Maltan

Who says Tokyo is expensive? I just had a 13 course meal 990 Yen ~ €8. Well OK, beer seems to be quite pricey in most places. Half pint 450-550 Yen.

282. Kirin - 82 Real Ale

Listing beers is getting quite difficult. My Japanese needs still bit practice so from most beer I am only able to get the town that the beer is from. That doesn't stop me from enjoying. For example I had really good stout from Osaka. Beer names are of course written in Japanese and I tell you, kanji is difficult. I tried to copy names to my notebook but that didn't work at all.

I found nice small bar called Maltan. They had several Japanese crafts of tap, names written with kanji... Owner of the place, Nakamura-san and his wife were very helpful to explain something about the beer but I didn't quite understand more than where the beers came from and the beer styles. I'm not sure if I should give these a number also, well what the heck...

283. IPA from Nagano Prefecture
284. Red Ale from Nigata
285. Stout from Osaka

I had one of most amazing evenings at Maltan. I made bar full of people friends, only couple of the spoke even couple words of English but that didn't matter at all. Businessmen with ties, bar staff, normal neighborhood people. They were very keen on hearing about Finland and hearing why I travel in Japan. They were very happy that someone came there after the disaster. I got loads of travel tips, loads of sake etc. etc. Discussions were quite fluent with couple words of English and when those were not enough, drawings and bartenders laptop with Google translator worked well. Thank you Nakamura-san for laptop loan.

When it was time form me to go and catch last train to ryokan (Japanese inn) I gave a handshake to pretty much everybody in the bar and when I was at the door everyone was waiving to me and shouting sayonara. I felt almost like a movie star. Special thanks for Takeshi-san for onsen tips.

Ps. It is true that Moomin is big in Japan. Everybody knew that Moomin is from Finland.

After earthquake

Fresh, I mean really fresh, sushi at Tsukiji fish-market. Unbelievable good. Don't know if I can eat sushi anywhere else anymore because all other sushi is likely to be disappointing after this. I arrived here bit after 7 in the morning, all the fish was catched during the night. You know that food is good if it makes you cry while eating and this sushi got me weeping.

Time when I arrived to to Tokyo (month after tsunami) was the time when support from my tourist money was needed the most. Plane from Vancouver was pretty much empty and for me this meant 3 seats for laying down and of course super fast service. Also the whole Tokyo seemed to be quite spacious. Metros are easy to get in, Shibuya crossing was crowded but not more than Henry street in Dublin during bank holiday weekend.

276. Sapporo
277. Kirin - Brau Meister


My first earthquake! I got confused, then I realized what was going on and I got so exited. Then I looked people around me and I don't think they even noticed earth shaking. Amazing how used to this they are even that they are just recovering from the big one.

278. Kirin - Ichibanshibori
279. Yebisu - The Hop
280. Yebisu - All Malt Beer
281. Yebisu - Black

After ski

Vancouver was good place to go out and Henry was the right person to do it with. Most important thing was that this guy likes good beer (G.I. Hefeweizen) and bad beer (Mickey's) and on top of that he was able to find couple good and kind of good parties.

90s party was quite challenging with music like Vengaboys - Boom Boom Boom. However it helped to meet lot's of fun folks there and I even found Home Improvement Tim & Al lookalikes (fits nicely to 90s theme).

Between the parties I managed to do bit of sightseeing as well and visited Whistler and saw some breathtaking views (at least it could have been if it wasn't so darn foggy).

After Whistler I headed for a night out that was much better music wise than previous one. Starting out at The Venue with The Globes and The Two Door Cinema Club. I tell you, The Globes drummer was insanely good! And the the main act, they were excellent just like you could imagine. After gig we headed to some student party close by. After ski theme with old neon ski outfits and, of course, beer pong table. We need a new rule: Every pub should have a beer pong table!

Oh yes, something about beer also.

260. Russel - Cream Ale
261. Alexander Keith - IPA
262. Brewhouse - Big Wold Bitter
263. Vancouver Island - Piper's Pale Ale
264. Lighthouse - Beacon IPA
265. Driftwood - Ale

I headed also to Victoria, sleepy city after Vancouver but home of one excellent brew pub: Spinnakers. While sitting at bar, the bartender noticed that we had some prestigious company. Head of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company was sitting at the other side of the bar.

Spinnakers
266. Kolsch with Lemon Zest (cask)
267. ESB
268. North West Ale
269. Original Pale Ale
270. India Pale Ale
271. Nut Brown Ale
272. Blue Bridge Double Ale
273. Hopworks - Stout

Visited also Canoe for couple before heading back to Vancouver
274. Canoe - River Rock Bitter
275. Yukon Brewing - Yukon Red

Cozy way to finish North American tour was by watching some play off hockey at dear friend Derek's place. Your girl is a great cook! Thank you Elisa, Henry and Derek for great times! Love you all!

Gambie

While visiting Canada you must see at least one hockey game live. I had bought couple tickets to Vancouver vs. Minnesota game for me and my dear friends Elisa and Derek. Season ending game and Canucks got the Presidents Trophy at the beginning. Good to be there witnessing history.

Before the game Derek took me to the Gambie, place with cheap drinks, lousy music and greasy food so everything you wish from a quality bar. And this all was just couple blocks from the Rogers Arena. I fell in love with this place instantly. I could imagine spending lot's of time here if I was living in Vancouver. Place that has hand dryer with message about drying your soul can't be bad. During my short stay I actually made couple more stops here after this one. House beers are made by Granville Island brewery so you can actually enjoy decent beer there also.

