Join me on my tireless crusade to find a decent brew in Japan. This has largely been canned beers* from the big four.
See little point in doing a composite score given the talent. Scoring against native beers, a two point English beer would be in a different league. Prices given were that at the time of review.
* pretend beer.
Special Limited
Brewer Sapporo
Style Pale Lager
A smidgen above the usual beer price. I think it is to commemorate the opening of the brewery’s beer garden in Hokkaido. Apparently “German style” brewed with malt, rice and corn starch. Bland and quite bitter. More Five Star petrol than Five Star hotel.
Chocolat Brewery is made from roasted malt and cacao, having the characteristic of aromatic chocolate flavour and bitter taste.
Brewer Sapporo
Style Other
I didn’t expect this to be so good; rather a clever ploy around Valentine’s Day. The beer is brewed with ROYCE chocolate. It doesn’t taste odd at all. Lovely chocolatey aroma and a nice combination with the malt. I love dark beer and this hit the spot (made a dent in the wallet too).
Brewer Asahi
Style Rice Lager
Unremarkable, but not unpleasant. Can’t read the kanji. Mentions 1958. Has what looks to be the war flag of the Imperial Japanese Army behind Hokusai’s tsunami on the can.
This limited version of Yebisu Beer has been given longer lagering time for rich, mellow flavor and satisfying smoothness.
Brewer Sapporo
Style Other
I seem to have reviewed Sapporo’s Cho choki jukusei and few years ago. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is it under the Yebisu brand. I only gave it 3/10, but since then have got a better perspective.
Anyway, the colour is not far from the orange/brown can. More caramel and malt than other brews, yet again still a tad bitter.
The superb aroma of Sapporo Baisen is created by a unique malt roasting process. This roasted malt is blended with pale malt for a flavor experience so thrilling it even smells delicious.
Brewer Suntory
Style Rice Lager
This has been out about a week. Baisen, Daisen, Weizen, Bison, Heineken, Smeineken, Swineken? The darker colour and flavour is certainly more appealing; even if it looks like the the usual with a kidney problem. It’s a good one and sites firmly alongside the better beers.
THIS HARD AND CLEAR TASTE BRINGS YOU THE GREAT FEELING
Brewer Kirin
Style Happoshu
Japan doesn’t seem to have bum wine. The same could have been said for tramp lager until some was brought out in time for Christmas.
I thought this would have been an awful drink. Instead I thought it better than most happoshus. That could be a bad thing.
Wheat malt, fine barley malt and select hops create this “smooth as silk” flavor.
Brewer Sapporo
Style Other
This is the latest in the Yebisu range and much better than the last “The Hop”. Interested in the addition of wheat – not sure if it is really malted. A good one, if expensive.
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