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Sakura-mochi flavored beer

5 Comments
By Yoriko Takahashi

SanktGallen, a microbrewery from Atsugi, Kanagawa prefecture, is going to release Sakura-mochi flavored beer called Sakura in a limited quantity on February 27.

Sakura-mochi is a seasonal rice cake filled with sweet bean paste and wrapped in preserved cherry leaf. Less hops are used for this Sakura beer to maximize the Sakura flavors extracted from cherry blossom petals and leaves.

Price: ¥450 (330ml)

A very interesting side note: The Japanese Liquor Tax Act doesn't allow cherry blossoms to be an ingredient of beer, so this beer is technically called "Happoshu" (low-malt beer) under law, although it contains almost as much malt as regular beers.

Source: AkihabaraNews

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5 Comments
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Not my cup of tea, but if the Belgians can do it, why not?

A pity it has to called Happoshu.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I think the Japanese are trying just a tad too hard to make a distinctive and unusual beer. Why don't they learn from the best craft brewers in the USA and make something that can compare well with something like Anchor Steam beer and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale? Given the innumerable mineral hot springs in Japan, I'm sure the Japanese--if they put the minds to it--could make a truly superior craft brewed beer using the best quality onsen water.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The Japanese Liquor Tax Act doesn’t allow cherry blossoms to be an ingredient of beer,

Reading that infuriates me. You'd think after two decades of economic malaise Japanese would have the common sense to end this kind of rampant bureaucratic meddling and allow businesses more leeway.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Why don't they learn from the best craft brewers in the USA and make something that can compare well with something like Anchor Steam beer and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale?

Raymond, you need to get out more. There are plenty of Japanese brewers making beer that not only compare well with the likes of Anchor or Sierra Nevada but in many cases have even surpassed their American counterparts. Japanese brewers are collecting more and more awards at international beer competitions. I suggest you get out there and try some beers from the likes of Minoh, Swan Lake, Baeren, Shiga Kogen, Baird, Daiden G, Isekadoya, Fujizakura, Yo-Ho, Ozenoyukidoke for starters, you might find it a revelation.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Two of my favorite things! I'm slightly skeptical but intrigued....

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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