Event Recap: 3rd Annual Japan Beer Fest

Photos by Hermexial Drexilus

When we co-hosted our first Japan Beer Fest in 2013 with our neighbor The Trappist, we had no idea that it would become an annual event. But year after year, it has proven to be more successful and debaucherous than the last. How could that be?!?! We offered 30+ microbrews from Japan this year, from all over the country. It was rad.

The event started at noon, and sure enough, at 11:45am, people were already milling around The Trappist's back patio. By 12:30pm, the patio looked like this:



This year, we invited Ramen Shop to come and dish out some of their famed fried rice.





The rice was Southeast Asia-inspired, with lemongrass sausage, cilantro and peanuts.



The fried rice was sold out by 1:15pm. So sorry to those who came later in the afternoon!



This year, we had over 30 craft beers from Japan on tap and in bottles.



Here's the complete list of beers:

ON TAP
Shiga Kogen Africa Pale Ale
Shiga Kogen Draft Pale Ale Harvest Brew
Shiga Kogen Grand Rouge
Shiga Kogen Harvest Saison
Shiga Kogen House IPA
Shiga Kogen India Black Ale Harvest Brew
Shiga Kogen Indian Summer Saison
Shiga Kogen IPA Harvest Brew
Shiga Kogen Miyama Blonde
Shiga Kogen No. 10
Shiga Kogen Pale Ale Harvest Brew
Shiga Kogen Takeshi Imperial Stout
Baird Angry Boy
Baird Big Red Machine Fall Classic
Baird Dark Sky
Baird Teikoku IPA
Baird Yabai Yabai
Hitachino Nest Dai Dai
Hitachino Nest Anbai Plum
Hitachino Nest Saison du Japon
Coedo Ruri Pils
Coedo Kyara
Coedo Black Lager
Asahi Super Dry from Japan

BOTTLES
Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout
Hitachino Nest XH Shochu Aged
Yoho Tokyo Black
Yoho Yona Yona Pale Ale
Yoho Aooni IPA
YohoWednesday Cat White beer
Koshihikari
Ozeno Yukidoke IPA
Sansho Ale
Golden Kolsch
Baird Wabi Sabi

Not a shabby list, we say!

We were lucky to get a tap from Asahi with a Japanese style "creamer faucet" to emit extra head. A lot of it.



The crowds did not die between 12-4pm. The lucky ones got there early and snagged a seat.



My fam!





Inside the Trappist was a zoo. But hopefully everyone took a moment to notice what a gorgeous bar they have.

















Back inside Umami Mart was also quite a party, especially in the Bottle System.







Cabs + Sarah!



Thanks so much to everyone who came out! Hope it will be bigger, badder and stronger next year.

Special thanks to Ruben, Steve and Aaron of The Trappist and Ramen Shop!

Kanpai!!!