Lagers: The Backbone of Japanese Brewing
Lagers dominate the Japanese beer market and are known for their light, crisp, and refreshing characteristics. These beers are typically well-balanced, with a subtle malt sweetness and a clean finish, making them an ideal choice for pairing with food or enjoying on their own.
Asahi Super Dry is one of Japan’s most iconic beers, celebrated for its crisp, dry taste and smooth, clean finish. Asahi Super Dry is brewed using a special "dry" method that reduces sweetness and enhances the beer's crispness, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a lighter, more refreshing beer. It’s widely available in the UK and is often enjoyed with sushi and other Japanese dishes.
Kirin Ichiban is another popular Japanese lager, known for its rich malt flavour and smooth, slightly bitter finish. Brewed using a unique "first press" method, where only the first batch of wort is used, Kirin Ichiban has a fuller body and a more pronounced malt character compared to other Japanese lagers. It’s well-regarded in the UK for its quality and balanced taste.
Sapporo is Japan’s oldest beer brand, offering a lager that is crisp, refreshing, and slightly more robust than other Japanese lagers. Sapporo has a clean, slightly hoppy taste with a smooth finish, making it a versatile beer that pairs well with a variety of foods. It’s readily available in the UK, often recognised for its distinctive silver can.
Pilsners: A Crisp, Hoppy Alternative
While lagers are the most common beer style in Japan, pilsners also have a strong presence. These beers offer a slightly hoppier and crisper profile, appealing to those who enjoy a bit more bitterness in their beer.
Yebisu is a premium Japanese pilsner known for its well-balanced flavour, with a slightly sweet malt backbone and a pronounced hop bitterness. Yebisu has a rich, golden colour and a smooth, clean finish, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate a high-quality pilsner. In the UK, Yebisu is admired for its depth of flavour and traditional brewing techniques.
Japanese Craft Beers: Creativity and Innovation
The craft beer movement in Japan has grown significantly in recent years, with a wide range of breweries producing innovative and diverse styles. These craft beers often incorporate local ingredients and flavours, offering a unique twist on traditional beer styles.
Hitachino Nest is one of the most well-known Japanese craft breweries, offering a variety of beers that have gained international acclaim. Hitachino Nest White Ale is a standout, brewed in the Belgian witbier style with a Japanese twist. It has a light, citrusy flavour with hints of coriander and nutmeg, creating a refreshing and aromatic beer that is perfect for summer. This beer is widely available in the UK and is appreciated for its unique flavour profile.
Baird Beer, another leading name in Japanese craft brewing, produces a range of beers that showcase the creativity and quality of Japanese craft brewing. Their Rising Sun Pale Ale is a popular choice, offering a balanced hoppy flavour with notes of citrus and pine. It has a crisp, refreshing taste with a smooth finish, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a well-crafted pale ale. Baird Beer's offerings are becoming more accessible in the UK, appealing to craft beer enthusiasts.
Specialty Beers: Embracing Japanese Flavours
Japanese brewers also produce a variety of specialty beers that incorporate traditional Japanese ingredients, such as rice, yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit), and matcha (green tea). These beers offer a unique drinking experience, combining the flavours of Japan with the craft of brewing.
Kagua is a brand known for its specialty beers that blend Japanese ingredients with Belgian brewing techniques. Kagua Blanc is brewed with yuzu and has a refreshing, citrusy flavour with a slightly sweet finish. Kagua Rouge incorporates Japanese sansho pepper, offering a spicy, herbal character with a complex malt profile. These beers are available in the UK and are appreciated for their innovative use of Japanese ingredients.
Japanese Beers in the UK
In the UK, Japanese beers like Asahi Super Dry, Kirin Ichiban, and Sapporo are well-established and widely available, known for their quality, refreshing taste, and versatility. The growing interest in craft beer has also brought more Japanese craft beers to UK shelves, with breweries like Hitachino Nest and Baird Beer gaining recognition for their innovative and high-quality brews.
Whether you’re enjoying a classic Japanese lager, a crisp pilsner, or an experimental craft beer, Japanese beers offer a unique and satisfying experience that reflects the country’s dedication to craftsmanship and flavour. With their wide range of styles and flavours, Japanese beers provide a delightful journey into the world of Japanese brewing.