248. Sleeman - Sleeman Honey Brown Lager
249. Granville Island - Gambie Lager
250. Granville Island - Cypress Honey Lager
251. Granville Island - Brockton IPA

After getting rid of my hangover I decided to visit Granville Island brewery also. Island itself is beautiful, bit touristic though, small island very close downtown Vancouver. Brewery has small tasting room where I was lucky enough to meet guy who used to be brewer at GI.

Granville Island
252. Irish Red (seasonal)
253. Imperial IPA (seasonal)
254. Winter Ale (seasonal)
255. Hefeweizen

While sipping and talking about beer travels he mentioned that there is also another brewery on the same island. Not so special beers but something that you can try only there as their license allows then to sell only at their own restaurant.

Dockside Brewing
256. Catwright Pale Ale
257. Jonston Street Pilsner
258. Old Bridge Lager
259. Pelican Bay Brown

Bartender at Dockside seemed to be very interested about party ferries between Finland and Sweden. And he was talking lot's about blond girls...

Oh Canada

Good start at Vancouver. I was thinking that I was tired and being on the road was not exiting or fun anymore. Seattle could be nice place but I did not have too much energy left to enjoy it. Now, one night at Vancouver, meeting one old friend, making some new ones and I am full of energy! On the first night I actually ended up spending night in whole different place that the plan was. Movie night, chatting, enjoying beer and enjoying on journey again. I feel alive again!

236. Central City Red Racer India Pale Ale
237. Central City Red Racer ESB
238. Mickeys Fine Malt Liquor (got bit contrast to previous ones with this...)

Steamworks Brewery, beautiful view, ok beers but bit hollow feeling. Bonus is that I met the brewmaster.

Steamworks
239. Hefeweizen (seasonal)
240. Signature Pale Ale
241. Nirvana Nut Brown Ale
242. Heroica Oatmeal Stout
243. Empress India Pale Ale

At Yaletown brewery I learned that most brewpubs here are owned by same company. That explains similar bit cold feeling in downtown pubs.

Yaletown
244. Rocket to Russia (nice!)
245. Downtown Brown
246. Briek & Beem IPA
247. Warehouse Stout

Ps. Vancouver seems to be freezing cold, that god I got to borrow my friends jacket. Thanks James!

Sleeping in Seattle

Arriving to Seattle tired and wrecked. I walk through the rain to hotel, I thought that I need real hotel at this point as I was dead tired. I saw legendary Hurricane Cafe outside hotel but that must wait. Only fast food and sleep.

On morning I notice something unusual. Sky is bright and it seems to be nice day coming. Didn't expect to see this in Seattle. Great start for day to have breakfast at the Pike Place Market and chatting with locals that what there is to see in this town. I got advice that ferry ride to Bainbridge could be nice so off I go. you can pretty much always trust on tips from locals, beautiful ferry ride to nice small town. Signpost tells me that there is a pub with craft brew taps on the island, easy choice for me. The Harbour Public House offers nice fisherman village atmosphere with ocean view and really nice terrace and of course nice selection of local rotating taps. Hope to see you again Erin, you made to my top bartenders in seconds.

209. Hales - Bavarian Hefeweizen
210. Fish Tale - Mudshark Porter (cask)
211. Georgetown - Mannys Pale Ale

212. Rogue - Mocha Porter
213. Maritime - Pacific Nightwatch
214. Two Beers - Immersion Amber Ale

At Portland I happened to meet Jen, Oregon sales manager of the Pike Brewing. With the note Jen gave to me I went to the Pike Brewing at Pike Market. I got same warm welcome with the note that I got from Jen when meeting her. Throughout introduction to Pike brews.

Pike Brewing
215. Weisse
216. XXXXX
217. XXXXX (cask)
218. Naughty Nelle
219. Pale Ale
220. IPA
221. Kilt Lifter
222. Monk's Uncle
223. Tandem
224. Double Pale Ale

Good meeting you Amanda and Colin. Try to manage there!

225. McMenamins - IPA
226. McMenamins - Ruby

Hurricane cafe, place that used to be the place for rockers to hang out, at least so I heard. Now it still seems to have it's charm, rock is not played here now but way the place looks like is still what it used to be in old days. I would think everything is just the way it was when they opened the place. People here make this place. Next to me is a guy singing "I still wanna be with you". On the other side some dude is having a burger and talking to ketchup. He seems to be telling to ketchup that he is upset about Tabasco. I can feel his pain...
Henrik, this is for you:
227. Pabst - Blue Ribbon

Elysian Brewing Company
228. Pandora's Box
229. Cerise Amour
230. Prometeus IPA
231. Bête Blanche
232. Saison Poivre
233. The Wise ESB

Taproom in Seattle is bit like Yardhouse in San Diego. Helluva amount of taps, 160 in this case, but no heart. It tells something that guy next to me wanted Coors Light and when they didn't have it, he wanted to have tomato juice in his Bud Light to sure it does not taste too strong. 2 fast pints and I'm outta here...

234. Avery - Ellies Brown Ale
235. Mac and Jacks - African Amber Ale (this was excellent!)

Ps. Russian Bakery at Pike Market, Piroshky, Piroshky is freaking good.

Conspiracy

California is known of it's Imperial Stouts and I had a change to try some of best stouts in the world. However, something I did not expect at all was good quality of sour beers. When talking about sour beers with Kyle at San Francisco, he told me about Cascade Brewing in Portland. They are mainly producing sour beers and their Barrel House serves some of those beers straight from the barrel. For me it seemed that they are definitely on the correct path, however many of their beers would gain more depth if they let those be in the barrels maybe one year more. When you get there, just ask if Ron is there to get bit background knowledge.

