(Fort Bragg, CO) – North Coast Brewing is beginning to spread the word about its forthcoming commemorative bottles of Old Stock Ale (Ōtsuchi 2012). The bottles will be released next month to honor on the one year anniversary of the disaster that struck Japan last March. Here is more on the project via GreatBrewers.com.

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Otsuchi, Japan is about the same size as North Coast Brewing’s home town of Fort Bragg, California. The towns are both located on the 37th parallel directly opposite one another on the Pacific Ocean, and they share a heritage as important commercial fishing ports. To Ken Sasaki, an Otsuchi town official, the two towns seemed a natural match as sister cities, and in 2001, he led a delegation visiting Fort Bragg to discuss such an arrangement. Since then there have been many happy exchange visits in both countries by city officials, students, and other civic leaders to increase understanding and strengthen the bonds of friendship.

When the recent tsunami struck northern Japan, Otsuchi was one of the hardest hit communities and this charming 800 year old city was leveled with an unimaginable loss of life and property.

CBS recently did a 60 Minute piece on the Otsuchi disaster and interviewed Ken Sasaki who made it clear how important the Fort Bragg sister city relationship has been in helping to give Otsuchi the encouragement to rebuild and to maintain their “Never give up” attitude. The people of Fort Bragg have sent over $250,000 to help, but more importantly, they sent their love. As a continuation of this support, North Coast Brewing is releasing this special Otsuchi Old Stock Ale with all profits going to help the recovery. Enjoy this bottle with friends and remember the people of Otsuchi.