Scoping Out the Tokyo Beer Scene - HTWT

Hello all of my fellow beer enthusiasts! I have not forgotten about you, I’ve simply been out in the field doing extensive research on the Tokyo beer scene. It has been quite enlightening and I still have plenty to learn about the beer culture in the land of the rising sun. At first glance, it appears there is more fanfare for sake. The legendary rice wine. However, beer has a large role in the Japanese diet. And our diet of course.

Snacks from the 7-11 nearby. Nothing beats Japanese 7-11s.

The big leagues are of course saturated with the Sapporo and Kirin brands. You know, the beer you order with a sushi roll because you REALLY want that “authentic” Japanese experience. You can find these beers in most restaurants however I found a couple of other varieties to try thanks to the one of many, 7-11s. I gotta say 7-11 is THE best out here. There was a lot of hype coming to Japan about the 7-11 food selection and it has not disappointed. Namely, the little rice balls and Nikuman meat buns. Make sure to try the pizza buns as well.

The meat pockets are little rice dough balls filled with a mix of meat and onions. Served hot and absolutely delicious. The rice balls are made up of seaweed, rice, and little bits of fish inside the rice. Eat your heart out Big Gulp.

Here’s what I managed to pick up for beer.

Most of the beer you find in Japan are all rice-based lagers. Rice in beer tends to have a bad stigma attached to it because of its association with Budweiser and other light beers. Rice is cheap and doesn’t soak up a lot of alcohol which makes it a gold mine for “quantity” brewing. I find the rice lagers here in Japan to be light, crisp, and refreshing. Apparently so do the locals because that is what is mostly that is served in restaurants (at least what I’ve seen). Not that there’s anything wrong with that! Just set your expectations. You’re not going to come to Japan and have a West Coast IPA or Sour. Be realistic and don’t be quick to dismiss the local lagers.

First up to bat is the Asahi “Super” Dry lager. I hadn’t really heard of Asahi prior to coming to Japan however they are trying to establish a larger footprint out West. They are a major player in Japan and they are also a leader in the soft drink market as well. The beer itself is a rice style lager with an interesting bite on the aftertaste. I really can’t explain it. It’s almost like a little spice on the backend. The beer is crisp and it smells like your Buds of the world, malty and bready. This is the kind of beer you buy when you’re gonna be playing 18 and need something light. It doesn’t try to be anything more than your run-of-the-mill lager. NEXT!

Sitting second is the Sapporo Dark Lager. The dark Lager poured almost like a Pepsi with a lot of carbonation and what head it had quickly dissipated. The lager tasted like a stout however had somewhat of a light body. It was a weird experience drinking a beer with the texture of a lager but the taste of a stout. The roasted malt gives it a nice coffee taste. It doesn’t rank up there with the great stouts of the world but if you’re craving a dark beer in Japan, this may be your go to.

Last, but certainly not least, we have the Premium Yebisu Amber Lager. This happens to be my favorite of the litter so it’s no accident I saved the best for last. I thought this beer had the best flavor profile. It pours a dark copper and the use of caramel malt really shines through. It has that caramel, sweet taste that most Amber Ales have. Yebisu is actually a brand of beer by Sapporo. Think of it as a Lexus to Sapporo’s Toyota.

There is still plenty more beer to explore beginning with a craft brewery in Hakone and the start of some sake education.

Cheers.