Growing up, my grandfather tried steadfastly to impart on me such classic wisdom as "As you sow, so shall you reap," "Never look a gift horse in the mouth," and "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." Well, Jay Zeis's adaptation A Beer in Hand is Worth Two in the Fridge is precisely how I feel about "Tama no Megumi", a microbrew from western Tokyo, here in Japan. "Tama no Megumi" is produced by Ishikawa Breweries, perhaps better known at the moment for it's sake production, but destined for greater success.
I was considering the meaning of "Tama no Megumi", and how to translate it into English. "Tama" is the name of a region in western Tokyo, and, according to my dictionary, "megumi" can be translated as "bounty", "grace", "blessing", or "gift". I think when it comes to beer, the word "bounty" might be the most appropriately stylish, especially when considering the often sassy or self-assured attitude associated with many craft beer brewery names (Arrogant Bastard Ale comes to mind...). But when paired with the place name "Tama", "Tama's Gift" has a generous and nostalgic ring to it. I picture a hearty brewmaster of yesteryear knocking with pride and affection on a giant iron beer cauldron.
Well, after successively sampling Tama no Megumi's Pilsner and Pale Ales, I truly felt as though I had been given a gift from Tama. First, I would compare the pilsner, light and refreshingly crisp with a touch of sweetness, to the image of a good friend distracting you with light-hearted and fun conversation; the welcomed arbiter bringing about a well-earned modus vivendi between the work day and a promising evening ahead. And, just as the color of the sun in sunset could be likened to a rich, honey-like amber hue, so too can Tama no Megumi's pale ale. Akin to the unfolding richness and complexity of evening's conversation, and the sun's slow relinquishing of the sky to the moon and stars, this pale ale waxes lyrical about the day gone by.
If you're interested, and in the area, I highly recommend paying a visit to the brewery. A friend of mine introduced it to me over the summer and I've been back a few times already. It's called "Fussa no Biru Goya". There are actually two restaurants - one is Japanese style, which focuses on their sake, but it's the other which focuses on their beer. "Tama no Megumi" is delicious poured out of the bottle, but even better fresh out of the tap. The food is great, too.
And now for my notes. My apologies, but I only have notes on the pale ale...perhaps absence will make the heart grow fonder?
DATE: 9.6.11
COUNTRY: Japan
Ishikawa Breweries: Tama no Megumi (Pale Ale)
ABV 5.5%
APPEARANCE: Pours a beautiful honey amber color, with a
short cream colored head that dies slowly but surely
SMELL: floral,
very light floral honey, slight scent of roasted wheat/malt? very slight citrus
TASTE: Slightly
sweet, nice roasted wheat/malt flavor with hints of a very floral honey and mildly
spicy hops bite.
MOUTHFEEL: At first refreshing with a slight crispness accentuated by the hops, this beer smoothes out really nicely as it warms
OVERALL: A very
solid pale ale that has become my "house ale".
COMMENTS: I
like this beer served very cold, but enjoy taking my time with it- I enjoy the sweetness and roasted flavors
that come out as it warms.
