BEER POLL!

[kamome]

Since beer has come up in various discussions, I thought I'd create a poll to rank Japanese beer. Please add any labels/brandsthat I haven't thought of.

[ultragaijin]

Check this out: Gaijin review Japanese beer! (http://www.epinions.com/fddk-Beers-All-Japan)



And what the hell is this - Asahi Beer Water (http://www.epinions.com/fddk-Beers-By_Name-All-Asahi_Beer_Water) !?! This must have been a brief lapse in judgement that was quickly corrected.

[ultragaijin]

Has anyone ever tried Awamori, "Okinawa's sake" (http://www.ocvb.or.jp/english/awamori/1.html)?

[Anonymous]

The best beer is undoubtedly Kirin Ichiban on tap. :D

And green tanrei is shite (aside from not even really being beer), and i dont care how slimming or low on calories it is, or how cheap tanrei was however many years ago when you arrived in Japan...... :evil:

[ultragaijin]

All happoshu is shite. I can barely swallow the stuff.

Captain Japan on Happoshu (http://www.bigempire.com/sake/happoshu.html)

Alcoholics will pay a premium to drink raw sewage if there is a guarantee of at least 5 percent alcohol content, but most other people will cut back on drinking happoshu because it tastes terrible.

"It tastes like medicine," says Ayumi Wada of Asahi's 'honnama' brand. The 28-year old masseuse and drinker of Ebisu beer does admit to occasionally drinking Kirin's "tanrei" because of the price and the fact that among happoshu choices its taste "is the best of the worst."

[sorrydaijin]

ok evilgaijin, I know that was directed at me.

I have said it before and I will say it again.. 2 beers for 600 yen or 3 tanreis. Now I wont deny that a couple of ichiban shiboris would slide down real nicely and that these days they would be my choice.
However, don't forget those wise words that are especially true with regard to beer...

Quantity has a quality of its own

[Ataru]

Super Dry is the King of Beers (tm). Well, as far as I've tried at least. :D

And, actually, I don't mind happoshu TOO much.. what's that new shit from Kirin? Begins with a "G"? That isn't TOO bad.

[ultragaijin]

Quantity has a quality of its own

ROFLMAO! Yeah, baybee!


(except for happoshu)

[sorrydaijin]

.. what's that new shit from Kirin? Begins with a "G"? That isn't TOO bad.

Gokunama? silver no-frills can

I still don't mind my tanreis, but the green ones are just too nasty eevn if they are healthy (non-)beers.

as for
(except for happoshu)

us alcoholics don't know the meaning of exceptions

[kamome]

Has anyone visited the Sapporo Namashibori igloo at Ebisu Garden Place? The last I checked, they have a webcam in there and give out free samples. Of course, the beer tastes like every other lager in Japan, but who cares if its free?

[Anonymous]

To understand why happoshu sucks, one must understand how beer is made.

Beer is made from malt, yeast, and hops, sometimes with a little rice or something thrown in to make the beer cheaper to manufacture. Malt is partially germinated grain -- as the seed begins to sprout, it produces enzymes that convert starch into sugar, so that the plant can use that sugar as energy in its growth. At this stage, malt is roasted to stop the process of germination, and crushed up and placed in warm water (known to brewers as the "mashing" process)., so that the enzymes can convert the sugars more fully. Then the sugary water is drained, boiled, and fermented. Grain cannot be fermented directly because starch molecules (complex carbohydrates) are too large for yeast to eat.

Rice, wheat, or other grain can be boiled and added to the malt during the process of converting starch into sugar. The more grains you use as opposed to malt, the less flavor the beer will have. And there is a natural limit on how much you can use, because if you use too much grain, the malt doesn't contain enough enzymes to convert the whole thing. This can be bypassed by adding artificial enzyme which tastes like SHlT and which makes you futsukayoi like a muthafuka.

Happoshu is mostly grain and artificial crap. It's called happoshu because it uses so much grain and artificial crap in the brewing process, that it can no longer legally be called beer.

Sapporo is not as popular but I think it is the best of the 4 major breweries. It still loses to microbrews -- just beginning to gain popularity in Japan -- such as Ginga Kogen ("Milky Way Plateau"). It's a small brewery named after a place in Kumamoto where it originated, and operates several of its own eating/drinking establishments in larger Japanese cities such as Kyoto.

The other excellent Japanese beer is Orion, produced in Okinawa. unfortunately, it is very hard to find. Yebisu is good too, but a bit too soft.

The thing about Sapporo is that it has a high bitterness. It is very closely related to the Pilsener beers of Czechoslovakia and Germany. If you can get past the high hop content you can enjoy its rich, clean, satisfying beer taste.

Asahi is tolerable but without character. Kirin uses too much rice and artificial crap. When I cannot buy anything I actually like I will drink Asahi half and half -- half Asahi Super Dry and half Asahi Black. That compensates somewhat for the general lack of taste that Asahi -- and most Japanese beers -- are prone to.

