect escape from all the craziness of the surrounding area. After crossing the Hachiko Square intersection, having a latte at the world's busiest Starbucks, or going on a shopping excursion at 109 - The Aldgate provides an atmosphere a little more relaxed... a little more British. Shibuya already offers a large selection of bars and isakayas, so why The Aldgate? Well, this little pub serves an excellent selections of American microbrews and Japanese jibiru; yeah maybe they have some British or European ales as well- but they're just cannon-fodder.

[Above pic "borrowed" from Chuwy Reviews]

The bar itself is on a second floor and is windowless, actually there are windows but they just show off the foundation walls encapsulating this hideout, which is partially why I say The Aldgate is an "escape". Resemblance to the British pub it strives to be begins the all wood paneling and furniture and continues with the decor decorating the walls; oh and the clientele- well allot of Brits actually stop in here for their daily swill. I also can't give a complete review without mentioning their absolutely amazing music selection, all vinyl, from classic oldies all the way through to what the "kids" are listening to today!

Enough banter- on to the beer!

Swan Lake - IPA

Swan Lake - Harry Porter

Preston - Brown Ale

Swan Lake - Gallowsgate IPA

[The Aldgate website is here]

Popeye Beer Club - Stong Ale Fest

The Strong Ale Fest at Popeye, having sold-out completely, was split up into two "sessions"; the first group got rolling at 1pm and were allowed to stay until they could no longer stand (or stay awake -- I love how in Japan it's not embarrassing/or illegal to fall asleep in a bar - or anywhere for that matter!) I was in the second group which got started at 3pm. For Y5000, patrons were given 10 tickets (one per beer); included also was a fancy-cheese plate, and a main course (more on that later...).

Having called numerous times to confirm my reservation, they were clearly expecting me; as I walked up to the maître d' he took one look and greeted me with a cheerfull "Ahhhh Justin-san"; and then proceeded to seat me at a table with 3 other locals who knew enough English to entertain me throughout - this was specifically arranged for me and I was truly taken aback by their concern of my comfort. At this point let me say that although I was not taking any particular notice - I did not see any other Westerners. I was surprised but also happy to see so many Japanese taking pride in their domestic microbrews, as I was beginning to get the impression it was Westerners here in Japan that were at the forefront of the consumer end.

