Back in Tokyo. I would say for the last time but that would make the third time I have come here thinking it was the last time.
I went to the Wan Cup awards Monday. I have known this for a while (I judged BOS) but did not want to steal any thunder. The winner was Ichiri Fujiura, who is the 1998 AHA Homebrewer of the Year. His mild was outstanding.
I did finally make it to the Baird Bashamichi taproom. I was really impressed with the BBQ, and I live in KC and have lived in Raleigh. Also the Bashamichi Ale (a smoked brown ale they always have on cask just at this location) is my second favorite Japanese beer after Divine Vamp III (also a Baird beer, brewed exclusively for Popeye).
Assuming I don't come back, I have 5 more days here. There is still a beer bar where I stay that I haven't gone to because it is so close I keep putting it off. I want to get back to Popeye, have not been since the first trip. I will probably go one more time to DevilCraft because the pizza is so good.
Not sure if this is official yet (not on the website, but I got an email) but apparently my judging at the Wan Cup got me the points I needed to make the BJCP Master level. Pretty cool if you ask me. Now I just have to judge in a different country every time I am close to a new GM level.