The Japanese people are crazy about beer. In fact, there is a popular brewing tradition in Japan that dates back to 300 A.D., and they’re still going strong today with over 3 million barrels produced every year! There are four leading beer producers in Japan: Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, and Suntory. The exports from this country have been spreading across the world for years now—making them some of your best options if you want high-quality suds without hurting your wallet.
Japanese beer is typically light-bodied and smooth, with a slightly sweet taste. Many of the most popular brands are lagers, but you can also find ales and porters if you know where to look. The beers are often clear and golden in colour, although there are some dark options available as well.
Five Popular Japanese Beers You Must Try
Some people like the taste of Japanese beers, while others appreciate the fact that they’re not as strong as other types of alcohol. There are many different brands of beer in Japan, but some of the most popular ones include Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, Suntory, and Yebisu. These companies produce a wide variety of beers—from light lagers to dark porters—so there’s sure to be something that will appeal to everyone.
1. Asahi Super Dry
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Asahi Super Dry is a Japanese rice lager that was developed by the Asahi brewery in 1987. It has an alcohol level of around five percent and comes canned (as well as bottled) so you can drink it anywhere! This beer is a lager that is light, crisp, and refreshing—perfect for hot summer days. It has a slightly sweet taste and goes down easy, making it one of the most popular choices in the country.
2. Sapporo Black Label
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Sapporo Black Label is yet another top-class beer purchased and preferred by almost every folk living in the northern part of Japan. Unlike Asahi Super Dry, it has a much malt-like rich flavour. But don’t rely on the name as Sapporo black isn’t a dark flavoured beer. Instead, its taste falls somewhere between the malty-bread beer to a floral one. This lager has a rich taste that will satisfy any beer lover’s cravings for something bolder than what they’re used to drinking every day.
If you are visiting northern Japan, then you will find this malty-flavoured beer in every household or restaurant because most of the households and restaurants serve this beer with their meals. In fact, it is considered a symbol of peace for the people living in the north of Japan.
3. Kirin Ichiban Shibori
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Kirin Ichiban is Japan’s best-selling beer, and it has a bittersweet taste. The term “Kirin Ichiban” means first pressing in Japanese, and the beverage is produced by fermenting the initial wort, which results in a smooth, rich flavour that makes it one of the most popular beers in Japan.
For many beer enthusiasts, they say the taste of the beer falls somewhere between Asahi’s and Sapporo’s taste, thus making it bittersweet. When considering the taste and quality, Kirin Ichiban Shibori is highly recommended by the locals.
4. Suntory Premium Malt
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Suntory is a large, reputable Japanese brewer and distiller that produces many different types of beer. In fact, the Suntory Premium Malt has won two consecutive awards in the last two years for its taste and quality. In terms of richness, the taste of Suntory malt is more intense as compared to the Sapporo black. You can easily find Suntory malt at Izakaya and other famous bars in Japan.
5. White Belg
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White Belge is an ale that was first brewed in 1875 by the Sapporo brewery. It’s a medium-bodied beer with a fruity and floral taste, making it a refreshing choice for those who want something different from the typical lagers. An interesting fact about White Belg is that this beer falls under the category of Happoshu beer which is a term for “low-malt beer”. This also means the drink is low in calories and has a lesser amount of sugar in it.
Japanese beers are becoming increasingly popular all over the world, and for good reason. They’re high quality, affordable, and taste great. If you want to try some of the best beer that Japan has to offer, then be sure to check out some of the brands listed above!
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