Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

As we move through autumn and approach winter, the beer calendar changes too. The season for stronger, more warming libations has arrived. The brewers at Baird Beer greet this annual northward movement up the hydrometer scale with great anticipation. Most of the Big Beers that will be released were brewed many months ago -- during the blossoms of spring and the heat of summer -- and have been conditioning and maturing slowly in our cellars. We brewers, meanwhile, although we had been waiting patiently, are giddy now with excitement at the prospect of at last diving into this wonderful stash of lovingly crafted high-alcohol brew. It's as if Santa has visited the house and at last the kiddies get to go downstairs and tear open the presents.

The first two Big Beer presents to be opened this year are annual classics: Yabai-Yabai Strong Scotch Ale and West Coast Wheat Wine.

(1) Yabai-Yabai Strong Scotch Ale 2007(ABV 7.2%):

Scotland, an historically important center of beer brewing, has a cool climate that favors cultivation of the hardy barley plant. Scottish Ales, thus, tend to feature the rich and robust flavor of malted barley in the flavor profile. Moreover, relatively cool ale fermentation temperatures contribute to brews that are not highly attenuated -- i.e. they remain rich in residual sugars and thus round and full-bodied. Strong type Scottish Ales often have been considered "a kind of liquid porridge."

Baird Yabai-Yabai Strong Scotch Ale is, in a word, rich! It is liquid opulence that verges on decadence. It's deep mahogany color and creamy tan head immediately conjure images of northern country fall foliage. The warming effect begins in the nose, with the wafting of soft fruit esters and warm fusel alcohols. As the aroma dovetails into the flavor, notes of molasses, caramel apples, rum cake and maple syrup perform a fall festival on the palate. Just as a chewy malt sweetness blankets the mouth, however, it is pealed back by the ethereal pull of a vinous character reminiscent of port or sherry. One fulsome pint is enough to take the bite out of the evening autumn chill. Two pints will leave you toastily, and blissfully, warm. Three pints and…. YABAI!

(2) West Coast Wheat Wine 2007 (ABV 9.0%):

Wheat Wine is a beer style born on the U.S. West Coast in the1980s. It has as its progenitor the English Barely Wine style. A Wheat Wine, generally, is characterized by a massively rich complexity and yet a piquant, almost refreshing effervescence. It is a style representative of the irreverent creativity and unrelenting passion that are the hallmarks of craft brewing on the West Coast of the United States. Baird West Coast Wheat Wine is crafted in annual homage to the skilled brewing artisans and fearless beer entrepreneurs who have pioneered craft brewing on America's great West Coast!

This 2007 version of West Coast Wheat Wine contains more malted wheat (60%) than previous, is deeper in color (11 SRM) and less hoppily aromatic (no dry-hopping) than in the past. There is a piquancy in the depth of flavor that is most uncommon and supremely satisfying.

Both Big Beers are now being served from the taps of the Fishmarket Taproom in Numazu. They will be available (bottle and draught) through the family of Baird Beer retailers in Japan beginning Friday, November 23. Individual consumers may place direct orders to the brewery.

Cheers!

Bryan Baird