7 best Japanese beers you should try (ranked and reviewed)
Japan is a country with abundant and old history. One of the most famous things about Japan is their beers. Many breweries across this great land offer unique tastes and flavors, even if they all still come in bottles or cans (no kegs here!). For anyone interested in Japanese beer, we will rank seven delicious brands you should try!
What is the best Japanese beer?
The answer to that question depends on your taste buds- there are so many different types out there it can be hard to choose just one favorite. However, after much research and consideration of reviews from other drinkers worldwide, these seven beers were selected as some of the very best beyond Sapporo Premium Beer and Asahi Super Dry..
Here are the best Japanese beers you should try.
#1 Asahi Super Dry
First on the list is Asahi Super Dry. This beer is light and refreshing, with a slightly fruity taste. It’s perfect for a hot day or when you want something easy to drink without too much flavor. Many people consider it to be one of the best Japanese beers around.
Features
- Alcohol: 5.2% ABV
- Brand: Asahi
- Beer Type: Lager
- Body: Light Bodied
- Taste: Crisp, Crean, Balanced
Pros
Cons
#2 Sapporo Premium Beer
Sapporo is a Japanese beer that has been around since 1876. Sapporo Breweries is one of the most popular brands in Japan, and for good reason- it’s delicious and one of Japan’s most famous beer brands! This beer is maltier than Asahi Super Dry, with a slightly sweet aftertaste.
Features
- Alcohol: 4.9% ABV
- Brand: Sapporo Breweries
- Beer Type: Lager
- Body: Full Bodied
- Taste: Dry, Light
Pros
Cons
#3 Kirin Ichiban
Kirin Ichiban Shibori is a Japanese Beer that has been around for over 100 years from Kirin (one of the largest Japanese Beer Brands)! it is made with high-quality ingredients. The malts give it a rich taste and flavor that pairs well with the hops used in its creation. Many people say it is like caramel or toffee.
Features
- Alcohol: 5.0% ABV
- Brand: Kirin
- Beer Type: Lager
- Body: Light Bodied
- Taste: Sweet, Caramel, Toffee. Balanced.
Pros
Cons
#4 Orion Beer
Orion Beer is a lager beer with a light body and crisp, refreshing taste. It’s unique because it uses both American and German hops to create its flavor profile- which gives it a bit more of an edge than some of the others on this list. It’s perfect after a long day at work or any other time you want to enjoy something tasty with your friends!
Features
- Alcohol: 5.0% ABV
- Brand: Orion Beer
- Beer Type: Lager
- Body: Full Bodied,
- Taste: Balanced Flavors and Hints of Fruit. Crisp Finish.
Pros
Cons
#6 Kawada
Kawada is a Japanese beer with a rich and full-bodied flavor. It’s perfect for those who want something with a bit more of a kick, as it has an alcohol content of over six percent. The malt used in its creation gives it a unique flavor that will surely please any beer lover!
Features
- Alcohol: Over Six percent ABV
- Brand: Kawada Beer
- Beer Type: Lager
- Body: Full-bodied; Aroma is Fruity and Slightly Spicy. Malt-Forward
- Taste: Balanced Finish. Sweetness on the Palate.
Pros
Cons
#7 Yebisu Beer
Yebisu is a brand of beer that has been around since the 19th century. They use European ingredients and traditional recipes to create their unique flavor, which makes it perfect for any fine establishment looking to offer something different than your average lager or ale on tap! It has hints of spice with fruity undertones that will please any beer lover and enthusiast.
Features
- Alcohol: 5%ABV
- Brand: Yebisu Beer
- Beer Type: Lager
- Body: Light Bodied, Crisp Finish
- Taste: Fruity, Balanced, Mildly Spiced. Pleasing Aroma.
