The "pecking order" of Japanese beers?

[aster]

And yet I can't think of a single, decent German beer of the regular type (pilsner/lager/etc. variety) that you could buy in stores abroad. Not that I would actually ever buy German beer abroad... but still...

[JR8]

And yet I can't think of a single, decent German beer of the regular type (pilsner/lager/etc. variety) that you could buy in stores abroad. Not that I would actually ever buy German beer abroad... but still...

I rather enjoy Lowenbrau. But it is a good point that you make... why are there not more German beers exported? As they certainly have ones that stack up not so distant from the Belgic brews.

Take Paulaner. They are one of the biggest breweries in Germany. Then look at the beer rating sites. I think it is on the comprehensive 'Opinionated Beer Page' (American) site that one of the standard Paulaner beers is ranked #1 out of hundreds reviewed. And yet, I have difficulty recalling drinking a Paulaner abroad.

Maybe it is similar with German wine. They only export the crap. The good stuff is all kept for domestic consumption.

[aster]

Let's not make excuses for why all the exported drink they do is rather lousy unless you like wheat beers.

Seems like only the small, local stuff is good over there. The Japanese, on the other hand, know how to make some quality brews... and export them.

[JR8]

Let's not make excuses for why all the exported drink they do is rather lousy unless you like wheat beers.

Not making excuses, just seeking a pattern in the situation. And yes, I do like wheat beer, but by no means exclusively. The wonder is that with such outstanding beers, they apparently are not interested in the export market. For example Paulaner is way above Heineken IMHO, and yet Heineken is some kind of global standard for lager. Perhaps like Hollywood, the mass market demands rubbish?

Seems like only the small, local stuff is good over there.

You're basing this on personal experience?

The Japanese, on the other hand, know how to make some quality brews... and export them.

Like which ones? Most of the ones I had there are no better than a can of Budweiser. But perhaps Bud is your kind of beer?

[JR8]

Asahi Super Dry Draft Beer
Asahi Beer Co
I think Sherwin Williams and Gliddens have a potential lawsuit for copyright infringement. For those who don't get my subtlety, this tasted like paint. Not that I've ever tasted paint, but for those who know the smell, you can imagine what it might taste like. If you can't, try Asahi Super Dry, and that will clear up the mystery. This was awful. This may be a candidate for my Worst list. This came in a 2/3 L bottle, most of which I poured out. I have a greater respect for my taste buds than that. Many of you may pull the Anchor Rule: It travelled a great distance, give it a second try. Bull. Much like Foster's, it is brewed in Canada by Molson. And since Molson makes a pretty good product, I will have to say that it was Asahi's own crappy recipe that made this the crap that it is, not brewing methods, and certainly not distance. I am going out on a PC limb here, but I suggest they stick to electronics, cause this beer sucked. Bud is better.
http://www.tobp.com/review/beer.asp?t=352

Asahi is the worst rated beer on their entire site.

Bottoms up!

[Strong Eagle]

While we are talking beer, why is it that the 500 ml cans of Kilkenney have a ball of some sort in the can? Cannot figure out what it is for.

[JR8]

While we are talking beer, why is it that the 500 ml cans of Kilkenney have a ball of some sort in the can? Cannot figure out what it is for.

It contains compressed gas. So when you pop the can the ball releases the gas and thus you pour it with a 'draught-like' head.

I think the balls are called widgits.

p.s. Either that or, 'you drink in ping-pong bar ah!'

[aster]

Not making excuses, just seeking a pattern in the situation.
...
The wonder is that with such outstanding beers, they apparently are not interested in the export market.

This has to be the most BS excuse of the year. "It's sooo good we're not interested in exporting it." LOL...

For example Paulaner is way above Heineken IMHO, and yet Heineken is some kind of global standard for lager.

Actually I've yet to find a beer that's worse than Heineken in my eyes. As for Paulaner, that's a wheat beer, I think you've got the categories mixed up.

You're basing this on personal experience?

Yes. I simply don't buy German beers unless I'd happen to be in Germany.

Like which ones? Most of the ones I had there are no better than a can of Budweiser. But perhaps Bud is your kind of beer?

