The Japan sky is everyday grey and heavy with rain, or so it seems, in this annual season of "Tsuyu." Could there be a finer time to plant oneself on a comfortable stool in a friendly pub and contemplate life while enjoying a pint or two of flavorful ale? Rainy Season Black Ale and Saison Sayuri insist the answer is "no."

(1) Rainy Season Black Ale (ABV 6.3%):

A torrential downpouring of hops define this otherwise roasty, toasty, espresso-like powerful black ale. 80 BUs of American lupulin as well as dry-hopped character from citrus-laden Anthanum, Cascade and Amarillo hops coat the tongue with a resinous stickiness that is pungently pleasurable. This is the Baird Beer antidote to the rainy season funk. We guarantee the results!
 
(2) Saison Sayuri (ABV 5.3%):
 
Saison means "season" and this family of beers is thought to have originated in Wallonia in southern Belgium. Saisons were brewed in the winter at farmhouse breweries for the summer consumption by thirsty farmhands. While there is no exact flavor profile or processing technique that define Saison stylistically, common traits exist (e.g. relatively pale in color, moderate in alcohol, refreshing in a dry or sour type of way, etc.). Often spices and ingredients uncommon to beer but otherwise readily available on the farm are incorporated. Saisons are thus typically Belgian in their funkiness and individuality.

Saison Sayuri is like its namesake -- a fascinating admixture of down-to-earth simplicity and understated complexity. This second annual version is brewed with pale base malts, unmalted wheat, a touch of chocolate wheat for color and Japanese sudakito sugar. Additions of Japanese kinkan fruit and natsumikan peels lend complexity and a sort of "je ne sais pas" character.  Fermented this year with a yeast derived from the famous Saison Dupont brewery, Saison Sayuri is less phenolically sweet than last year.  She remains, though, her charming and beguiling self. 
 
Both ales are available on tap at the Fishmarket and Nakameguro Taprooms as well as other Baird Beer retailing pubs and restaurants. 633 ml bottles are available for purchase at Baird Beer retailing liquor stores as well as direct from the brewery. Get 'em while the gettin' is good!
 
Cheers!
 
Bryan Baird