Cascade Brewing
187. Gose
188. Kriek
189. The Vine
190. Sang Noir
191. Vlad the Imp-Ale
192. Port Reserve (from barrel)

Other side of the road from Barrel House is the Green Dragon. This is one of most exciting brewpubs I've seen. First of all they have quite good selection of taps. Secondly they have their brewery with nice beers. And the third thing that makes this place unique is another small scale brewery within the bigger brewery.

Small scale brewery is something you could easily fit in your garage and this equipment is used to create the most interesting beers Green Dragon offers. Brewers are beer enthusiasts that gather together once in a while to try recipes they have developed at home. Green Dragon offers the space and equipment is sponsored bu Rogue. Message from Rogue is that they want to give something back from their success to similar people they once were before making it big. So awesome I say.

Following was made with small equipment and I also had to chance to have a nice chat with the brewer.
193. Green Dragon - Belgium Triple

194. Buchman Village - Chamomellow
195. Buchman Village - Ginger
196. Oregon Trail - Red
197. Eugene City - Candy Cap Mushroom Brown Ale (They actually use mushrooms on this one)

While sipping these I also had good chance to listen some conspiracy theories. Mike, socialistic firefighter, told me lot's of amazing details about third tower that went down during 9/11, interesting things about Mr. Dick Cheney etc. Portland seemed to be good for talking about these theories, even better that New York or San Francisco that both had quite a few people that weren't so happy about recent governments.

Mike offered to drive me also to my next destination, unfortunately my notes are missing the name of the place. Anyway, place with huge terrace and right next to great beer store that had seats for customers also. Thanks Mike and good luck with your commune.

198. Burn Side - Sweet Heat
199. Fort George - Murky Pearl Oyster Stout
200. Double Mountain - The Vaporizer
201. Hitachino Nest - XH
202. New Old Lompoc - Old Tavern Rat

Bailey's Taproom at city center was excellent place to finish my couple days at Portland. Could't make it to Hopworks but maybe next time.

203. Oakshire Brewing - Overcoast Espresso
204. Alameda - Siberian Bear
205. Flat Trail - Licentious Goat
206. Ninkasi - Spring Reign
207. Hop Valley - Festeroo
208. Block 15 - Pappy's Dark

Willamette Valley

One of the most notable areas for hop growing in the world and home of one of probably the most notable beer city in the USA. This place was one of the first places I added to my itinerary when planning travels within US.

Dechutes Brewpub in Portland was good place to start. It felt quite good to have more balanced beers after having several and several very extreme California beers. Even that California produces many of most high-rated beers in the world, I seemed that brewers in California were competing about who makes the most extreme beer instead of making the most satisfying one. Maybe it was the longer tradition of beer brewing in Oregon that makes the difference. Beers tasted way more balanced and somehow more elaborate.

Dechutes
163. Hefeweizen
164. Inly Lager
165. 31-25 Hef
166. Inversion IPA (cask)
167. Ursus Strong Pale
168. Red Chair NWPA
169. Mirror Pond Pale
170. Inverted Pale
171. Black Butte Porter
172. Green lakes Organic Ale
173. Cascade Ale
174. Obsidian Stout

Next stop, Bridgeport was somewhat disappointment, bit heartless place but they did have couple excellent brews. Topping the list Kingpin Double Red.

Bridgeport
175. Haymaker Extra Pale Ale
176. Blue Heron Pale Ale
177. Kingpin Double Red Ale (nice)
178. India Pale Ale
179. Old Knucklehead
180. Café Negro
181. Hop Czar
182. Highland Ambush Scottish Ale

I was planning to go further but rain stopped me again so I ended up to Rock Bottom Brewery. Even that it is a chain, I thought I might as well stop for a pint and wait to rain to stop. I got bit lucky here as I sat next to beer writer fellow who had published a book about Portland beer pubs that can be easily accessed by public transport. This guy helped me to make quite solid transportation plan between the places I wanted to go. However, I didn't want to take it that far as he had when writing the book. During that time he had maximum 30 minutes reserved for every pub. Interesting detail was that as he published the book, even that it was not his main profession, according to tax authority he can now claim back every pint he drinks. Makes me think, maybe I should also...

Rock Bottom Brewery, Portland OR
183. Volksweizen Wheat
184. Sunny Day IPA
185. Morrison St. Stout (cask)
186. Amber Ale

Craft Brewers Conference 2011

My timing to arrive to San Francisco was excellent as there was Craft Brewers Conference going at the same time. I happened to notice post from Darren, writer of BeerSweden.com, that he was packing his suitcase for travel and was going to be at the conference. At the moment I did not know about the event but quickly made up my mind to be there also. Darren's blog is one of my favorite beer blogs, done with bit lighter touch than beer blogs usually are. Quite fun to check his videos even if you're not hardcore beer fan.

I met Darren for pints at the City Beer. Location is mixed beer store / bar. They have impressive amount of quality beers on the shelf and also couple seats if you wish to enjoy beers you find from the store. My choice to start the day was quite famous one:

132. Russian river - Pliny the Elder (fresh stuff, they recommend that you would drink this as soon as possible, mine was bottled 2 weeks before opening)

Good start for rainy day and I had bit time before Darren was arriving so I went to search some imperial stouts from the shelf even that I knew it could lead to trouble. I was counting on Darren that he would share some of these high alcohol beers with me so I wouldn't have to empty all of these.

133. Great Divide - Oak Aged Yeti (great)
134. Russian River - Temptation (wow!)
135. Cascade Brewing - Cascade Kriek Ale
136. Moonlight - Reality Check

Darren helped me to empty bottles so I guess I owe him bit advertising, check the blog www.beersweden.com (it is in English so don't worry about the name)

During conference I met quite a few brewers from all over the world. It seemed to be good choice to wear Cantillon t-shirt, many of the brewers seemed to be very interested to hear about methods the use at the Brussels brewery. I got good tips for home brewing and of course good tips where to visit during my time in US.

