Beer blog update

So I was in Japan (Beer and other alcoholic beverages)

And I didn't have much time to try many things, but here is a quick rundown of what I had and how I liked them. (in order of appearance) 

Asahi

This is probably one of the most popular and well known beers from Japan. Readily available throughout the north American markets, it's a comfort beer. One that is rather so close to mainstay local beers that you could easily adopt it. Thus it can readily go with all the things you already know and love or might help you through something you are trying for the first time.

Not great, but clean and consistent. If you haven't tried it, it won't surprise much. If you like Pilsners, this is for you.

Strong

This, is not a beer per sé. And is actually known as a "Chuhai" which is is an abbreviation for Shochu Highball and originally a mixed drink of Shochu (and I must insist, NOT MALT LIQUOR) with soda and lemon juice. It became very popular as a canned alcoholic beverage with many different flavors of fruits and teas. Chuhai also is served at many Izakaya restaurants. The alcohol for the canned version is around 9% whereas it depends on the individual mix of alcohol and soda for each restaurant.

It is quite clear what is appealing about these drinks. They have a very clean taste and are very refreshing. They also get you drunk in no time flat.

Sapporo

Arguably the second most popular beer and certainly one of the most common, it is also a very classic beer. Marketing itself as Japan's oldest brand it has does have the qualities of a beer that has staying power. It is very well balanced and it's malty flavour is distinctive.

Technically a pale lager, it goes great with almost any food and fantastic with fried food.

It is no wonder why it has been around in Japan for so long.

Asahi Black

The dark or "stoutish" version of their recipe. It seems to me that it features a bit more roasting in the grains and perhaps a bit more time of fermentation. Still it's a nice representation. Perhaps a bit more "flavor robustness" than actual alcoholic content increase. But really not a great change, despite the much darker colour,  a mild change to the essential flavour. One thing I can tell you, is that you can be sure that it has retained all the refreshingness and drinkability of it's more pale cousin. So it seems that for once, you can trust the advertising. It just has a bit more punch per gulp, so to speak.

Sapporo "the gold"

So it would seem our friends at Sapporo have joined the worldwide madness of having some kind of wheat beer. Don't get me wrong, it is a madness I embrace whole heartedly.  But I just wonder sometimes where it comes from and where it leads to next. With that said, like most wheat beer it adds another layer to the flavour. Robustness, to be sure, but not in a heavy and filling way. There's something also aesthetic about a beer that is naturally cloudy. (most beers should be this way, but seldom afford to do so) I found it personally appealing and I also was pleased with the offering. "Regular" Sapporo, leaves me somewhat on my appetite and this comes in and fills the gap. More body but again not easily saturating. I guess what I am trying to say, is that you can have multiple glasses without feeling like you have to change.

Yebisu Beer

I really wish I could say more about these fine offerings. But that is simply due to the fact that this area of Japan is named after the beer (and not the other way around). As a matter of course, it means that there is a whole palate of beers that hold this name. Yes, so little time and so many beers, Well this single prefecture of Japan has a lot to offer in that way. I had the "time" to try the Dark and Pilsner and they did non disappoint. Though I would have wished I could dissect their distinctiveness more, all I can say with safety is you should easily find one to your taste. They are without a doubt a whole a series of high quality beers, because both of the ones I tried were excellent in their own genres and as beers. The only complaint I have is that the glasses they were served in had so much head, that it took room that could be occupied by more beer. Yum factor pretty much guaranteed.

Suntory the "PREMIUM MALTS"

Get ready folks, because you are going to read the worlds you never thought you'd see: I didn't like it.

The flavour inspired a headache. It was a rather filling taste and felt thick in mouth. As much as I tried, I could not get over these factors to find any more appeal to it. Suntory makes a whole slew of consumable products and alcoholic beverages. I guess they prove what happens when you try to be a "Jack of all trades". Considering it sat along other beverages, that I did appreciate, one has to presume it will fit some peoples' taste, but just not mine. Actually with a bit of after-thought it came on strong, like some malt liquors but without the full alcohol punch associated with them. I guess I just don't get it.

Asahi Super Dry, Super cold.

I've seen elsewhere really bad reviews for this beer, but I loved it. I have to confess it had a bit of a sweet finish but not enough to have a "sickly" effect. And since it was served so cold, I was very tempted to chug it. (I like beer induced, near ice cream headaches) I went down fast and easy. So I can speak for no one but myself to say I really loved it and it is lovable. I believe I had a sandwich with it (BLT?) and just needed to have another. Perhaps it was my impending end-of trip (I had this at the airport) but, like the tin man, I believe this is the one I will miss most. So that is to say, if the opportunity for you, arises, get completely smashed on it. And I will be jealous. (but really you should drink responsibly)

Well that's it for my beer blog on Japan. There are many more brands and flavours to discover, notably Shirohonoka, Edelpils and Ginza Lion. I just ran out of time to try and/or appreciate them enough. But keep in mind just about all of these were enjoyed with meals (sometimes copious) which would surely be for a different post. I have hopes that the opportunity will present itself, for me to be able to share some feedback on other offerings someday.

So in the spirit of the place, Aligato for reading my post and Sayonara!