But enough introduction -- on to the beers!: [Disclaimer: descriptions are based on my taste-buds & pallet.]
1st up: Ozeno Yukidoke - Heavy Heavy '09 [IPA] [8.2% ABV] [100 IBU] [60ml] -- This IPA was brewed with hops for 60 minutes in honer of DFH 60 Minute; however this was quite stronger in taste to DFH - the hops here were very present and dominated the flavor (nice!). Clear and golden in color, leaving behind layers of lingering lace; and hoppy aroma all around. An impressive IPA that didn't try to balance its hops with other needless fruits!
2nd: Minamishinshu - Kido [Icebock/Winter Ale] [20% ABV] [unknown IBU] [30ml] -- Cask aged for 1 month and yes you read that right - a whopping 20% ABV! They called this style "Icebock" but I'd call it some tasty syrup; sure there were hints of raisins & dates but with its smooth velvet-like texture you could honestly pour this over a stack of steaming pancakes. The color was a deep golden-brown which only helped to further its reminiscence to maple syrup; smelled as sweet as you'd expect.
3rd: Harvestmoon - [Double Stout] [9% ABV] [60 IBU] [60ml] -- I love me some stout and the more coffee taste I get out of a stout the better; needless to say this had the jolt I was looking for! However true to the 60 IBU listed it was more on the sweet side than bitter. A beautiful pitch black, with no lucency even when held up against the light; a stained frothy head held for a few minutes before settling in. The aroma was subtle but hinted of coffee with honey.
4th: Ise Kadoya - [Imperial Smoke Porter] [8% ABV] [25 IBU] [60ml] -- For me, stouts & porters compliment each-other nicely - so it was porter time indeed! Complex in taste (a good porter always is) with an all-around smokey taste and hints of black liquorish; low IBUs allowed the smoke to proclaim itself here, but not overstatedly, a good balance for me. Holding against the light revealed deep dark shades of brown; and whiffs of smoked malts were detectable. I didn't take many pairing notes, but this beer was just begging for some stinky blue cheese -- oh lucky me, I just so happened to have some! A perfect match!
5th: Yo-Ho - [English Ale '07] [9.23% ABV] [67.65 IBU] [60ml] -- Obviously this brewery takes their measurements seriously, as it was the only beer listed where the ABV & IBU each went into double-decimal-point digits! Two years of cask aging helped to add layers of flavor to this ale resulting in a complex taste, featuring bitters, sweets, and dried fruits; with aromas of nectar and whiffs of alcohol contrasting against a nice earthy-malt essence. A lighter shade of brown nicely complimented this elaborate beer.
Main-course arrives: At around this point in my euphoria a waitress arrived with a hot plate of food... well, okay luke-warm - but no reason to complain as I was overwhelmed by the variety of dishes served: Stew-beef baked inside a flaky-critter; a Japanese-style quesadilla, a slice of quiche, a steamed sausage over veggies and all the tempura you could eat -- yeah that's right, a waitress circled the room with a platter of tasty batter piled-high for you to poke at with your chopsticks! I guess the only down-side to all this food was that it completely soaked-up any buzz I was starting to feel... oh well, still had 5 tasters to go!
6th: Hakusekikan [Brown Ale '99] [8.8% ABV] [22 IBU] [60ml] -- I'm a sucker for Brown Ale and anything Hakusekikan! This particular batch had actually been aging since 99' - hard to believe, but who am I to question the Master?! While the hops as expected laid low, tastes of earth, malt, syrup and alcohol danced on my tongue. The aroma was low key as well due to the low bitterness levels, but I detected whiffs of earth and malt. The color was a lovely golden brown reminiscent of a quality brandy.
7th: Preston Ale - BaBakan '08 [Double IPA] [8% ABV] [75 IBU] [60ml] -- Off-the-bat the name "Babakan" struck me funny - however it turns out it is actually someones name... "who's" I'm not sure?... Finally hops were back on the radar here with a nice 75 IBU and as with most ji-biru I've tasted there was a distinctive sweet syrup-y taste in the mix. Also this was lightest hued beer of the evening with what I would describe as a clear liquid-golden color; the aroma produced hops and sugar.
8th: Haksuekikan - [Brown Ale '07] [8.8% ABV] [22 IBU] [60ml] -- Back to my precious Browns; this one the same style as before but from an '07 batch. Nearly identical to my pallet, but definitely had a little more life to it (not that a subdued ale is anything bad if aged with care). I couldn't decide if I liked this one any better though - just another great Brown really! A darker shade of brown was noticeable against the '99; and again, gave-off detectable whiffs of earth & malt.
9th: Hakusekikan - Super Vintage '03 (Dry Hop Verion) [Barley Wine] [14.5% ABV] [35 IBU] [30ml] -- Barley wine is always a great nightcap, especially this one; being a dry hop version brewed in 03' - another oldie! I really think Japanese have a sweet-tooth as again syrup was the overwhelming flavor here - this is not a bad trait though as the quality of sugars is top notch. A beautiful deep golden brown in color and aroma of sugar and dried fruits.
10th: Hakusekikan - Super Vintage '07 [Barley Wine] [14.5% ABV] [35 IBU] [30ml] -- As I wiped away the tears building under my eyes, I reminded myself how all good things must come to an end... and with that I took a sip of the 07' Super Vintage. Seems that the more this ale is aged the sweeter it becomes, as this batch retreated just a tad in sweetness from the '03, and to me that made for a more balanced taste, as fruits got a chance to remind me they were in there... somewhere. Nearly identical in looks & smell to the '03.

So here is my wrap-up on this wonderful experience: This was truly a unique peek into a new world of beer for me. I finally saw Japanese get loud, break glasses, and seem truly enthusiastic about the lesser known breweries from their homeland. If there was one overwhelming theme found throughout the beers, it is this, they are sweet! Coming from American where we love our hops to dominate, it was nice to see the Japanese have found something of their own. I know that this was a "strong" ale fest and high alcohol levels bring out the sugar in beers, but this is something I've noticed in ji-biru of lesser ABV. Hops are here too, just not the dominating factor. This experience only makes me more excited for ji-biru and I'm looking forward to my next drink! Cheers Japan, you deserve it!

Echigo - Red Ale

Echigo - Red Ale - Niigata Prefecture - 5% - 350 ml can:
Taste: Hops are present as is malt; bitter (sour) cherries; other fruits too; not overly sweet; smooth yet has a bite; really a big complex taste here.
Smell: Apricot possibly; sour fruity whiffs; and yes hops & malt.
Look: Absolutely f'n beautiful; crimson (deep) red w/ a tint of orange; head & lacing in attendance.Verdict: Echigo is a pioneer out here, proclaimed as Japan's first microbrewery; and their beers are good to boot! But what do I think about this particular beer? Love it! Too often Red Ales don't pack the bite I'm looking for, but the hops are here and the bitterness is balanced to perfection!Pairing Notes: A perfect snack locally bought in Kyodo: Echigo was selling for a short sweet minuet at the Sunkus on Nodai street; the taiyaki came from the bakery Kanbou on Suzuran street.

Ramen - Kyodo