The most popular place for brewers to gather up was Toronado. This place has at least 45 chancing craft brew taps. They are also known from their service that you can't describe kind or helpful. This place has some character.

137. Russian River - Benediction
138. Ballast Point - Yellowtail Pale Ale
139. Drakes - Hypocalypse
140. Firehouse - Hops on Rye
141. Magnolia - Billy Sunday Bitter
142. Firestone - DBA
143. Ninkasi - Tricerahops IPA

And then possibly the beer of the journey. Recommended by Darren, I bought this 40 usd bottle of beer. Outstanding sour beer. One of the best I ever had. When I ordered this beer I suddenly had dozens of new friends! Ladies and gentlemen: The Cable Car!

144. The Lost abbey - Cable Car Ale (outstanding, possibly the best sour)
145. Moonlight - Twist of Fate
146. Russian River - CBC Sour Brown
147. New Belgium - Apple Love
148. Lagunitas - Fusion
149. Deschutes - Hop Henge
150. Deschutes - XXII Aged Blend (oh my!)
151. New Belgium - Blackberry Love
152. Moonlight - Death & Taxes
153. Moonlight - Saaz Hop Reality Czeck

Thanks for all the brewers, it was facinating to meet meet you. Special thanks to Eric, Kyle, Christy, Nola, Sarah and mrs. Pekkarinen (Parin) even that your grandpa had changed you're name to more easy one for English speakers.

Couple other brewpubs also visited, Beach Chalet was nice on a sunny day but the taste and the price was not on correct level at all. Rogue Ale House was quality pub like Rogue's places always are.

154. Beach Chalet - DBA
155. Rogue - St. Rogue Dry Hop Red
156. Rogue - Juniper Pale Ale
157. Rogue - Chatoe Rogue Oregasmic Ale
158. Rogue - Chocolate Stout
159. Rogue - sig's Northwestern Red Ale
160. Rogue - Mogul Madness
161. North Coast Brewing - Schrimshaw Pilsner
162. Lagunitas - Hairy Eyeball

Hippie Town

First night at San Francisco took me to Thirsty Bear Brewing Company. Bit fancy brewpub with mostly customers wearing tie. I chose to sat down with fellow who wasn't wearing one and that proved to be good choice. Jon was a old time hippie, he had his share of hippie lifestyle and still carried some ideology with him. I guess that organic beer of Thirsty Bear draws some people with ideology to the place that otherwise would be too fancy. By the way, brewing organic beer doesn't seem to be big at US at all. I understood that finding for example organic hops can be quite difficult and getting hops from New Zealand can be to difficult for small brewers. So if you are hop farmer at US, maybe this could be your change to get into markets.

Thirsty Bear Brewing Company
100. Thirsty Bear Polar Bear
101. Thirsty Bear Golden Vanilla
102. Thirsty Bear Valencia Wheat
103. Thirsty Bear Brown Bear
104. Thirsty Bear Meyer ESB
105. Thirsty Bear Kozlov Stout
106. Thirsty Bear Howard Street IPA
107. Hoppen Koff (seasonal)
108. Sour Stave (seasonal)
109. Thirsty Bear Howard Street IPA (Cask)

While sipping organic brews, Jon introduced town to me, told me his favorite places for beer and offered to drive me to one also. We headed to Magnolia, one of my favorite brew pub during the trip. Excellent food and top class beers. Definite must try for every beer lover visiting SF.

Magnolia Pub and Brewery
110. Magnolia Proving Ground Pale (cask)
111. Magnolia Cole Porter

At this point I needed to catch the last bus but I knew that I will be back for more.
Next day started with bit of sight seeing and they have lot's to see here. Many of it is quite touristy but still fun. During my stay I for example saw the Alcatraz that was quite impressive, drove with the cable car, cycled over the Golden Gate and spend a day trying gadgets and science theories at the Exploratorium. As you see, quite much stuff to do here for techie like me.

And of course I left time for good beer scene the have ay SF. One stop was at 21st Amendment Brewery that is quite known in Europe also. Have to say that watermelon beer was quite interesting.

21st Amendment Brewery
112. 21st Amendment Bitter American
113. 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon Wheat
114. 21st Amendment Brew Free or Die IPA
115. 21st Amendment Hop Crisis!
116. 21st Amendment St. Patrick OSullivans Irish Red
117. 21st Amendment/Ninkasi Collaboration Old Ale
118. 21st Amendment McCoy’s Serious Stout... Seriously
119. 21st Amendment Back in Black

Back to Magnolia
120. Magnolia Saras Ruby Mild
121. Magnolia Brant Hill ESB
122. Magnolia Kalifornia Kolsch
123. Magnolia Prescription Pale Ale
124. Magnolia Spud Boys India Pale Ale
125. Magnolia Weekapaug Gruit
126. Magnolia Weather Report Wheat
127. Magnolia Big Cypress Brown Ale
128. Magnolia Long Break Bitter
129. Magnolia Blue Bell Bitter (nice!)

I wanted to hide this one but... I'll list it anyway. My host offered this one
130. Budwaiser

And something that goes well with seafood chowder at the Fisherman's Dwarf
131. Samuel Adams - Boston Lager

City of Angels

LA was a city that everybody had been saying that I should skip it. It was on the way and I had tickets for Ducks game so I went anyway.

City was quite challenging for tourist, public transport was quite poor, and also for example when I arrived with Greyhound, there was no signs whatsoever to show me how far i was or which way I should head to get to downtown. I decided to cheat and take taxi from bus station to my hotel.

