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!

Beer Testing - Round 14 (Royal Rumble Japan 2!)

Our biggest battle to date - 20 beers. Only one will come out on top.

2 Time Defending Champ

Name: Yebisu

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD2.56/can USD0.73/100mL

With a score of 8/10, it won decisively at the last Ohanami event in Tokyo earlier this year.

Challenger 1

Name: Suntory Gold Brew

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.33/can USD0.38/100mL

It says something about a new category of wheat, and using mineral water. It also claims to have an excellent clear taste. It actually was so clear, it tasted like water, with a little wheat flavouring. This 3rd grade beer was quickly taken out of the competition with a suplex over the ropes. Final score 5/10.

Challenger 2

Name: Kirin Zero

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 3%

Price: USD2.06/can USD0.59/100mL

We've actually tested this low calorie 3rd beer at the last Royal Rumble, but I didn't recognize it with the updated can design. Similar to it's performance last time, it just tasted like fizzy water with a packet of Equal thrown in. I gave it an even lower rating this time, just for trying to sneak back into the competition with its new look. Out with an atomic drop. Final score 3.75/10.

Challenger 3

Name: Kirin Honkaku Karakuchi Mugi

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.55/can USD0.44/100mL

The name of this 3rd grade beer means "Real Spicy Wheat". It boasts "high stimulation x high fermentation"?? Pretty nice can design. But looks can be deceiving. It tastes really sweet, and has a bit of a gingery tasting bite to it. Knocked out of commission with a backbreaker. Final score 4.5/10.

Challenger 4

Name: Suntory Diet

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 3.5%

Price: USD1.79/can USD0.51/100mL

This 3rd grade beer is "For those who care about calories." It says to "Enjoy your active life." It smells light and tastes light, but for a light beer, it wasn't completely horrible. Incapacitated with a chokeslam. Final score 6.15/10.

Challenger 5

Name: Sapporo Draft One Sharp & Clear

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.62/can USD0.46/100mL

We've tested a Draft One before, and it wasn't great, but since this one said "NEW", we thought maybe they'd made some improvements. Similar to last time, this 3rd grade beer isn't good, and it isn't bad. But I guess it's a little better, because it got a higher score. Keep training. 7.65/10.

Challenger 6

Name: Asahi "The Master" Pilsner

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5.5%

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

Based on German brewing techniques, this beer won the 2009 World Beer Championship gold medal. And I can see why. It is mild, smooth, and flavourful. And it just looks classy. And just like that, it sneaks up and takes out the defending champ with a sleeper hold!! It scores an impressive 8.95/10!

Challenger 7

Name: Hop Star

Origin: Vietnam

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.14/can USD0.35/100mL

One of the few competitors with non-Japanese origins, we had no idea what to expect. The can design was definitely not as sophisticated as some of the others, but it had a certain old school charm. It was light and slightly flat, but surprisingly, it did have some flavour. However, with an elbow drop from the top rope, it was lights out. Final score 7.35/10.

Challenger 8

Name: Kirin Tanrei 'W' (Double)

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD2.00/can USD0.57/100mL

This 3rd grade beer supposedly offers "Good Value and Quality." Apparently 99% of purine is cut out and fortified with polyfenor?? Slightly watery, and you can smell the alcohol. Down for the count with a Superfly Splash. Final score 5.5/10.

Challenger 9

Name: Suntory "Jokki" (Jug)

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.48/can USD0.42/100mL

The can says "Enjoy lively and crispy new draft." However, it wasn't lively, and it definitely wasn't crispy. It was typical of a lot of Japanese beers - watery, a bit sweet, and ending with a bitter finish. Demolished with a Brock Lesnar F-5. Final score 3.5/10.

Challenger 10

Name: Asahi "Mugishiburi" (something about wheat)

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5.5-6.5%

Price: USD1.93/can USD0.55/100mL

On the can, it states that it is "Containing just a little more alcohol." And that "This detectable liqueur has a rich flavour of barley." It also says it has 1.5 times more wheat than normal, and hence the wheaty taste. Seemed like 1.5 times more difficult to drink too. Knocked out with a DDT. Final score 3.5/10.

Challenger 11

Name: Asahi Honnama Aqua Blue

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.85/can USD0.53/100mL

This reduced sugar beer had foam that looked like soap suds, and tasted about as good. Finished off with a Randy Orton RKO. Final score 2.6/10.

Challenger 12

Name: Asahi Premium "Jukusen" (Vintage Select)?

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD3.37/can USD0.96/100mL

One of the most expensive beers to date, it is quite full-bodied and full-flavoured, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. But still taken out with a Triple H Pedigree. Final score 7.4/10.

