April 13, 2015
Kayoko and I go to Niigata every February. Our friends in Tokyo gasp in horror, “Why would you go somewhere so cold? In the middle of February?” The reason is kind of simple: it’s low season and getting around is cheap and less crowded. And the cold is not actually that bad. The locals are […]
March 16, 2015
Our Japan trip last month was a jam-packed, 5-city tour with barware factory tours, sake brewery pit-stops and a visit to a craft brewery! Niigata Beer has been around for 17 years now, brewing beers for the local market, and also making beers for other companies looking to outsource production. They do this quite often […]
July 10, 2013
I recently spent a month visiting my family in Tokyo. I had so many great meals, went to an onsen (hot springs), a winery, and paid my respects to my family’s gravesite. Many places to visit. I also had an opportunity to meet my new Instagram friend, Misako and her husband, Yasushi. This young couple […]
January 7, 2011
2010 was an excellent year for beer! Here are my top five beer experiences of the year. Avec Les Bons Voeux (Brasserie Dupont) Avec Les Bons is French for, “With best wishes.” This beer is a Saison (or Farmhouse Ale), but brewed for consumption in the winter, rather than spring when Saisons are typically enjoyed. […]
November 19, 2010
I was lucky to be in Maui this past Labor Day weekend for a good friend’s wedding. When I got there I checked out the beers in the market and noticed a few from the locally brewed Maui Brewing Company. Since I had a few extra days I decided to check the place out. The […]