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What is your favorite Japanese beer?

24 Comments

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24 Comments
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Heartland is my favorite but I find the easiest to knock back a few is the basic Kirin shown in this pic.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

None off the above really. Nice on a hot summer day and are all good pilsner lagers, but there is a reason why menus sometimes just have "beer" on the menu - you can barely tell one from the other,. Yebisu is over-priced for what it is.

For Japanese craft beers, Shigakogen gets my vote, partly due to the area bringing back happy memories, as well as delicious beers.

And I like Hitachino Nest, but maybe I am biased by the cute owl.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Asahi Super Dry, although Kirin and Sapporo are both very good.

I wouldn't wish Suntory on my worst enemy..

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Nice on a hot summer day and are all good pilsner lagers, but there is a reason why menus sometimes just have "beer" on the menu - you can barely tell one from the other

True. I know a few beer snobs who sneer at all of the beers in the picture. I see them all as okay but very similar.

I usually drink whisky but I buy Aooni if I fancy a beer at home

0 ( +1 / -1 )

When I eat Japanese food, I prefer Asahi SuperDry or sometimes Kirin, other than that it’s US micro brews all the way.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

From the above, Yebisu. But I like all of them. And the seasonal varieties.

Otherwise, maybe Orion or investigating craft brews and microbrewery efforts.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Usually Kirin Ichiban when not being too fussy, but sometimes try a microbrewery for some variety.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

All the above beers are the same style of beer... Thats the problem with Japanese beers...almost all bottom fermented “lager” style beers. The supermarkets then import some foreign beers of the same kind. Or worse brewed under licence...

Most bars and shops in Europe will have at least 8 different beer varieties not just brands of the same generic rice beer.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I like Orion.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

For mass-produced beers, I'll go with Kirin Ichiban or Orion [especially if it's a hot day].

As for more local stuff, I had Matsumoto Brewery beer a few times, and it was fantastic. Definitely recommend trying one of those if you are in the area.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Miyazaki has a great beer, Hyuga Brewers, sold at the train stations and airport made by a local brewer using local hops and grains. They make an ale, stout, and pilsner.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Aldgate Ale by Baird

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Kirin Heartland is my affordable go to being the closest to Czech beer I can get in Japan to my knowing. Other normal options for me is either Sapporo or Premium Malt's (both pilsner or ale). All of the Japanese beers are decent I'd say, only a bit expensive for what they are; but then again, can't really compare to Czech prices, can I? hahah

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Mojiko retro, then Yebisu, then Sapporo , then Heartland and finally Suntory Malts. They are all a bit close to Czech or German beers. Next, you should also ask about favorite SK beers , can’t wait to read the funny answers.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Mr Kipling wrote Oct. 24 02:34 pm JST

All the above beers are the same style of beer... Thats the problem with Japanese beers...almost all bottom fermented “lager” style beers. The supermarkets then import some foreign beers of the same kind. Or worse brewed under licence...

Most bars and shops in Europe will have at least 8 different beer varieties not just brands of the same generic rice beer.

If you want good beer you are looking at the wrong place (with some rare exceptions, like some Aeon supermarkets). Specialised shops are the way to go.

Personally, I find Nagano prefecture has maybe some of the best breweries in Japan. To name a few, Shiga Kogen and OH! LA! HO, for example.

Baird Beer, from Numazu (Shizuoka prefecture), with also some taprooms in Tokyo and Osaka, is another one I'd recommend.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Asahi super dry of course but ichiban shibori Kirin is also good.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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