I was a homebrewer before I went to Japan. 8)

[superowl]

Brain numbingly cold Super Dry on tap...but what is with those cheesy big-hair-rock music ads?

[kamome]

One stands above:

ASAHI BLACK RULES!!!

See the proper way of 'Drinking Japanese Beer' here:

http://www.********.com

KAMPIE!

Rob

Asahi Black is OK, but it will never replace a good stout or porter that's so thick you can practically chomp on the hops. The black beers are kind of like lagers with black food coloring.

[MachineHead]

Mnnn i can't really say that i'v tasted ASAHI BLACK.....but it looks like a good strong beer....I tasted Sapporo...the only thing i like about it it's the undestructible can it comes in :) .If you wanna taste a good beer i suggest ALBA a scotch beer from scotland,strong beer that goes down well,knocks you off unconsious after 4 of them.....belive me :P .

[cstaylor]

Man... I import my wine from the Napa Valley (http://www.vsattui.com/). The swill that is passed off as wine here should be relegated to paint remover.

[MachineHead]

Here's a good link for some good beers.....stouts,porter,dark beers....

http://www.legendslimited.com

The SkullSplitter talk about a good name for a beer :D .....

[oyajikun]

I like my Asahi, but the best beer I've had here is one of the best I've had anywhere. It's a local brewery here called Tama No Megumi (http://www.tamajiman.co.jp/).

[ultragaijin]

I like my Asahi, but the best beer I've had here is one of the best I've had anywhere. It's a local brewery here called Tama No Megumi (http://www.tamajiman.co.jp/).

Hmm, I'll have to put that in my beer database for future reference.

[ismetony]

Asahi for me please. Actually, any cold beer besides Suntory is fine by me

[kotatsuneko]

Sapporo Kirrito! lovely beer!

btw on the subject of beer, ever been to a brewery tour?

asahi - short tour, cute girls, lots of beer for 20 mins, used to be 30 grrr

sapporo, long tour, ok ish girls, lots of beer

kirin long tour annoying sales tour, one or 2 beers if youre lucky a fucking sales lecture afterwards, i stopped buying kirin beer after this it was so fucking lame....

kots

[Mike Oxlong]

A new contender...

http://image.rakuten.co.jp/izmic-ec/cabinet/beer/img56120780.jpg

My like!

[FG Lurker]

A new contender...
Yebisu is my favorite Japanese beer. I haven't seen this new premium one yet but I'll buy a case when I do! :)

[Samurai_Jerk]

I'll have to check that new Yebisu out. I voted for Asahi, BTW. The reason is that though I love Ebisu, I'm not always in the mood. I've never felt that way about a Super Dry though.

[IkemenTommy]

I will try that new Yebisu for sure but it looks like a seasonal brew.

[Ketou]

A new contender...

http://image.rakuten.co.jp/izmic-ec/cabinet/beer/img56120780.jpg

My like!

I wonder how it differs from the Red Yebisu. I think the green was the best so far.
I also like 1497.

[kusai Jijii]

I also like 1497.

You sir, know what the fuck you speak of. 1497, straight outta da tap is fucking liquid gold.

As for Yebisu, its great in the bottle, but somehow dont taste the same in the can.

Oh, and in the words of Gilligan, "the best beer is the one thats being served to you right now!"

In conclusion, drink beer. Remember it.

KJ.

[Ol Dirty Gaijin]

As for Yebisu, its great in the bottle, but somehow dont taste the same in the can.

Sapporo from the old brown bottle. Kirin lager from a can. Ebisu on tap.

Kirin Muroka is a damn good drop, but not one I'll be reaching for in summer. Great taste but it's one that lives when it's not over chilled.


Super Dry is out. Rather drink chu-hi. Wasn't a big fan of the green Yebisu..

[pheyton]

What, no Orion fans? I love Sapporo and Orion when I can find it. Are American beers becoming more available there yet? I use to hit a place in Chofu, Jackson Hole, which served Red Hooks. Those were the days!

[Yokohammer]

Yebisu is definitely my favorite, but one of the things this country deserves kudos for, IMHO, is that all of its major breweries produce thoroughly drinkable and enjoyable brews. There is the occasional seasonal swill that is a dismal failure, but the standards are all good. Either that or I am not very picky.

And I am NOT talking about happo-sho. Still haven't found a happo-shu that satisfies like the real thing. I'd rather drink ... *gasp* ... water.

[2triky]

What, no Orion fans?

Okinawan beer...pretty good ish.

[Greji]

Has anyone visited the Sapporo Namashibori igloo at Ebisu Garden Place? The last I checked, they have a webcam in there and give out free samples. Of course, the beer tastes like every other lager in Japan, but who cares if its free?

