A lot of think that the only beer to drink is the kind that comes from the cooler at the grocery store. But for the discerning beer aficionado, there is a whole different realm of taste to be found in beers from around the world, from Europe to South America and even Asia. Here are some tips for buying Japanese beer.
Instructions
1. Know what you like. Before buying Japanese beer determine what kinds of tastes you like in a beer. Some beer drinkers like light beers with crisp or fruity flavors and may enjoy the Asahi Super Dry with its extra dry flavor. Others prefer a dark lager with a heavier, richer flavor and would enjoy the Sapporo Premium, one of Japan's most popular lagers featuring a distinctive steel can. Knowing what you are looking for in a beer will help you identify the Japanese style of beer that will best suit your tastes.
2. Talk to an expert. One of the best ways to learn about Japanese beer before buying it is to talk to a beverage expert about the distinctions of Japanese beers and what sets them apart from their American counterparts. Many Japanese breweries have started looking for ways to make beer healthier which has led them to produce low-malt varieties, like the Goku-nama and it's dark counterpart, Nama-kuro. Some beers are being made with no malt at all; Nodogoshi-nama is made with soy protein instead of malt or barley. If there is a local wine and beverage shop near you, ask its manager for information about beers around the world and learn everything you can about beers from Asia. If there is not a store like this in your area it may help you to do some research online and ask some fellow beer lovers questions online.
3. Consider alcohol content. Many foreign beers and liquors have alcohol contents that are very different from American ones. Take this factor into consideration because the alcohol content will affect not only the potency of the beer, but its flavor. The alcohol content in the beer may also affect the laws limiting which foreign alcoholic beverages may be imported into the country.
4. Attend a tasting. Many local wine or imported food stores have wine and beer tasting events that allow you to try beverages from around the world. Acquainting your palate with new tastes at an event like this will not only let you try lots of new tastes until you find one you like but will also give you another chance to ask other beer lovers and experts about their opinions on Japanese beer.
5. Buy in moderation. If you are buying online or buying a beer that you haven't tasted before, buy your in moderation. You don't know definitively if you are going to enjoy it, so spending a lot of money to buy a large amount could be wasteful. Buying online means that it must be shipped to you, and purchasing a smaller quantity will help prevent breakage during shipping.
Tags: Japanese beer, alcohol content, around world, about beers, beer drinkers, beer lovers