Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

The heartland of dark beer brewing in Germany has been and remains Upper Franconia, part of northern Bavaria. "There are more breweries per kilometer, more dark lagers, and there is more idiosyncrasy (a rare quality in Germany) in Franconia than anywhere else in the country." This Franconia style of dark lager, "at its most sophisticated...combines the dryish, coffee and licorice notes of dark malts with the roundness and cleanness imparted by a lager yeast."

The introductory information above is courtesy of the great beer historian and critic, the late Michael Jackson. He passed away just a few days ago and his loss will be felt deeply by craft brewers and beer enthusiasts throughout the world. It would not be an exaggeration to state that Michael Jackson has been the single most influential person in the world in terms of fomenting what has come to be know as the modern renaissance in beer brewing. When brewers like myself contemplate the production of a beer style that is new to us, the first place we turn is the pioneering historical research and cogent writing of Mr. Michael Jackson. The newest seasonal release from Baird Beer is no exception. It owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the "Beer Hunter."

Black Velvet Dark Lager (ABV 4.9%):

Inspired by the Franconian tradition of dark beer brewing, Black Velvet Dark Lager appears russet in color and sports a creamy head of tan foam. In the nose, hints of fruity esters combine with subtle notes of toffee, coffee and sweet chocolate. The feeling produced in the mouth is a silky, velvety smoothness. Despite the dark color, no burnt or bitter malt character emerges. Rather, the sweetly smooth flavors of toffee, caramel and milk chocolate register together in perfect harmony. The finish is round and smooth with just enough effervescence from the all-natural carbonation to leave a pleasing dryish note in the aftertaste.

Black Velvet Dark Lager debuts today (Wednesday, September 5) at the
Fishmarket Taproom. It will be available in both draught and bottle-conditioned form through select Baird Beer retailers in Japan beginning Thursday, September 6. As you are enjoying a pint, please lift your glass for a moment in honor of the man who has made possible the re-emergence of small-scale commercial production in so many long-lost or
largely forgotten historical beer styles -- the Beer Hunter, Michael Jackson.

Cheers!

Bryan Baird