Beer Testing - Round 20 (Battle Royal Japan - Christmas Edition)

Christmas time always calls for a little celebratory beer testing, so we set up another battle royal to determine the next champion.

Defending Champ

Name: Asahi "The Master" Pilsner

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD2.55/can USD0.73/100mL

Heading back to Japan to defend its title, this beer is looking for its 6th straight win, with a score of 8.95/10.

Challenger 1

Name: Asahi Kutsurogi Shikomi "Perfect for Relaxing Time" 4VG

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.61/can USD0.46/100mL

Claims to have a "suitable scent for relaxation time" with "characteristic of German Weissen beer." Light in colour, watery in flavour, and bitter in finish, it's not that relaxing. Final score 4.85/10.

Challenger 2

Name: Suntory "Luxury of Scent"

Origin: Kyoto, Japan

Alcohol: 6%

Price: USD1.61/can USD0.46/100mL

This is a limited edition beer apparently made with some special hops and champagne made grain. It does have a nice light, flowery aroma, but again, is slightly watery, and tastes a bit soapy. Final score 4.95/10.

Challenger 3

Name: Asahi Premium "Belgian Ale Type"

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 6.5%

Price: USD2.70/can USD0.77/100mL

This beer is part of Asahi's "World Beer Journey" collection. Light in colour, light in taste. Really flat, and a little sweet. Final score 6.55/10.

Challenger 4

Name: Yebisu Kohaku (Amber)

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD2.86/can USD0.82/100mL

I'm always impressed with the Yebisu's simple can design, and have high hopes for any Yebisu beer. This one does not disappoint. This limited edition beer has a rich caramel colour and a good head of foam. Slightly malty, but not too strong. A nice rich taste. Scoring a very respectable 8.5/10.

Challenger 5

Name: Sapporo Creamy White

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.61/can USD0.46/100mL

This 3rd grade beer smells like banana??  On the back of the can, they instruct you on how to pour by holding the can high to get maximum foam. Doesn't that just release all the carbonation and make it go flat really fast? The taste is mild (and flat). Final score 5.5/10.

Although Yebisu came close, Asahi "The Master" Pilsner wins again!