Japanese-Flavored Craft Beer
The craft beer industry is fairly new to Japan, but has been growing rapidly in the past 25 years or so. Over the years the brewing techniques used for craft beer have innovated in using clear water, the same method used for producing other things such as sake, miso, and soy sauce. Craft beer is known for its taste combination of sweetness and bitterness. Drinking craft beer has become a popular pastime in Japan, especially as a cold beer on a hot summer day is incredibly appealing. Here are some popular brands of Japanese craft beer.
Swan Lake Beer
Swan Lake Beer is Japanese artisan craft beer brewed from water from the Agano River in
Echigo, northwest Japan. The brand began in 1997, and was crowned the number one beer in the world in both 2000 and 2006. Swan Lake beer is known for its high quality taste and ingredients. The craft beer is said to have a slight caramel taste that adds a delicious sweetness to the malt, as well as a hoppy and nutty aroma. This is definitely a great beer to try if it is your first time trying Japanese craft beer.
Sankt Gallen Shonan Gold
Sankt Gallen Shonan Gold craft beer is known for its orange and grapey taste. This drink is
incredibly refreshing, and is perfect for a hot day. Sankt Gallen Shonan Gold is known in Japan for being pioneers in the growth of craft beer, and is very popular. This citrus fruit beer is great if you’re a fan of beer like corona or tom collins.
Shigakogen Beer
Shigakogen Beer is a great first Japanese craft beer to try as it demonstrates the dedication
Japanese craft beer companies put into perfecting the beverage. Shigakogen Beer comes in many different flavors, from blueberry, to pale ale. These beers are highly rated, and the high quality ingredients put into it made specifically for the brew.
Writer: Kayley Hill