Pros
Cons
#7 Yo-ho Wednesday Cat
Yo-ho Wednesday Cat is a “Belgian White Ale” style beer produced by Yakko Brewing Co. This beer is made with both barley and wheat and is flavored with orange peel and coriander seeds. For this reason, this Wednesday is classified as a Happoshu. The beer has a refreshing aroma and a sweet and sour taste. This beer has a refreshing aroma and a sweet and sour taste
Features
- Alcohol: 5% ABV
- Brand: Yo-ho Wednesday Cat Beer
- Beer Type: Belgian White Ale
- Body: Barley malt, wheat malt, hops, coriander seed, orange peel
- Taste: Balanced, Sweetness on the Palate. Pleasing Aroma. Crisp Finish. Refreshing Flavor
What is Japanese Beer?
Japanese beer is a type of Beer made in Japan. It has been produced for over 100 years, and there are many
Japanese beer is a type of Beer made in Japan. It has been produced for over 100 years, and many brands are available. The most popular type of Japanese beer is Lager. Aside from the Japanese lagers which are brewed with an abundance of rice, Japanese beer is made with a blend of malted barley, hops, yeast, water, and sometimes other ingredients such as wheat or oats.
There are also other types of beer, such as Ale and Stout. The most popular brands include Asahi Super Dry, Sapporo Premium Beer, Kirin Ichiban, Orion Beer, and Yo-ho Wednesday Cat. All of these beers can be found in stores. If you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing drink to enjoy while exploring this amazing country, try Japanese beer!
Beer is a fermented alcoholic drink that ferments malted barley or other grains using yeast. The process of making beer is called brewing. In this example, the word “beer” refers to the type of alcohol used to make the drink. This is an example of using the prepositional phrase “in”.
Japanese beer combines grains, yeast, and water into a liquid called wort. This mixture is then fermented using yeast. After fermentation, the wort is boiled until it reaches a specific gravity (the ratio of sugar to water). Then the wort is cooled and filtered. Finally, the beer is bottled or kegged.
The alcohol content of Japanese beer ranges from 2.5% to 6%. There are two main categories of Japanese beer: ale and lager. Both styles have their characteristics. For instance, ales tend to be lighter-bodied than lagers. They also tend to have more hop bitterness.
In recent years, Japanese craft beer has also become popular, so you will see more varieties of Japanese beers.
Where to buy Japanese beer?
Japanese beer is available in many stores throughout Japan and around the world including the U.S.. You can find it in convenience stores, supermarkets, and liquor stores. You can purchase Japanese beer from a variety of online retailers. Some notable options include:
Total Wine & More:
This is a fantastic place to start, especially if you’re a fan of classics like Sapporo. They’ve got a nice variety and the best part? Depending on your location, you can pick it up or have it delivered.
Umami Mart:
For those who love to experiment, Umami Mart is your go-to. They offer a cool selection of craft beers from Japan, including unique takes on IPAs, Stouts, and more. It’s like a treasure trove of Japanese craft beer creativity.
Honeydaes – Japan Foods Grocery Online:
Interested in something a bit different? Check out Honeydaes. They have beers from Japan’s first micro-brewery, Echigo Beer, which uses a special kind of rice from Niigata. It’s a unique twist that’s worth trying.
Drizly:
If convenience is key, Drizly is your friend. They have a wide range of Japanese beers, from the well-known Asahi and Kirin to the more artisanal Hitachino Nest. Plus, they deliver right to your door.
Remember, Japanese beer isn’t just about the big brands; there’s a whole world of fascinating craft beers to explore. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or looking to try something new, these sites have got you covered. Happy beer hunting! ????
Additionally, there are many craft and mainstream Japanese beer brands that you can explore, with varying prices and availability.
When looking for Japanese beer, you can consider well-known brands and craft options to experience the diverse flavors and styles available in Japanese brewing.
In Conclusion
Japanese beer is a unique and tasty beverage you should give a try. Many different brands and types are available, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing beer or something richer and maltier, there’s definitely a Japanese beer out there for you!
