6 Best Japanese Beer Brands

Here are the 6 best Japanese beer brands you must try. If you have worked in Japan then you know that the Japanese love nothing more than drinking with co-workers after a long week of work.

These drinking sessions are often filled with banter and gossips. This is their precious time to let loose from the strict rules and work-oriented mindset during the week.

I often find it hard to believe these are the same people I work with. Enough with the stories tell us about the beers. I will compile the list in order of my preference.

Of course, that is completely subjective and what I like in a beer may not be the same as what you may prefer. Nonetheless, these are Japan’s favorites and I am sure there is something one here for every acquired taste.

Yebisu

My favorite amongst Japanese beer brands. Originally founded in Sapporo, in the northern part of Japan the beautiful prefecture of Hokkaido. For those of you who enjoy an extra malty beer Yebisu is probably the best that there is.

There is a smooth and pleasant creaminess to the taste that I truly love. The high-quality hop and malts offer this beer pleasant aroma that makes it enjoyable with a variety of dishes. Yebisu also happens to be one of the more expensive Japanese beers on the list.

Also, if you ever come to Tokyo make sure to visit the Museum of Yebisu in Shibuya. They offer a tour where you can taste the different kinds of beer they produce.

Alcohol content: 5%

Sapporo Black Label

The black label does not mean this is a dark brew. Like Yebisu this Japanese favorite is also from the prefecture of Hokkaido. There is a lightness to this beer that I really enjoy. It is very smooth and unlike most larger, it leaves no bitter after taste on the tongue. Perhaps after Asahi Sapporo is the second most recognizable Japanese beer brand.

Alcohol content: 5%

Asahi Beer

Probably the most famous amongst Japanese beer brands. Unlike the two I have mentioned before – this beer has a crisp and strong aftertaste. It kind of reminds me of the kind of beers you can get in German pubs.

I often see this beer being recommended with Sushi. I feel like the after taste is a little too dominant for the light flavors that compliment sushi. I personally prefer Asahi with meat dishes and Yebisu being the best beer for Sushi.

I am often asked which beer is better Sapporo or Asahi? I hope my choices here answers that. I don’t think Asahi is a bad beer but if I could choose between Asahi or Sapporo I would more likely have the Sapporo brands.

Alcohol content: 5%

Orion Draft Beer

I had this recently and I was surprised at how good it tasted. This draft beer is from the beautiful island of Okinawa so if you are lucky enough to find it in your local combini or supermarket do yourself a favor and get a six-pack.

I found Orion to be the lightest tasting beer on the list. Which probably compliments the sunny and white sandy beaches of Okinawa.

I would recommend having this with simple Japanese dishes that are not overwhelming with flavor.

Alcohol content: 5%

Kirin Beer

This larger beer has a sweet and flavorful taste that makes it super pleasant to drink. I love this beer since it has minimal bitter after taste. So if you like your beers with a strong after taste this is not the beer for you. I would recommend Asahi Super Dry.

Alcohol content: 5%

Premium Malt

This beer makes it at the bottom of my list despite its wonderful golden color and clear frothy top. It’s a little too carbonated for me. As you could guess from the name the smell of malt dominates. It has a fresh malty flavor too. I would recommend this with meat dishes.

Alcohol content: 5.5%

Now all you have to do is drink

Those are my 6 best Japanese beer brands in order of preference. They are also the beers you are likely to find in almost every convenience store and supermarket with the exception of Orion draft beer since it’s exclusive to the island of Okinawa. However, I have often found it in some big supermarkets.

If you enjoyed this please like, share, subscribe all that good stuff and most importantly have yourself a great day!

P.s.

Please check out out my other blog posts related to Japan:

• Guide to buying a house in Japan
• Top 10 Unique Japanese festivals
• 10 Popular Japanese foods you must try
• 10 Love hotels you should visit in Tokyo