Couple sights that I managed to see were however quite impressive, Hollywood boulevard with it's Chinese Theatre and The Universal City, both easy to reach and free of charge.

The best thing was outside LA. Disneyland was amazing. It is artificial but somehow so magical at the same time. I saw Asimo, most advanced robot in the world and I have to say it is impressive. I stepped on a star, closed my eyes and made a wish. I grew up with this star but now was the first time when I made a wish. I hope I will find what I'm looking for.

When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you

If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do

Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true

#8

Teemu Selänne
- NHL Totals: Games: 1258 Points: 637+703=1340 (and counting)
- Ten-time NHL All-Star
- Three-time top goal-scorer in the NHL
- All-time points leader in men's Olympic ice hockey
- NHL's all-time rookie goal and point scoring records
- First 40-year-old player in NHL to ever earn 5 points with a hat trick in one game

He is over 40 years old but still going strong. As a Finnish hockey fan I felt that as thanks for all great moments he has offered to me I wanted see him on the ice one more time. Last time for me was on the season 90-91 when Teemu was still playing in Finland.

I made it to Anaheim and Honda Center to see Ducks play against Flames. Seven Finns on ice in total but my visit was salute for one of them. Teemu thanked me for being there by scoring one goal and giving two assist. Equaliser at the end of 3rd period and being second star of the game. Not bad from old man.

Lukcy Basartd and Tipsy Crow

Someone recommended bar called Yardhouse for me so went to check it out. Impressive amount of taps, way over 100, but somehow cold place.

68. Stone - Oak Aged Arrogant Bastard

I didn't enjoy this bar at all so after one pint I headed to next destination that proved to be so far the best pub on my journey. The Tipsy Crow seemed to be the place for beer lovers to gather up, enjoy well selected brews and they also had table shuffleboard that I really enjoyed playing. Also staff seemed to have eye for making business as when on one point I was about to leave, bartender gave one for me on the house so I ended up spending long night there.

I also noticed that they had Dogfish Head Midas Touch on the shelf, beer that has amazing story behind it so of course I had to get my hands on that straight away. Beer recipe is an ancient Turkish recipe using the original ingredients from the 2700 year old drinking vessels discovered in the tomb of King Midas.

69. Oscar Blues - TenFidy
70. Dogfish Head - Midas Touch (excellent and the story makes it even better)
71. Stone - Arrogant Bastard
72. The Lost Abbey - Red Barn
73. Ballast Point - Pale Ale
74. Maui Brewing - Coconut Porter (impressive imperial porter)
75. Carl Strauss - Vanilla Imperial stout (cask)

At the Crow I met local beer writer, Jeff, who gave me info about drinkabout event, once a month event when free shuttle bus is driving between top beer bars in San Diego. Luckily enough, I was going to be still at San Diego during the event. If you're at San Diego, check this out. Definitely worth taking part.

Drinkabout event was of course great opportunity for beer tasting but also for meeting local people and enjoying hospitality. Thank you Edna, Christian and David for advice and lovely dinner!

76. New Belgium - Ranger IPA
77. Rogue - John John Dead Guy
78. Anchor - Breckle's Brown
79. Alpine - Token Porter
80. Ballast Point - Sculpin IPA
81. Avery - Imperial IPA
82. Green Flash - West Coast IPA
83. Pizzaport - Porter

I also met Ross, this fellow offered to drive me around to some best beer bars and for starters I wanted to go somewhere to try world famous Speedway stout. This was an exceptional stout but however ABLE stout found from Pizzaport Ocean Beach was even tastier. Thank you Ross!

84. Alesmith - Speedway Stout
85. Bear Republic - Racer 5
86. Craftsman - Honesty Ale
87. Pizzaport - While the Wife's Away IPA
88. Pizzaport - The Jetty
89. Pizzaport - ABLE American Stout (possibly best imperial stout I have tried)
90. Pizzaport - Nickel Bag
91. Pizzaport - Z Man Stout
92. Green Flash - Imperial IPA
93. Avery - duganA
94. Beer Valley - Leafer Madness Imperial Pale Ale
95. Green Flash/Pizza Port Carlsbad/Stone - Highway 78 Scotch Ale
96. North Coast Brewing - Old Rasputin
97. Russian River - Blind Pig IPA
98. Anchor - Steam
99. Stone - Lukcy Basartd Ale (yes, this is how you spell it)

In total San Diego was even better with beers that I had imagined. Brewing culture is quite young but they still manage to brew some of most high-ranking beers in the world. However many of beers are so extreme that it really is hard work to do this kind of tasting trip. Good that I have couple days to chill out in Anaheim and LA before continuing.

“Sometimes when I reflect back on all the beer I drink I feel ashamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes & dreams. If I didn't drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink this beer and let their dreams come true than to be selfish and worry about my liver.' ” - Jack Handey

PS. USS Midway is a helluva ship. Without signs on the wall I probably would still be lost on lower deck.

Why I Sing The Blues

All right, back in business. After chilling out it is time for more serious part of journey; US and it's craft brews. Goal it to head up from San Diego upwards all the way to Vancouver BC. Some of the best beers in the world come from the west coast of US, according to ratebeer.com and of course according to me. Now it is time to find out what these US brewers and beers are really made of.

First night at San Diego, easy start at Rock bottom Brewery. Rock Bottom is chain of brewpubs. they have approximately same beer styles in every pub but beers are different in every place. I like the idea that even within the chain the local brew master can use his skills and recipes.

