Today was full exhausting, but good. Me and my fellow brewers split into teams and tackled the first day well. Though I spent most of my day doing what brewers do most, cleaning, it was great to see all the parts of a brewery in action.

The other brewers are great to chat with and I’m defiantly learning some new info and perspectives on brewing. The only lady in the group, Patty from Brazil, is fascinating. She’s truly trying to make a Brazilian sake. She’s cultivating her own rice and working to bring out great flavors with only a 90% mill. I’m very excited to see what she brings to the market.

I’m also excited for what Troy is doing with Sawtelle Sake in LA. He’s got some great ideas and from what it sounds like, some great sake coming.

Daimon-San and the other brewers were nice enough to try the Cloud Antlers and give me some feedback. Overall everyone liked it and were excited to try it. Daimon-San found it a bit acidic and I wonder if that was in part to its traveling with me. It did seem like it still had some Nama qualities to it. Like I’ve said before, I will be exited to try that recipie again.

This experience has made me think a lot about the beginning and the basics again. I will have to try a simple sake for the next batch and get back to some small ideas with large flavor.

also got to go to my first onsen ever. Wasn’t mind blowing, but very nice after today.