Challenger 13

Name: Orion Southern Star

Origin: Okinawa, Japan

Alcohol: 4.5-5.5%

Price: USD1.81/can USD0.52/100mL

According to the description, this 3rd beer is "a liqueur with a refreshing light taste delicately flavoured with hops." It just tasted wheaty and watery to me. Plus it stank. Submitted with the Walls of Jericho. Final score 4.3/10.

Challenger 14

Name: Asahi Lager Beer "Golden Vintage Edition"

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.81/can USD0.52/100mL

Love the old school can design. In 1958, "Asahi Gold" was the first Japanese beer sold in a can. They followed this original recipe for this limited edition beer. Light and refreshing. Final score 7.45/10.

Challenger 15

Name: Sapporo Ice Lager

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD2.54/can USD0.51/100mL

Another limited edition offering, this 3rd beer is "aged below 0°C for a fine clear taste and full, rich aroma." But basically, it's just watery. Final score 6.25/10.

Challenger 16

Name: Sapporo "Luxury of Off"

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 4%

Price: USD1.66/can USD0.47/100mL

This 3rd grade beer claims to be a "tasty low-carb brew made with roasted malt for deep and rich barley flavour." It also has 70% less sugar. Like many of the previous beers, wheaty and watery. Squeezed out with a Bear Hug. Final score 5.75/10.

Challenger 17

Name: Gent Half

Origin: Seoul, Korea

Alcohol: 4.5%

Price: USD1.23/can USD0.35/100mL

Another 3rd grade beer with non-Japanese roots. As expected with most light  beers, watery and fizzy. Taken out easily with a flying clothesline. Final score 5.35/10.

Challenger 18

Name: Gent Plus

Origin: Seoul, Korea

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD1.23/can USD0.35/100mL

The bigger brother of Gent Half, this 3rd grade beer is mild, but not watery like other Japanese beers. Slightly bland, but surprisingly not bad. Goes flat fast, so not a beer that you want to sip slowly. Value for money. Final score 7.5/10.

Challenger 19

Name: Suntory "Magnum Dry"

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 6%

Price: USD1.89/can USD0.54/100mL

Their slogan is "Golden Dry is the new Dry." It has a little bit of a sharp fizz, but it's not a bad summer beer. Final score 7/10.

After a long, hard fought battle, a new champion is crowned. Asahi "The Master" Pilsner!

Beer Testing - Round 13 (Ohanami Edition)

In celebration of sakura season, we did a little beer sampling.  Yebisu went for its second title defense against 4 other beers.

Defending Champ

Name: Yebisu

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD2.56/can USD0.73/100mL

With a score of 8/10, this beer won convincingly during the last Battle Royal.

Challenger 1

Name: Kirin 1000

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.42/can USD0.41/100mL

This 3rd grade beer has the "gift of mineral" (magnesium). Apparently, the water has a hardness of "1000", hence the name.  And I assume giving it an "endless clear" flavour.  But it doesn't really taste like alcohol.  It kind of tastes like ginger ale?  Final score 5.9/10.

Challenger 2

Name: Asahi Strong Off

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 7%

Price: USD1.42/can USD0.41/100mL

We've seen pervious challengers labeled as "Strong", as well as others with the "Off" designation.  None of them were good, so with this 3rd grade beer being both Strong and Off, it looked to be doubly bad.  And we were right. Although it boasted a "rich and satisfying taste", it was really light and fizzy.  It also claims "60% less sugar", so you may think this is a good beer if you're on a diet.  But actually, when you read the label, it has the same amount of calories as a regular beer.  Bad taste and deceptive weight loss benefits means a final score of 4.25/10.

Challenger 3

Name: Suntory Relax

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.29/can USD0.37/100mL

The slogan here is "The harmony of 7 hops for relaxing time." You'd think with all that harmony, and the picture of the rainbow on the can, you would be relaxed.  But the smell immediately throws you off - it smells like vegetables - like parsley.  Another bland 3rd grade beer.  Too bad, I kind of liked the whimsical can design.  Final score, 4.4/10.

Challenger 4

Name: Yebisu Silk

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD2.47/can USD0.71/100mL

Fighting out of the same camp, Yebisu Silk is the newest edition to the Yebisu family.  Sporting a slick white design, and a .5% alcohol advantage, this looked like it might be the one to take out the champ.  However, it was a little wheaty tasting, and while although definitely a competent beer, it lacked the refinement of the original classic Yebisu.  Nice try young buck.  Final score 7.5/10. 

