Baeren - Rye

Baeren - Rye (Specialty Grain) - Iwate Prefecture - 5.5 % - 330 ml bottle @ Bulldog Pub:
Taste: Surprisingly very weizen-like (citrus/banana), rye is apparent in aftertaste though, sweet (not bitter like other ryes).
Smell: Wheat-notes, whiffs of orange & banana.
Look: Medium body, semi-opaque, golden orange w/ brown tones, highly carbonated, frothy head, lace lingers a little before settling.Verdict: Best Rye I've ever had - why? Because it didn't have a trace of that weird bitterness I usually taste from "bigger" rye beers (e.g. Hop Rod Rye by Bear Republic or Righteous Ale by Sixpoint). I recommend this an an alternative to a regular weizen, this is much more interesting!

Fujizakura Kogen - Octoberfest Weizen

Fujizakura Kogen - Octoberfest Weizen - Yamanashi Prefecture - UK (weizen-style) Pint @ Bulldog Pub:
Taste: Wheat brings out banana, hints of orange & lemon, slightly smokey, fizzy from carbonation.
Smell: Bubble gum is up front here, whiffs of banana.
Looks: Great thick head, strong lace which hold, very opaque - reminiscent of apple cider, remains carbonated even after an hour! (So I was drinking slow - problem for you?!)Verdict: Maybe I've mentioned I'm not too into wheat beers, but here in Japan I've had an opportunity to expand my mind and try some interesting takes on this style, this Octoberfest weizen was smooth, creamy and actually hit the spot nicely, much more enjoyable than a regular weizen.

Kinshachi - Weizenbock

Kinshachi - Weizenbock - Aichi Prefecture - ? ABV - US Pint @ Bulldog pub:
Taste: This is a sweet beer, rich in wheat and some of that banana/bubble gum flavor you expect from this class of beer, albeit not as light as a regular weizen.
Smell: Banana aroma, wheat, sugar.
Look: A beautiful multi-toned brown, poured with head and had great lace retention.
Verdict: This "limited edition" beer was very good, and one of the few weizenbocks I have ever had - so all I can say is that this was a unique beer for me and I thoroughly enjoyed drinking it ;-)

Kinshachi - IPA

Kinshachi - IPA - Aichi Prefecture - 7% - US Pint @ Bulldog pub:
Taste: Hops make their presence known, nice bitterness, malt, has a big taste, butter, sweetness of raisins or dates.
Smell: Hops and toasted malts.
Look: A clear amber brown body, a deep caramel, medium body, a thin head, though with great long lasting lacing.Verdict: This is in the style of an American IPA and therefore is a winner in my book. Kin-Shachi beers have been good to me, this one is no different. I've reviewed this same beer from a bottle- check it out to compare. Recommended.

Bulldog - World Beer Pub

Bulldog is a "world-bar" - the decor is primarily wooden, giving a sense of an Irish pub, UK tavern or a bar you might see in Anywhere USA -- excepts that it's located inside on the second floor of a mega-mall.
You wouldn't know it though once inside; decorating the walls are miscellaneous beer branded posters which don't give insight to a particular regional theme, knick-knacks adorn the ceiling cross-beams and an array of glasses hang by their stems above the bar.
Although typical in many ways- this is not a bland or boring bar by any means; its located in the heart of Ginza (think 5th Ave on steroids), has decent prices, and is hosted by a very friendly staff whom all of speak English enough to guarantee you get what you ordered. When I stumped a waitress with a question the Bartender was more than welcome to come out from behind the bar and explain to me the differences between two similar beers.
What I also really like about this bar is the opportunity to "people watch" - one of my favorite drinking activities. Looming over Sotobori Dori provides a scenic view of the bustling street which never ceases in activity or entertainment.

But I really go here for the beer, of which Bulldog offers at any given time 4 taps devoted to jibiru; here are some of the beers I have been sober enough at the time to document:

Kinshachi - IPA

Kinshachi - Weizenbock

Fujizakura Kogen - Octoberfest Weizen

Baeren - Rye