Thirsty?

If you quickly become tired of the rather bland suds, as I do, that you find at the convenience stores – then your prayers have been answered. A visit to a local micro-brew as my students and I recently enjoyed will not disappoint. This is good stuff! Minoh brewery in Osaka hosted an anniversary event that included a BBQ and fine samples of draft. My students had never been to an event like this before and were suprized the staff spoke English well. They have been abroad to Europe and the U.S. for training and also for international events in the art of producing various kinds of beer. The factory had a small tasting room that is open daily and also containing information about other micro-breweries around Japan. I admire their efforts to create something unique in a market that is overwhelmingly big company. The staff and some other customers we talked with are well aware of the products and success smaller breweries are enjoying in other countries. Some of my students don`t get much practice using English outside of class and felt comfort speaking and listening in a relaxed, friendly, social environment – meeting both Japanese and others from different nations. Before cooling off this summer with a can of the regular…try something new…a local brew!