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Posts Tagged ‘Tokyo’

Abbot’s Choice Roppongi

June 29th, 2008

Abbot’s Choice, with locations in Roppongi, Shinjuku and Nakano Tokyo, is not like your typical Japanese bar. In fact, it is completely different. Places like these are few and far between in Japan, a place where bar/restaurant combinations, called ‘izakaiyas’, are generally by and large the more popular beer-drinking locales.

Abbot’s Choice Roppongi was a breath of fresh air. Located on the second floor of a small building in Roppongi, overlooking the infamous nightlife district, Abbot’s Choice possesses a small, though unique atmosphere. The drinking space is equally divided into two sections: the counter and tables, with the emphasis on the counter which is immediately accessible from the entrance. Once seated and greeted, and after noticing the impressive beer and whiskey display and number of taps behind the counter, customers are given a substantial draught beer menu. It is then immediately apparent that this place was created for the world beer lovers.

Abbot’s Choice has the staples: Guinness, Bass, and a couple of Japanese beers on draught. It has also got, true to its name, Abbot Ale on draught: a ripe, fruity, rich and malty beverage. Additionally, there is a healthy selection of European, and American, beer on draught that does not disappoint (not to mention a wealth of whiskey as well). Admittedly, it is a bit on the pricey side (averaging about $9-$10 per pint), but you would be hard pressed to find a better deal, or even find an equivalent.

What else that makes this place unique is the service. Without fail, every pint served was a perfect pour indeed. No worries about unbalanced head levels or the like necessary. The service provided excellent company as well. Two of the three times visited I had ventured there alone. However, I had soon forgotten the fact after sitting down with a fresh draught and the bartender starting up a friendly conversation. It may not seem like a large deal, especially when compared to western bars and pubs, but in Japan it is a rare find when customer service provides you with something more substantial than superficial, overly-polite conversation (usually just for the sake of business). Now granted I am a foreigner in Japan, but the bartender’s attention to the customers remained consistent with everyone regardless. I received other bar recommendations, hangouts, and even was invited to a separate party in the coming weeks from one of the bartenders. Additionally, the other single customers were also pleasantly talkative and nicely complimented the already great atmosphere.

If you ever happen to find yourself in the greater Tokyo area, Abbot’s Choice comes highly recommended for fans of great beer (or whiskey), a comfortable, friendly atmosphere, and for an all around great time. Check them out at: http://authenticbar.com/abbots-choice/index.html

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Posted in Beer Review Bin, Japan Bin

Tags: Abbot's Ale Choice Roppongi Tokyo

Sapporo Edels Pils

June 12th, 2008

BEER REVIEW: Sapporo Edels Pils by Sapporo Breweries LTD, Tokyo, Japan

Very few beers make me reflect. By that I mean that I begin to ponder about the very existence of said beer in my hand. I ask questions like, “Where does this beer come from?”, “What kind of a beer is this?” and “How come I have not come across this beer more often?”. There are few beers that prompt me to ask those questions. Past beers that have awoken my mind are: Guinness, Yebisu Black and Goose Island IPA. Now I can add Sapporo Edels Pils to that list.

My first (and sadly, my last) encounter with Sapporo Edels Pils was at the Yebisu Beer Museum in Tokyo, Japan. In the glorious tasting lounge of the Museum they offered plenty of Yebisu beers to savor and to my great pleasure, they also had this lovely Pilsner on hand. I did not know at the time, but the Sapporo brand and the Yebisu brand are closely tied. Thanks to the relationship of the two breweries, there are some specialty drafts of Sapporo brand beers at the Yebisu Beer Museum. This works out well for all parties involved.

The Sapporo Edels Pils is a pilsner with a refreshing crisp body with a hint of citrus. It is by far one of the most drinkable beers I have ever tasted. When I had my first taste, I remember feeling pure enjoyment as I savored every drop. Sapporo Edels Pils is a beer that keeps on giving back even after you are done. The enjoyable and refreshing taste provided by every drop of this pilsner makes you wish it was more readily available. I have been frantically searching for a bar or liquor store that offers Sapporo Edels Pils. Sadly I have come up empty. Knowing that this beer is not as easily available across the globe makes you appreciate the moments you have with it that much more. As I mentioned earlier, I only enjoyed this beer while I was at the Yebisu Beer Museum in Tokyo. If that is the only place where you can enjoy this beautiful beer, I encourage you to find your way to Tokyo, Japan. Visit the Yebisu Beer Museum and enjoy one of the greatest beers available.

Sapporo Edels Pils is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo

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Posted in Beer Review Bin

Tags: Beer Pilsner Sapporo Tokyo Yebisu

Yebisu Beer Museum

May 24th, 2008

A little piece of heaven exists in Tokyo, Japan: The Yebisu Beer Museum. Situated in the beautiful area of Yebisu Garden Place, this dream like garden place is like the Garden of Eden, with a beer museum. The whole illusion of it being an Eden-like garden is further implied by how you arrive. We arrived by train at the Ebisu Station and from the station you embark on a journey through the Yebisu Skywalk. This journey is filled with moving walkways and a light at the end. The moving walkways bring you closer to that light. Once you reach the light, the Yebisu Garden Place awaits you, as does the Yebisu Beer Museum.

The Yebisu Beer Museum is a celebration of the history of beer in Japan. This celebration of history is evoked by the shining copper kettle acting as the symbol of the museum. It was once used in the original Yebisu Brewery and now it welcomes current and future guests. Through out the halls of the museum you will find galleries of memorabilia, art and advertising. One of the defining aspects of the Yebisu Beer Museum is the Tasting Lounge. Inside this glorious beer hall, patrons have the ability to taste fresh Yebisu beer. Some of the beers poured at the museum are not found anywhere else. One such beer is the Sapporo Edel Pils (of which I will talk about in another Blog Article…it is one of the most glorious beers I have ever tasted). Locals and tourists alike fill the tasting lounge to discuss their favorite brew and to enjoy the collection of beer mugs displayed around the hall. Some locals make it a habit to come to the tasting lounge once a week! If I lived in Tokyo, you can bet I would be there once a week.

All these wonderful experiences are free of charge. The Yebisu Beer Museum does not have a fee for the entrance. Do not get ahead of yourself just yet, the beer is not free. You do have to pay for the beer. So make sure you bring plenty of yen so you can try all the fresh beer you can handle. The Yebisu Beer Museum is a must visit destination when in Tokyo.

The Yebisu Beer Museum is located inside the Yebisu Garden Place in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. You can take either the JR Yamanote Line, JR Saikyo Line, or Hibiya Line Subway to Ebisu Station and ride the Yebisu Skywalk to the Entrance Pavillion of Yebisu Garden Place.