Rock Bottom, San Diego
59. Pelican Light
60. Hefeweizen
61. Point Break Pale ale
62. Regatta Red
63. Coronado Nut Brown ale
64. Sunset Stout
65. Hop Bomb IPA 3-1-2011
66. Fire Chief Ale 3-8-2011
67. Aged Rum and Toasted Oak Scottish Ale (Cask)

After this I took a small stroll on the town and followed the music. I ended up to weird blues joint that had only few customers, 2 dancing, one girl passed out on bar desk, couple loners sitting on separate tables. 2 man blues band giving BB King sounds: "Yes, I've been around a long, long time". This place is surreal.

68. Speakeasy IPA

"I've Got My Mojo Working" ended the evening and I headed back to hostel. On the bus stop after lowering wheelchair ramp the bus driver announced: "Walk bridge is down, welcome, step in to my kingdom". I like this city.

Basic Training

On my way to San Diego and surrounded by Marines. Quite a few of them are heading for for their first basic training, most filled with excitement and looking for adventure. I sat next to nice young fellow, Nathaniel, who gave me excellent tips about what should I eat when in US and in exchange I told him about Europe, world and it's people. Especially Netherlands and it's openness seemed to be interesting to him.

I can imagine what amazing situation and exciting moments this fellow was going through. full of energy heading to something unknown. First time in aeroplane, first time far away from Kansas, first time meeting someone from Europe. I had somewhat same feeling when leaving for my tour but somehow it seems to be bigger step when leaving from first time, even if it is within your home country.

Good luck Nathaniel and hope you make it to Amsterdam on your holiday. Don't let Marines take your open mind.

Whereyoufrom

Everybody seemed to know one thing in English: whereyoufrom. That was conversation starter from hustlers, beggars, prostitutes and salesmen. You hear those words dozen time a day and it seemed that it you are alone, you will be surrounded by hustlers in no time. Florian who was travelling alone seemed to be genuinely happy to have other travellers as company as prostitutes could be quite a harassment for lonely traveller.

To get it more peace me and Sanna headed to countryside for some beautiful scenery and relaxment. Biking in Viñales valleys in middle of worlds best cigar fields and then hiking in Trinidad and swimming at stunning place at the foot of a waterfall.

On countryside time seemed to be flexible as it took several days until we noticed that we had been hour late from everything agreed as we didn't know that clocks has been changed during our stay.

At Remedios we found one fabulous beach, almost untouched and we were only ones on the whole beach for whole morning. At afternoon group of Cubans arrived and explained that area was out of bounds for Cubans so that's why it was so quiet. One of them actually wanted to take some pictures of him so he could show to his friends where he had been.

Oh, we also managed to get couple old friends back in touch as Jorge, our host in Havana and Lester, our host in Remedios had been in school together but now trough us heard about each other first time in years.

Jamming

De Alto Cedro voy para Marcanè,
Llego a Cueto voy para Mayari.

Locals enjoyed hanging out on the beach and parks. Usually they had bottle of rum with them and quite often someone had some musical instrument. We also enjoyed friendliness of locals and joined them on jamming session in the park. Florian got some guitar lessons while me and Sanna joined singalong. Music is truly universal and you don't need common language for singalong. Paz!

57. Bucanero Fuerte
58. Mayabe Clara

Peso pizza

They have interesting two currency system in Cuba. Normal pesos don't have access to high end stuff like good meat, accommodation, mojitos, soap and many other western stuff. However local pesos can buy you local food, local beer and local uncarbonated soda. Convertible pesos are for high end stuff and most tourist use pretty much only this money.

Our choice as budget travelers was having as much local food as possible and we managed to find lot's off good food with great value. Few examples below:
- pizza 10 pesos (=40 usd cents)
- ice cream 2 pesos
- rice wok and pork 20 pesos
- class of soda 1 peso

Beer industry is of course not that big in Cuba and most beers we found were what you usually would expect to find in warm country. We managed to find one brewpub anyway, only one in Havana and possibly only one in Cuba. They made actually very good quality beers, considering circumstances of course.

Factoria Plaza Vieja
54. Clara
55. Oscura
56. Negra

Casa particulare

You never know about quality of hotels in Cuba so good and economic way to stay is casa particulare, home stay. Locals are renting room in their own house, often offer meals also. Good way to get some tips where to go and to get in contact with locals.

Sanna joined me for Cuba and our flight arrived about same time so we headed together to our first Casa. What a welcome. Surprise was that out host knew English very well so communicating was very easy. Like local habit was, we were taken to other homes also to see what everybody has to offer. One with food, one with cigars and of course, everything with "good prices". All this made me feel very welcomed, it was nothing like Tunisian bazaars where people trying to sell something really get on your nerves.

Good start was topped up with mojitos at the town. At dinned we met fellow traveller Florian. He had been while in Cuba and knew some Spanish it seemed to be good idea to hook up with him. Nice fellow with lot's of good tips.

52. Cerveza Cristall
53. Cacique

Yakolev Yak-42D

My choice for flying to Cuba was Cubana airways. Plane was of course old Soviet time high tech. Russians know how to build stuff that may not be pretty but definately works. One advantages of old fool proof technique is that you can use cellphone whenever you want as there are no such electronic devices on board that might get compromised. To make sure everybody gets humble enough towards this fine piece of engineering, the door of the aeroplane is so small that you have bend over when entering the plane.

I could see bit if worrying faces from people entering the plane when Russian signs welcomed them on board. To be honest, there was a moment when I started to get bit nervous when plane started to fill with smoke. Luckily Stuarts walked around the plane comforting passengers: "Normal, normal". Cold breeze that I felt calmed me down quickly, must be just air conditioning starting.

While thick smog filled cabin slowly, it actually was so thick that if you bend over you could not see anything, people started to get really worried but rum served on plane seemed to calm down most people.

When we reached ground at Jose Marti airport, everybody seemed to be genuinely happy making the rocky ride safely.

