When Richard Norgrove, President and CEO of Bear Republic, gave us a tour of their facilities, it once again became apparent why top breweries aren’t just about great recipes. An enormous amount of planning, discipline and business acumen goes into running a successful operation, too. Richard spent 20 years in corporate U.S.A. before retiring in…

Duvel. It isn’t just the eponymous flagship of a world-famous beer brewery; it’s almost a style all its own. The oft-imitated and never-matched Duvel—which means ‘Devil’ in the local tongue—has inspired an entire generation of new-world craft brewers as they try to unlock the mysteries and traditions of old Belgium. The range of beers from…

Okinawa. The name alone sets imaginations adrift. Smooth, white beaches. Seas conducive to scuba, surf or merely swimming. Distinct southern island music. Hearty cuisine. Oh yeah, and the heat. That brings thirst. Thank goodness for Helios. Take a stroll down bustling, historical Kokusai-dori (international street) on any steamy night, and you’re definitely going to need…

If Ise is a spiritual capital of the Shinto religion, then Isekadoya must be one for beer lovers. Although the city draws north of 5 million visitors every year, Ise is very much a quiet provincial town with the brewery located in a sleepy neighborhood. It strikes some as remarkable that this brewery off the…

Few, if any, craft beer drinkers in Japan need an introduction to Baird Beer. It’s widely recognized as one of the best and many craft beer bar operators say as much when asked for an opinion. Their impressive list of awards—including three gold medals at the recent World Beer Cup—is an indication of the esteem…