Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

Baird Beer debuted in January 2001. The first batch poured from the Fishmarket Taproom hand pumps was Fisherman’s Wheat Ale (now evolved to Rising Sun Pale Ale). Brewing of Baird Beer began on a minute 30-liter batch system; we literally were brewing one keg at a time. Bottle-conditioned Baird Beer was but a future vision.

Two and one-half years later, Baird Beer audaciously expanded brewing capacity from minute to tiny — adding a 250-liter batch system to our brewing toolbox. We took this opportunity to begin sales of bottle-conditioned Baird Beer and to focus more intently on the delivery of Baird Beer to outside accounts committed to characterful beer.

Two and one-half additional years brings us to January 2006. This month marks the 5-year anniversary of Baird Beer. We are thrilled to commemorate this mini-milestone with the announcement of a new brewery expansion. Baird Brewing Company has purchased, installed and begun operation of a 1,000-liter batch brewery located in the fish market area of Numazu just a short distance from The Taproom. Our 30-liter and 250-liter batch systems also have been relocated to the new brewery site.

This growth from minute to tiny to small is in character both with the economics and the market evolution of small-scale craft brewing. Moreover, it embodies the spirit of humility, passion and perseverance that has defined the orientation of Japanese craftsmen for thousands of years. Baird Beer was created from inspiration derived from two sources: (1) the beer renaissance that began in the United States nearly thirty years ago and (2) the history, tradition and legacy of craftsmanship in Japan. Baird Beer has grown, however, because of a third inspiration – the smoldering passion for beers of distinction and character burning in the minds and slacking the thirsts of Japan beer enthusiasts. Baird Brewing is a company of such enthusiasts and for such enthusiasts. While our batch size grows and our experience deepens, so does our original commitment to the crafting of a diverse range of beers of character and distinction!

We will be celebrating five years of Baird Beer as well as the grand opening of our new brewery on Sunday, January 29. The Taproom will feature a special beers-of-character inspired all-day (and all-you-can-eat) buffet for 1,000 yen per person. New Brewery tours (starting from The Taproom) will be offered to Taproom patrons on the hour from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. A host of specially conditioned Baird Beers such As West Coast Wheat Wine, Hatsujozo Double IPA and India Black Ale will be served on tap. Best of all, though, will be the debut of the new brewery’s first batch of love: Five-Year Anniversary Inspiration Ale!

The Taproom will open at noon. Reservations are not required, passion and enthusiasm are! We relish the chance to share this meaningful milestone with you. Please plan to join us.

Thanks & Cheers,
Baird Brewing Company & Fishmarket Taproom