Again, the defending champ, Yebisu, makes simple work of the competition.

Beer Testing - Round 12 (Battle Royal Japan 2!)

Since the trains were out yesterday due to the typhoon and it was difficult to get around, we decided to stay in and do some beer testing!  We did a 6 beer challenge, with Yebisu going for it's first title defense since winning top spot earlier this year.

Defending Champ

Name: Yebisu

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD2.56/can USD0.73/100mL

This beer won convincingly, beating out 12 other beers in the last Royal Rumble with a solid score of 8/10.

Challenger 1

Name: Suntory Super Blue

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.25/can USD0.36/100mL

This beer is meant "For Refreshing Times".  And it claims "Original Clear Taste".  Well, if by "clear" they mean it tastes like water, then yes, it does.  Another light and tasteless 3rd grade beer.  Final score 6.2/10.

Challenger 2

Name: Kirin Golden Moment

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.33/can USD0.38/100mL

With a name like "Golden Moment", you'd expect this beer to be the best memory of your entire life.  It supposedly "delivers you a great harmony of refreshing and full body taste." However, this 3rd grade beer was a bit wheaty and although it had a bit more flavour, it wasn't exactly memorable.  Final score 6.65/10.

Challenger 3

Name: Suntory Clear Strong

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: a whopping 8%

Price: USD1.27/can USD0.32/100mL

First of all, the can's design is pretty ugly.  It should get minus points just for that.  It was another bad sign when it sounded fizzy coming out of the can, like pouring a soda.  And the foam looked like soap suds.  All this, and we hadn't even had a taste yet.  The very first thing you notice when you put it to your lips - it tastes sweet!!  Like someone poured sugar into it.  Upon closer inspection of the ingredients, there are a lot more things in it than just water, hops, and barley. Among them, yes, sugar.  This was the beer equivalent of competing on steroids! How else would you get up to 8% so inexpensively?  Pump it full of other crap!  It definitely had a kick to it, but tasted like sugar water, soda, and beer mixed together.  Final score 1/10.

Challenger 4

Name: Kirin Stout

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD2.13/can USD0.61/100mL

Now I'll be the first to admit that comparing light 3rd grade beers to stouts is like comparing apples to oranges, but it's a battle royal!  Anything goes!  I should also remind you that my judgments are biased against stouts, because in general, I'm not really a fan of that heavy, bitter taste.  As well, I usually like drinking my beers quickly, while they're ice cold, and stouts aren't meant for that. Nevertheless, I am trying to be as open-minded as possible.  This one claims that it's roasted aroma and creamy foam will "enrich your precious time."  And in fact, it did have a nice malty aroma and was very smooth.  As stouts go for me, this one was not bad.  Final score 7.5/10.

Challenger 5

Name: Yebisu Premium

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD2.54/can USD0.0.73/100mL

I thought I would at least put 2 stouts together, so that you could get a comparison.  Now this has to be the slickest looking beer can ever.  Too bad I don't like dark beers, otherwise I would be buying this all the time based purely on the packaging.  Taste-wise, pretty much the same as the Kirin, except just a little fizzy for a stout, making it kind of a hybrid, and perhaps slightly more familiar for some people.  Final score 7.65/10.

So although the 2 stouts completely destroyed the other challengers and they were pretty even between themselves, Yebisu remains the defending champ.

Beer Testing - Round 11 (Royal Rumble Japan!!)

To celebrate Golden Week in Japan, we did the mother of all beer testings to date - a 13 beer, winner take all event!! There were contenders from all the big camps - Kirin, Asahi, Suntory, Yebisu, Sapporo - some bringing the original classic style that they are known for, others coming from a new style of brewing, and a couple even having some European influence. It's anybody's to win. Who will come away victorious tonight?..

Defending Champ

Name: Kirin Lager Beer

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

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

This rich, full flavoured beer came out on top at the last Battle Royal, with a score of 6.875/10.

Challenger 1

Name: Kirin Original Brew Draft Beer

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD2.17/can USD0.62/100mL

According to the description, it is brewed "from the first wort' (whatever that's supposed to mean?), which gives it its full-bodied flavour. Being one of the old skool "real" beers (not a 3rd grade beer), you have to give this brew some respect, and rightfully so - it's a more weighty beer with lots of flavour. As it says on the can, it is "distinctively smooth, refreshing and satisfying" - I would have to agree. Final score 7.55/10. So right off the bat, this veteran favourite quickly takes out the defending champ with a Figure Four Leg Lock, a-la "Nature Boy" Ric Flair ("Wooo!!").