Metal and Coco

Found rock bar here. Wohoo! Tattoo and rock actually. They have foosball also. This is my kind of place. All beers also 20 pesos. Big difference as most places at Carmen have beer price around 40 and it usually gets cheaper only when buying several at same time. Metal music gives nice vibe to sitting on balcony with mild warm breeze and view with palm trees.

48. Modelo Victoria
49. Leon (Modelo)
50. Bohemia Obscura (Frida Kahlo)


I also visited some Maya ruins at Tulum. Ruins were cool but most amazing thing was the beach. Really soft sand, cool cliffs, cold coconut while there. Might have seen someone whiter than me on the beach. Maybe, just maybe... No wait, why would Conan O'Brian be here.

And afterwards, bar with I dare you contest and that of course meant tit flashing.

51. Bohemia

Beach and Sun

I was definitely the whitest person on the beach. Hopefully in a week I'm at least second whitest. Beach itself is superb, white sand, no people trying to sell you something. Nice!

40. Negra Modelo
41. Pacifico Clara
42. Mexican ligh (missed brewery, shite in silver can anyway)
43. Modelo Especial

Snorkeling at Cozumel island with lot's of colorful fish living in ruins left by hurricane Cathrene. Free beer, well included to boat rent at least. Tasty chili con carne. This is not so bad after all. I just needed to get to beach mode.

44. Sol
45. Modelo Light
46. Montejo

I'm really getting on chill out mode here. I'm spending days at beach and otherwise I'm just avoiding places that play Lady Gaga. Believe me, it is not so easy here during evenings but I found couple nice bars. One Bob Marley style place with chill music and bit hidden location and another one also calm pub that showed NHL games. Easy choice for me between bad music and NHL.

Chilling out also slows down rate of meeting other people but here that might just be good thing as there are not so many locals around that aren't working and most travellers are into clubbing. I keep focusing on finding places with hammocks.

47. Cerveza Dos Equis (xx)

Mexico

After surprisingly short flight I arrived to Cancun airport that was densely populated by hustlers and taxi drivers offering their services. I cleared through them and continued with bus towards Playa where I was expecting to have some chill time with mojitos while laying in hammock.

First night was disappointment. This was not what I expected at all. Maybe I should have read something about destination before arriving. I ended up to resort town with Burger King, Starbucks and the worst; Lady Gaga playing everywhere. I was no mood for shite music at all so I strolled around town, sat on nightly beach and then strolled some more.

Bit after midnight I went back to hostel and noticed that it was surrounded by 2 nightclubs playing so loud that noise in room was almost unbearable. I managed to get some sleep but only to wake up when some teenage couple was getting busy in same room. I did not want to see that...

Thursday! Torjantai!

Today (17th Feb) is thursday (torjantai) and that means Porterhouse of course. Porterhouse Central is my favorite pub in Dublin and pretty much every thursday I have been gathering there with couple friends. While ago Porterhouse opened their first US location in NY so I had perfect change to check it out and get back on track with my record off all Porterhouses visited.

If you're in NY and want some real good Irish stout, skip all places serving Guinness and come here. (Porterhose at Fraunces Tavern, Pearl Street). Note also that they have bottles of Koff Porter that is considered to be best Finnish beer.

32. Porterhouse Hophead

Hophead was as good as back home, but I did miss bar staff from Dublin. It's not same without you...

Thursday was also the night for me in NY so I wanted to return to my favourite pub: Pony Bar. There are great beer bars at Manhattan but most seem to be at posh area and therefore quite expensive. Pony with 5 dollar pints, no matter what you take was more for me.

33. Barrier Ruthless Ipa
34. Ithaca Flower Power

While having pint at Pony, Steve called and asked me to join house party at 46th st. Steve's collague was trying to get rid of extra drinks he had and I was willing to help.

Place was awesome, suberb location, interior with old wood and red tiles. And to top it up, rooftop access straight from bedroom. Beers on the roof and little bit of wrestling naturally!

35. Blue Moon
36. Coors
37. Hooengarden
38. Corona
39. Amstel
(Hey it was a party, with beers on the house)

NY has been awesome. Great pubs, great neighborhoods and best of all; people. Thanks Steve!

Ps. Abram B, what the hell did you do with my ribs? Still sore.

Heartland & Brooklyn

Heartland is chain of brewpubs that apparently aren't really brewpubs. They have their own stuff there but I was told that their beer is brewed mostly outside Manhattan and then brought in. However I needed to make stop in one of those before heading up to Empire State building. You need to get bit courage before climbing 100 floors, right.

19. Indian River Light
20. Cornhusker Lager
21. Harvest Wheat Beer
22. Red Rooster Ale
23. Indiana Pale Ale
24. Farmer Jon's Oatmeal Stout
Some lame and expensive beers I say. Stout was ok but otherwise...

It is amazing how many totally different style areas you can fit in relatively small area. Brooklyn seemed to be my kind of area. Relaxed feeling, nice small pubs. Feeling here is quite different from busy Manhattan.

Main attraction in Brooklyn for me was of course Brooklyn Brewery. Unfortunately it was closed so I ended up pub crawling in some really nice small neigborhood pubs.

25. Old Thumper Double
26. Magic Hand Brewing Winter
27. Rogue Brutal Bitter
28. Brooklyn Weisse
29. Brooklyn Ale 55
30. 21 Amendment Brewery Hop Crisis
31. Sixpoint Righteous Rye

Ps, full pint of Hop Crisis was tough call on that point of evening. 10,8 % ABV

City with no memory

One tip I got from bartender at Chelsea was The Pony Bar (10th av, 45th st). I was told that I won't be disappointed and o'boy he was right. 20 taps and all those were changing craft brew taps. Have to say: Wow, me likes!

