The rapid growth of the craft beer movement is not just occurring in the United States, but it’s booming in Japan as well. It was only in 1994 when Japanese microbreweries were made legal, 14 years after Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Chico, CA brewed their first batch of beer. Yet, in the city of Los Angeles, where America craft beers are aplenty, we find ourselves in front of these fine artisanal brews from far across the Pacific.

A Better Experience

When Owner Don Tahara and his business partner first opened Far Bar in downtown L.A.’s Little Tokyo, they were serving popular Japanese macrobrews, like Sapporo and Asahi. As a chef and restaurant owner, Don constantly strives to provide a better experience for his customers, which is why it was natural for him to find unusual tasting beers.

Don explains that people’s palates are expanding. He says, “Many people are finally realizing there are other flavors out there that people were not exposed to when they first started drinking beer many years ago. People are starting to feel the same way about their beer as they feel about organic vegetables, quality meats and wine. It’s a wine mentality except that it’s applied to beer now.”

You’ll find brews like Hitachino Nest White Ale, Echigo Stout, Coedo Kyara, and Baird Angry Boy Brown being poured regularly. “When we first started we didn’t realize there was such a large demand for it. People are curious, especially here in Little Tokyo,” Don added.

As of 2010, there are more than 230 microbreweries in Japan. “They’ve gone a long way in a short amount of time.” Don says.

A Month of Japanese Beers

During the month of August, Far Bar is throwing “Augustfest” in celebration of Japanese beers. Don is planning a variety of food and beer pairing dinners, a release party for Green Tea IPA (collaboration beer between Baird / Ishii / Stone Brewing Co.) benefiting Japanese tsunami relief, and Thursday night tasting where one can sample 25 different Japanese craft brews.

Don’s Recommendations






Where?
Far Bar
347 East 1st St.,
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Additional Information
http://www.farbarla.com

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