Challenger 2

Name: Kirin Tanrei

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD1.60/can USD0.46/100mL

Another beer in the Kirin family, "Tanrei" translates something like "delicate and elegant". It is "Sheer refreshment!" according to the can. Light and fizzy, its taste is pretty typical of all the other 3rd grade beers, but perhaps less watery, making it a good summer beer. Final score 6.85/10. Perhaps a little out of its weight class, this beer got the Ultimate Warrior's Overhead Press Slam and was down for the count.

Challenger 3

Name: Asahi Clear

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

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

As the illustration on the can shows, this beer actually did have a pretty good head of foam! It was pretty creamy, and had a mild taste which was easy to drink. Final score 7.5/10. A close fight, but eventually knocked out by the Stone Cold Stunner.

Challenger 4

Name: Suntory Rich Malt

Origin: Osaka, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

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

Kirin seems to be all about "Good Times", whereas for "Relaxing Times", you have to "make it Suntory time". This beer is no exception - "Enjoy rich taste in relaxing time." By this point in the testing, I was starting to feel pretty relaxed. A slightly fuller flavoured 3rd grade beer. Not bad, but nothing that particularly stood out either. Final score 7.35/10. A Flying Elbow Drop reminiscent of Randy "The Macho Man" Savage and it was over. "Oooh yeah!"

Challenger 5

Name: Suntory Malt's "Green Aroma"

Origin: Osaka, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD2.17/can USD0.62/100mL

This "limited edition" beer uses "aroma hops from Germany" which definitely gave it more flavour and a mildly floral aroma. If you like a slightly sweet, easy to drink beer, this one is for you. Final score 7.2/10. Although taken out by the Hulk Hogan Leg Drop, it's still a winner in my books.

Challenger 6

Name: Kirin "Nodogoshi" Draft

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

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

"Nodogoshi" Draft means something like "The feeling of draft beer going down your throat" (I guess it makes more sense in Japanese). Anyways, doesn't matter - this beer wasn't that good. Typcial 3rd grade beer taste - bubbly and slightly watery. Final score 5/10. The Adorable Adrian Adonis' Sleeper Hold put this nightmare to an end.

Challenger 7

Name: Suntory "The Premium Malt's"

Origin: Osaka, Japan

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD2.60/can USD0.74/100mL

This beer is of "esteemed quality" according to the can, and also uses an aroma hop from Europe, providing a strong, slightly bitter taste. A good, solid beer, but a little pricey. Final score 7.35/10. Taken down with a DDT and it was lights out.

Challenger 8

Name: Yebisu

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD2.56/can USD0.73/100mL

This beer has a long history, dating back to 1887, using "Sapporo's traditional art" of brewing. It is one of the most expensive beers in the group, but it becomes obvious why. On pouring, it has a good head of foam. Its taste is smooth, rich, and creamy. A great beer. And not only does it taste good, it looks good as well. The logo is dope, and the simple layout and classic use of type make this a sweet looking graphic. Add to that the gold coloured can, and it's pretty hard to beat. Final score 8/10. With a Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, off the top rope Diving Splash, Yebisu knocks out the competition thus far, and looks impressive doing it.

Challenger 9

Name: Kirin Green Label

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 4.5%

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

This is a low calorie beer, with "70% off" sugar. It "brings you comfortable time" and "cheers your mind". Sounds pretty good! Too bad it tastes like beer that's been left on the counter overnight - flat and watery. This can didn't stand a chance and was crushed by Baron Von Raschke's Iron Claw. Final score 4.25/10.

Challenger 10

Name: Kirin "Zero"

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 3%

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

This is another "karori ofu" (calorie off) beer, with zero sugar. Pretty fizzy and a bit lemony?? Final score 6/10. Tapped out with a Camel Clutch.

Challenger 11

Name: Asahi Style Free

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 4%

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

Yet another sugar free, low calorie beer. Again, flat and tasteless. Final score 4.75/10. Sorry, you're out of there with a reverse suplex over the top rope.

Challenger 12

Name: Sapporo Barley & Hop

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD1.41/can USD0.40/100mL

This 3rd grade beer is actually endorsed in a tv commercial by a famous Japanese actor, and he says something to the effect of "I can't believe this is only a 3rd grade beer!" It was actually ok, but nothing spectacular. Final score 6.65/10. KO'd by a Tombstone Piledriver.

So after a long, hard fought battle, the last beer standing is Yebisu, winning decisively with a score of 8/10.

I will be taking the competition back to Shanghai for the next round. But from what we've seen so far of the local Chinese talent, I'm betting Yebisu may be keeping the Intercontinental Belt for quite some time.