​ On tap this week Black Isle Porter ABV 4.6%

Masses of dark roasted malt produces this dry full-bodied ruby black beer. This beer glides across the palate like a mythical monster on a frozen loch - a wonderful balance of bitterness with a light chocolate finish.

And we also have our regular tap of Aspall Suffolk Cyder ABV 5.5 % as well . a perfect refreshing drink that goes well with anything 

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Today , Tamaki & I took part in a beginners bookbinding class , we both made tartan covered notebooks. Our friend Kimura san is a bookbinder here in Niigata city and early next year we will hold a bookbinding class where you get to make a notebook . The boards are already cut so you just have to fit it together with the covering of your choice . Great way to spend 2 hours on a wet winters day !

On Sunday the 6th of Dec we closed Albannach for the entire day , which is quite rare and drove over the mountains to Yamagata City. The reason for this was we had bought tickets to see Dervish who are an Irish traditional music group from County Sligo, Ireland , They were formed in 1989 by Liam Kelly, Shane Mitchell, Martin McGinley, Brian McDonagh, and Michael Holmes and have been fronted by singer Cathy Jordan since 1991. The concert was in the old town hall located in the center of Yamagata city and lasted for about 2 hours , the historic building was perfect for such live music and we purchased a CD of their most popular songs plus a DVD of a previous concert.  After the show all the members of the band took a seat at a table and signed CDs for everyone and we got to have our photo taken with Cathy Jordan the lead singer and bodhan player. Pictured below are a few photos we took and a Youtube clip featuring the band.