This year (2006) marks the sixth annual release of The Carpenters Mikan Ale. As the name suggests, it is an ale made with fresh mikans (a tangerine-like Japanese fruit). We receive the mikans as a gift from the Heda orchard of our carpenter friend, partner and mentor Mitsuo Nagakura. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he is the complete embodiment of the dedicated, uncompromising and passionate Japanese craftsmen whom we so respect and whom we strive to emulate. The Carpenters Mikan Ale is our modest attempt to pay tribute to Nagakura-san as well as to all great Japanese craftsmen.
Imperial Stout is the biggest of the black beers and to drink Baird Dark Sky is to experience a foreboding libation. The aroma is gorgeously complex (dry hopping with American Centenniel & Amarillo hops) and the flavor is a stunning smorgasbord (chocolate, toffee, herbs, coffee, licorice, etc.). The mouthfeel is soft and enveloping. The finish is piquantly acrid and warming (alcohol approximately 7.6%).
Kurofune (means Black Ships) was the word the Japanese used to describe the American gunboats that came to open Japan to western trade. Kurofone Porter is sleek and forceful, but leaves a winning bittersweet taste of chocolate and coffee on the tongue. Do not resist the superior might; cunningly acquiesce, and embrace. Kampai!
This original amber ale is inspired by the Steam style of beer. Whereas a Steam is a lager beer fermented at an elevated ale-type temperature, Red Rose is an ale fermented at a lower lager-type temperature. Like a Steam, Red Rose combines a crisp lager refreshingness with a robust ale fruitiness. A lovely citrus-pine hop character is present from start to finish.