Every time tap runs out and new is tapped, staff rings the bell and everybody in the bar shouts "new beer". After that silent wait when name of the new beer is put on the wall.

I had some superb beers and also noticed that chips ain't same thing here than back home in Ireland.

9. Firestone Walker Double Jack Ipa
10. Victory St. Victorius Dobbel Bock
11. Southern Tier Ipa
12. Ommegang Hennepin
13. Long Trail Hibernator
14. Ommegang Rare Vos
15. Ommegang Adoration
Not sure about names of last 2, was getting bit tipsy here

While sipping drinks I met Steve, cool arty-techie guy from Long Island. We ended up having quite a few brews and after a while Inju, hazy, lazy, mazy girl and Nouri, part time president of Iraq showed up. Together they made a team working with comic "Bucktooth". Check it out, some fun nasty shit!

From them I learned for example that:
- NY was established by transvestite and Central Park is trans -area of NY
- Richies stay at south Manhattan or at their mansions at Long Island
- Biggest explosion before atom bomb was here in NY
- Pavmanok means fish shaped
- NY has no memory

I know, my notes are amazing! There was also lot's of stuff that I wasn't quite able to figure out.

Nouris friend was performing at Bowery Poetry Club so I joined them to see mixed stand up and burlesque show. Some hot acts I say, specially cute girl with fire!


Highlight of evening was however was possible the coolest bar I've been into: Mars Bar. Place was filled with punk and rock'n'roll spirit. I was told that this was pretty much what there was left in NY after they took down CBGB. One place with heart and now they were going to close this aswell... I just made it on time to witness last nights of this awesome bar. Of course I had to leave my heritage also on the wall of this place famous for punk rock and its lack of toilet paper.


(At least)
16. Brooklyn Lager
17. Bass
18. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

Oh yes, I had bit difficulties first navigating with subway but after getting stoned it all seemed to make sense. 24 hour subway is awesome, so easy to get back from bar.

New York, New York

Bit trouble getting in as there was distrupions on subway lines. I had no map so I picked up some random stop to get up. After walking little bit I located myself close Rockefeller center so I was in the hoods already. Did bit sightseeing but backbag and jetlag were getting heavy so I headed to hostel I had booked.

Luckily close to hostel, maybe 5 streets away was one of places I had marked sightseeing spot; "Valhalla". Small bar on 9th avenue was not much from outside but inside they had 37 taps!

Had small chat with bartender and tasted first pints of journey (I don't count stuff on the plane).

1. Harpoon BPA (Belgian pale ale)
2. Stone Levitation Ale

At this point time difference got me and took me to bed and then woke me up at 5 am. Well, lot's time for sightseeing. Central park, Harlem and for last , so I thought, nice stroll from 36th st to head of Manhattan. Soon I noticed that 1st st is not close to head at all...

Walked all the way but after 6 hours walk all together I decided to take bus from head to my second must see spot; Chelsea Brewing Company. This is only actual brewpub located at Manhattan. There is another chain calling them brewpubs but I'll return to them on later posts.

Chelsea is located on old pier so I bet this is the place to have a sip on warm summer day and watch sailboats go by. Bartender gave me great tips and told lot's about beers in NY while I was enjoying some real good brews. Only minus was that they had only 6 brews available at the moment.

3. Checker Cab Blonde
4. Sunset Red
5. Hop Angel
6. High and Dry Porter
7. Pumpkin Spiced Ale
8. Seasonal special, (not sure about name)

Before takeoff 2

Flights - check
Ground transportation - no idea
Accomodation - NY booked, otherwise open
Places to visit while there - no idea
Visa to Cuba and China - ongoing

I flied to Finland to store things I wanted to keep, 3 was total amount of suitcases, my life didn't fit in two... Week and a half time to get visas before first flight so I headed to one of my dear friends place who was planning to join me in Japan. She also happened to live on area very close to most embassys. Visa to Cuba was amazingly easy. Took 3 hours from leaving application to have visa in my pocket. Smooth so beer for celebrating.


Couple days later I was at embassy of China. Bit more paperwork, looks easy. Only but was what to fill in as visa was valid for 3 months from application only and my plan was to get out from China later than that. Negotiations at office were interesting, lady didn't quote understand untill after a while and then personnel needed negotiate a while if what I requested was ok or not. They showed me green light: "you can enter China if you enter before 3 months is up". Good enough for me, I'm not in hurry to leave from there so I didn't keep asking if I can also get out.

Before takeoff

Here It goes, my first day off. I'm actually still on payroll, couple days vacation before leave starts. 6 months that I'm really looking forward. Some days to get rid of my apartment, sell extra stuff and if it goes well, make some extra bucks for traveling. Goal is to get whole life again on 2 suitcases, just like it was when leaving Finland for working in Ireland.

It has been good 4 years, years that have made me answer Dublin if someone asks what is my hometown. Still it started to feel that something needs to happen so it was time to leave. I had a small see you in 6 months party instead of goodbye forewer even that deep inside I'm not sure if I will return to same job at least. We'll see that in next half year.

Prolog

Many as been talking and asking about my little book that I usually have with me when going around. Usually it is just for my own fun and I normally share only mostly beer related stuff elsewhere. However as people have been asking, I'll publish stuff on my world tour. I'm bit lazy writer so bare with me.

For those who don't know whats going on, and those that I have just met; I just took small break from evil corporate wheel and packed my backpack. I'm going around for some months and fulfilling dreams I've been building.

I start this blog bit late so first updates about world tour will be updates from backlog. Stuff that I have written down during my first weeks of leave and some stuff from my back of my head of course. I'm expecting several (and longer) updates when catching up and most likely bit slower pace when I'm back on track.