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Japan
 scrapes in
 decent
 good
 excellent
 sublime
Asahi, Black (Japan) 
This bottom-fermented 'black lager' is brewed in Osaka Japan, from three roasted malts and imported into the UK for sale in Wagamama and other bars and restaurants. It has a very dark ruby/chocolate colour, and a pillowing cappuccino-coloured head. The nose has bittersweet aromas of espresso, burnt toast, nuts and plummy fruit. On the palate it is quite smooth and full, with a fine balance between a malty, biscuity flavour, much darker chocolate and charcoal notes, and freshening hoppy acidity. With good length, this clean and crisp dark beer is most enjoyable. 5.0% ABV, 33.4cl, ?1.79, Beersofeurope, Onlyfinebeer. |  |
Asahi, Dry (Japan)
Made using maize and rice, this is brewed in the UK for Japan's Asahi and is a staple favourite of diners at the Wagamama and Yo! Sushi restaurant chains amongst others. It is a lager-style beer, with a bright gold colour and white head. The nose is malty and does have a distinctive note from the rice, and the palate is clean and crisp, with lemony fruit, a touch of oatmeally richness and a good level of herbal, hoppy bite. A very nicely made, crisp and refreshing beer. 5.0% ABV, 33cl, ?1.40, thedrinkshop.com.  |  |
Kirin, Ichiban (UK brewed) (Japan)
This is the UK-brewed Ichiban, made under licence by Charles Wells in Bedford. According to the Kirin brewery website, "Kirin's resident brewmaster, who was dispatched from Kirin Japan, supervises all the production stages to ensure complete quality control." The beer pours a pale gold colour with a lacy white head. The aromas are malty and clean, with a touch of creamed sweetcorn, but some grassy notes and hint of citrus makes for an appealing character. On the palate the beer is balanced and refreshing, with enough tartness and a bit of bite, though it is somewhat watery on the mid-palate. That clean, subtle appeal would make more sense with food, and the Ichiban suggestion of it being an food match for sushi and Japanese cuisine is believable. 5.0% ABV, 33cl, ?1.49, Sainsbury's. |  |
Orion Beer, Premium Beer (Japan)
Imported direct from the brewery on Okinawa, a sub-tropical island that is the 47th prefecture of Japan, and a Pacific Ocean travel destination. This golden beer pours with a very high-rise, fluffy head. The nose has a little note of rice and a starchy element, and a touch of sweetcorn. In the mouth more malty flavour comes through, and a real grapefruit pith and endive bitter note that helps this pleasant if unexceptional lager stand out from the crowd a little. 5.0% ABV, 33cl, ?1.45, Beersofeurope, The Offie, .  |  |
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