Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

Warm holiday greetings. December is a special month of the year. It is a time in which to give celebratory thanks to the many joys of life. I will never forget when, many years ago at a difficult juncture in my life, a wise old scholar and mentor of young men patted me on the back and, looking into my forlorn eyes, exclaimed: “Mr. Baird, it is a GREAT day to be alive!” December is the month in which that long ago memory unfailingly revisits and heightens my awareness of the blessings inherent in life.

There is a tradition in the world of ale brewing to craft celebratory holiday ales that incorporate festive spices and perhaps other special ingredients. Baird Jubilation Ale is brewed within the context of this tradition and in the spirit of joyful celebration. A hearty ale with a rich malty base and soothing alcoholic warmth (ABV 6.5%), Jubilation Ale is made luxuriant by deft additions of two wonderful ingredients: (1) fully ripened figs candied in the country kitchen of our friend, Shoko-chan, and (2) cinnamon twigs culled from a Japanese Nikki tree. A sublimely balanced interplay between sweet and spice reminiscent of the yin-yang duality of life results. The ruby-red hue and the wafting aroma of cinnamon warm the heart and furbish the soul.

Jubilation Ale is now on tap at the Fishmarket Taproom and will be available at Baird Beer retailers throughout Japan. Limited quantities of bottle-conditioned Jubilation Ale also are available for purchase direct from the brewery.

Also, in accord with the holiday season, the Fishmarket Taproom will be hosting an all-day Christmas celebration beginning at noon on Christmas-eve day (Sunday, December 24). A scrumptious Christmas buffet will be served. The menu is as follows:

-Wheat King Ale Cheddar Cheese Soup
-Apple & Chestnut Fresh Garden Salad
-Baby Shrimp Rice Gratin
-New Potato Beer Butter & Herb Sautee
-Brewmaster’s Best Bitter Beef Stroganoff
-Candied Figs & Vanilla Ice Cream served with
a Jubilation Ale Syrup
-Blueberry & Cream Cheese Dessert served with
a Foreign Export Stout Chocolate Syrup

Christmas is a family affair so please don’t hesitate to bring the children (ours will be present in force). We will be playing Christmas music and showing Christmas videos throughout the day to keep the young ones fully entertained. Small gifts from Santa Claus for the little ones in attendance have been deposited under the Taproom Christmas tree. Reservations are not required. The buffet price for adults is 1,500 yen (500 yen for children).

Also, please mark the calendar for The Taproom Countdown Party on Sunday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve). Event details will be forthcoming shortly.

Happy Holidays!

Bryan Baird