Beer Testing - Round 9 (Japan Nationals)

With the Japanese brewed beer decisively winning the last round, it now goes head to head with another home grown talent - Asahi Cool Draft.

Defending Champ

Name: Suntory "The Straight"

Origin: Osaka, Japan

Alcohol: 6%

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

Challenger

Name: Asahi Cool Draft

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD1.58/can USD0.45/100mL

Tasting Notes:

This is a pretty even match up, with both being 3rd grade beers, and only a half percent difference in alcohol content.  They were both easy to drink and were very similar in taste, although the Asahi was slightly bitter and a bit dryer.  It was a difficult decision, but in the end, the judges gave the win to Suntory "The Straight", with a score of 6.75/10.  Asahi Cool Draft came up just short, scoring 6.5/10.  It was a tough loss, but really, everybody's a winner with either beer!  

I'm not sure how "EXTREME" chips can get, but..

These have to be the most realistic tasting chips I've ever had!  Japanese "Ha-ni Ma-su-ta-do" (Honey Mustard) Pringles taste almost as good as that explosive illustration.

Beer Testing - Round 8 (Tokyo Edition!)

Seeing as I'm in Japan this week, I thought we'd take the competition overseas. Interestingly, we're putting up our current champ, Asahi "Fine Taste" Draft, which is a Japanese brand produced in China, vs. the real deal Japanese talent. First up is Suntory "The Straight".

Defending Champ

Name: Asahi "Fine Taste" Draft

Origin: Beijing, China

Alcohol: 3.6%

Price: USD0.40/can USD0.11/100mL

Challenger

Name: Suntory "The Straight"

Origin: Osaka, Japan

Alcohol: 6%

Price: USD1.34/can USD038/100mL

Tasting Notes:

The Straight is classified as a 3rd grade beer. Actually, technically, it's not even beer - it's probably more like a malt liquor. Even so, looking at the "tale-of-the-tape", the Suntory is still almost double the alcohol content and more than 3 times the price, so it's a slightly lop-sided contest. The Straight boasts a "koku & kire" (rich and sharp) taste that "cheers your mind." It was not bad, and I guess I was pretty cheerful when drinking it. Pretty mild and goes down easy. Overall it scored a 6.75/10, easily knocking off the China brewed Asahi, with only a score of 6/10.

Wasted Youth, Pt. 3

A half hour waiting at the gate.

Airline: Dragon Air

Route: Hong Kong - Shanghai

Delayed flights: 3

Total time spent waiting: 1.5 hours

My Hood - The Noodle Maker

This is where people come to buy their fresh hand-made noodles.

As you can see, the operation is pretty old school.

My Ride

This is what I get around the city on most of the time.  Whether it's to get to the office, or down to the corner store, or just exploring the neighbourhood.  It's a great way to avoid the traffic congestion, and a nice way to see the city.

My Hood - The Hardware Store

Whenever I need anything on the DIY front for my apartment, this is where I come - the local hardware market. On this particular trip, I went in search of a switch, a travel adapter, and super glue. As you can see, they sell all sorts of things - from lights, electronics, and tools, to even cookware, mobile phones, and that leather jacket you've been looking for. It's super hectic in there, but you can usually find what you need, and for next to nothing. $1.50 later, I had the glue and 3 adapters, and although I didn't find the switch, I did manage to find a pair of boxer shorts?!

Hanging Out To Dry

Impressest With The Bestest Grammar

How Many Chinamen Does It Take to Dig A Hole?

Apparently too many, from what I can tell. The guy on the right is like, "Yep, that definitely looks like a hole." The guy in the middle is saying, "That's it, keep digging (biatch)." And the guy on the left is thinking, "Would it be easier if I give him the shovel?"

In China, anytime there is manual labour and/or tools involved, there always seems to be an overabundance of people. Whether they are a group of old men standing around a guy trying to fix a broken chair leg, each offering their opinion of the best method, to a bunch of construction workers standing around watching one person moving dirt. It seems so inefficient, but I guess the upside is there is no unemployment..

Lamb, Bam, Thank You Ma'am.

People in Northern China eat a lot of lamb, whether it's stir-fried, grilled, stewed, barbequed, you name it. But this whole roasted lamb takes the prize. Props to the food stylist who gave it that extra sumthin', with the ribbon on the head and that "porn star on the bed, looking over the shoulder" pose.

Beijing CHIC 2009

We recently checked out the China International Clothing & Accessories Exhibition in Beijing. You got to see a lot of what local fashion brands were doing. There was some good, some bad, and some downright ugly stuff.

From interesting displays..

..to utilitarian designs..

..to American Eagle meets BAPE??

God, at least fix the 'A' so it's straight..