I'll drink to that. I was weened on Red Star and continue to savor that as the beer of beers. But I'm like Bird, I'd drink piss out of boot if it was free.....
:kanpai:

[FG Lurker]

And I am NOT talking about happo-sho. Still haven't found a happo-shu that satisfies like the real thing. I'd rather drink ... *gasp* ... water.
I got drunk off my ass on happoshu once. The hangover that shit produced was beyond description. I thought I was dead -- I *wished* I was dead. Once was enough, I avoid it like the plague.

[Yokohammer]

I got drunk off my ass on happoshu once. The hangover that shit produced was beyond description. I thought I was dead -- I *wished* I was dead. Once was enough, I avoid it like the plague.

I can't even drink enough of that swill to get a hangover! But I have heard a number of reports that corroborate your experience. Evil stuff. :devil2:

[TFG]

Suntory sucks BIG time!

[Gilligan]

http://www.fuckedgaijin.com/forums/images/vbimghost/22254a34c54649e64.jpg

[kamome]

But I'm like Bird, I'd drink piss out of boot if it was free.....
:kanpai:

Damn, Greji, you know me too well!:D

[Taro Toporific]

... I am NOT talking about happo-sho. Still haven't found a happo-shu that satisfies like the real thing.
Happoshu swill at 139yen a can is almost as good as "Bullfrog Beer--- pride of Peoria" at $3.99 a 6-pack(see below).
:beer: Or, try this! :herring:

http://www.fuckedgaijin.com/forums/images/vbimghost/12949422402dc2ba.jpg
Get glassy-eyed with Japanese fish beer
Japan Marketing News: December 05, 2008
--- Tosa Kuroshio Karyudo beer …. (http://www.japanmarketingnews.com/2008/12/get-glassyeyed-with-japanese-fish-beer.html)

The REAL QUESTION for all you drunks out there:
What'z the world's WORST beer?

Once again (http://www.fuckedgaijin.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1818&highlight=Peoria), I vote for Bullfrog Beer, Monarch Brewing Co., which is on the second row down, the fifth label from the right:

http://www.chicagobreweriana.com/pics4/labels_framed_L.JPG

Toporific Triva: In "KISS" --the kabuki-makeup ripoff band-- Gene Demos in his pre-Kiss band era used the name: "Bullfrog Beer"

[sublight]

I like my Asahi, but the best beer I've had here is one of the best I've had anywhere. It's a local brewery here called Tama No Megumi (http://www.tamajiman.co.jp/).
Ooh, yeah. Got to try them a while back when am/pm was carrying it for some reason. That's some nice stuff.

The best one I've had here was Hitachino Nest (http://kodawari.cc/engpage/kodawari/html/hitachino.htm) at the Craft Beer Festival last September. They had an espresso stout available there that was just excellent.

When it comes to the big guys, I'm a Sapporo drinker.

[kusai Jijii]

Blah Blah Blah...
For fucks sake, JUST DRINK!
Fall down.
Repeat.

[IkemenTommy]

Even when times are rough, I would not bend to the happoshu crap. Hoppy, on the other hand is not too shabby.
http://mattoh.moe-nifty.com/mattoh/images/hoppy.jpg
(I know.. this is supposed to be a beer thread.)

[dimwit]

Isn't Hoppy the name of one of Greji's 'friends'.
Japanese are, by the way the worst beer brand namers anywhere on the planet.

[Greji]

Isn't Hoppy the name of one of Greji's 'friends'

Hoppy Noriko?
:confused:

[IkemenTommy]

Isn't Hoppy the name of one of Greji's 'friends'.
Nah, Greji just loves the Hoppy endings.

[Greji]

Nah, Greji just loves the Hoppy endings.
Noriko's not a Hoppy ending?
:cool:

[pheyton]

Noriko's not a Hoppy ending?
:cool:

Can you explain Noriko to those of us who are newer around here? I've heard it/her mentioned, even in a beer thread.

[Greji]

Can you explain Noriko to those of us who are newer around here? I've heard it/her mentioned, even in a beer thread.

Noriko, has done everybody on the board except AO's closest buddy. Unfortunately, the original video is no longer here...... (http://www.fuckedgaijin.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19451&highlight=noriko)But that thread endeared Noriko to the board and got her nominated to the FG Hall of Fame.

She expressed her appreciation by strapping on a random sampling of the members here, with the exception of Iraira, who thought it was a union meeting and didn't show.
:cool:

[pheyton]

Back to beers, the good ole days of half and halfs at Ningen Kankei in Shibuya. The easy life.

http://www.fuckedgaijin.com/forums/images/vbimghost/31014a3e71f6bcb82.jpg

[2triky]

Japanese Pimp Cup

http://www.fuckedgaijin.com/forums/images/vbimghost/20194a405c1868320.jpg

A staff member from Japanese jewelry brand Ginza Tanaka pours beer into a solid gold tankard during a demonstration at its unveiling ceremony in Tokyo on Wednesday. The tankard, which is 13.5 cm tall, with a diameter of 10 cm and a weight of 850 grams, is worth 5 million yen.