Beer Testing - Round 10 (Battle Royal Japan!)

In honour of Showa Day (the previous Emperor's birthday), we decided to stage a 7 beer head-to-head challenge!

Defending Champ

Name: Suntory "The Straight"

Origin: Osaka, Japan

Alcohol: 6%

Price: USD1.34/can USD0.38/100mL

As mentioned previously, "The Straight" is a light, easy drinking beer, scoring 6.75/10.

Challenger 1

Name: Sapporo "Cold Process"

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.40/can USD0.40/100mL

According to the description, "Cold maturation delivers cool refreshment with satisfying flavor." However, this 3rd grade beer didn't have much flavour and was a bit stinky. Not refreshing or satisfying. Final score of 5.5/10.

Challenger 2

Name: Sapporo "Draft One"

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.40/can USD0.40/100mL

This beer claims itself to be "Your first choice in taste and refreshment." Not so sure about that, because although this 3rd grade beer is drinkable, it was pretty bland and unmemorable. Final score 5.75/10.

Challenger 3

Name: Asahi "Off"

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 3.5%

Price: USD1.97/can USD0.39/100mL

"Off" is supposed to mean like "Light" - low carbs and low "purine"? - I'm told it's something that causes tumours??..  Anyways, the benefits don't really matter, because I won't be drinking this 3rd grade beer again - a little too fizzy and tastes pretty boring. I'm tired of these light beers with no character that all taste the same. Final score 5.25/10.

Challenger 4

Name: Kirin "Strong Seven"

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 7%

Price: USD1.40/can USD0.40/100mL

This 3rd grade beer claims its "Hard and clear taste brings you the great feeling." It definitely had a sharper taste (probably due to the higher alcohol content), and coupled with its fizziness, it didn't go down so easily. At least it had a bit of a punch. Great feeling? I'm not so sure. Maybe after 5 or 6 more cans.. Final score 6.4/10.

Challenger 5

Name: Asahi "Super Dry"

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD0.96/135mL can USD0.71/100mL

Supposedly its "The beer for all seasons", with "excellent richness, truly refreshing drinkability, and satin smoothness." This is the first real beer (i.e., not a 3rd grade beer) of the evening. Less watery and as it claims, is pretty smooth. However, there really is not that much difference in taste between this and the 3rd grade beers.

As a side note, you may wonder why people would want to buy beer in such small (135mL) cans. I'm told it's for grandmas who still like their beer, but can't really drink too much. Now that is marketing by age segment! Final score 6.5/10.

Challenger 6

Name: Kirin Lager Beer

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD0.96/135mL can USD0.71/100mL

This beer's "Mature, mellow taste and deep foamy head make this a wonderful harmony of refreshing tastes and refined quality." It is noticeably more rich and full flavoured, even seeming a little heavy, after drinking all those light 3rd grade beers. But definitely the best tasting beer of the evening. Final score 6.875/10.

So in the end, Kirin Lager Beer beats out Suntory "The Straight" for top spot. But considering that it is almost double the price, the Suntory is still not a bad choice if you want a light, easy to drink beer, ideal for the coming summer months.