Baird Wabi Sabi Japan Pale Ale
Style Pale Ale
Brewed by Baird Brewing Co.
Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
6.5% ABV

Wabi-Sabi is a uniquely Japanese and hybrid version of the craft beer world’s two most popular styles: Pale Ale and IPA.

Local Japanese wasabi and green tea are combined deftly with several varieties of herbal-character hops.

The flavor is bold, yet underpinned by a ‘quiet simplicity and subdued refinement.’


The Label Speaks

‘Less is more’ would be another good definition of wabi-sabi.

Something is there, but not in an obvious or ostentatious way.

This is the essence of the label artwork.

Bryan's Brewing Notes
Pale Ales and IPAs are the darling styles of the craft beer renaissance.

English in origin, these hop-centric Ales took on a whole new bright and aggressive character when transplanted to the brew houses of modern American craft brewers who were loading their brew kettles heavy with pungently fruity and aromatic American west coast hop varieties.

Our Rising Sun Pale Ale and Suruga Bay Imperial IPA take their cue from modern American craft brewing.

Wabi-Sabi is a departure.

With it we are endeavoring to craft a uniquely Japanese and hybrid version of the craft beer world’s two most popular styles: Pale Ale and India Pale Ale (IPA).

“Wabi-Sabi” is the “aesthetic sense in Japanese art [and culture] emphasizing quiet simplicity and subdued refinement.” We achieve this sensibility in Wabi-Sabi Japan Pale Ale (JPA) by brewing with deft additions of two very identifiably (and locally prominent) Japanese ingredients: wasabi and ryokucha (green tea).

The dry herbal character of these ingredients intertwine so fully and completely with the herbal character of our chosen hop varieties that it’s impossible to pull them apart.

One begins where the other leaves off.

Quiet simplicity, subdued refinement!