Like most Japanese beers. I'll take a Japanese beer over a German one any day. And please, no links with "beer reviews" by some frat guys on a beer that wasn't even brewed in Japan but made in North America under license. Jeez...

[BillyB]

Not making excuses, just seeking a pattern in the situation.
...
The wonder is that with such outstanding beers, they apparently are not interested in the export market.

This has to be the most BS excuse of the year. "It's sooo good we're not interested in exporting it." LOL...

For example Paulaner is way above Heineken IMHO, and yet Heineken is some kind of global standard for lager.

[b]Actually I've yet to find a beer that's worse than Heineken in my eyes.[/b] As for Paulaner, that's a wheat beer, I think you've got the categories mixed up.

You're basing this on personal experience?

Yes. I simply don't buy German beers unless I'd happen to be in Germany.

Like which ones? Most of the ones I had there are no better than a can of Budweiser. But perhaps Bud is your kind of beer?

Like most Japanese beers. I'll take a Japanese beer over a German one any day. And please, no links with "beer reviews" by some frat guys on a beer that wasn't even brewed in Japan but made in North America under license. Jeez...

You clearly have never tried Skol or Force 10??!!

[aster]

You're right, I mean out of beers that actually try to portray themselves to the beer drinker as a quality product. So no ghetto/el cheapo/supermarket brand (Waitrose excluded - those are actually very good) beers.

[JR8]

This has to be the most BS excuse of the year. "It's sooo good we're not interested in exporting it." LOL...

Who is 'making excuses'? I'm looking for answers.

Actually I've yet to find a beer that's worse than Heineken in my eyes.

Haha funny!
Tried Chang or Anchor recently, or Bud or Michelob, or... and so on. You just shot yourself in the foot there big time. How about Old Milwaukee lol?


As for Paulaner, that's a wheat beer, I think you've got the categories mixed up.

Loon. Paulaner probably produce about 20+ beers. Just because you've only heard of their wheat beer does not make it the only one they brew.


Like most Japanese beers. I'll take a Japanese beer over a German one any day. And please, no links with "beer reviews" by some frat guys on a beer that wasn't even brewed in Japan but made in North America under license. Jeez...

Yah, EUster doesn't want to be showed up for his lousy taste in beer. It's really tough eh!
But anyway back to the question:
- Do you like Budweiser?
- Which Japanese beers do you rate?

[BillyB]

You're right, I mean out of beers that actually try to portray themselves to the beer drinker as a quality product. So no ghetto/el cheapo/supermarket brand (Waitrose excluded - those are actually very good) beers.

You like Spanish or Mexican beer? I'm partial to the Latin American beers as I like them more gassy and crisp. I love a bottle of Sol or Corona on a summer evening.

But my all time favourite is Cusquena, closely followed by Brahma.

[JR8]

You're right, I mean out of beers that actually try to portray themselves to the beer drinker as a quality product. So no ghetto/el cheapo/supermarket brand (Waitrose excluded - those are actually very good) beers.

You like Spanish or Mexican beer? I'm partial to the Latin American beers as I like them more gassy and crisp. I love a bottle of Sol or Corona on a summer evening.

But my all time favourite is Cusquena, closely followed by Brahma.

That's girls and pooftas beer that is. Call yourself a Manc eh, you should be ashamed.... sigh.

As for Aster, in Waitrose advocating Marxism for the masses (anything as long it doesn't touch himself) that's too funny. I used to have a friend with the same views. I think the hypocrisy finally put the zap on his head and he burnt himself out.

[BillyB]

You're right, I mean out of beers that actually try to portray themselves to the beer drinker as a quality product. So no ghetto/el cheapo/supermarket brand (Waitrose excluded - those are actually very good) beers.

You like Spanish or Mexican beer? I'm partial to the Latin American beers as I like them more gassy and crisp. I love a bottle of Sol or Corona on a summer evening.

But my all time favourite is Cusquena, closely followed by Brahma.

That's girls and pooftas beer that is. Call yourself a Manc eh, you should be ashamed.... sigh.

As for Aster, in Waitrose advocating Marxism for the masses (anything as long it doesn't touch himself) that's too funny. I used to have a friend with the same views. I think the hypocrisy finally put the zap on his head and he burnt himself out.

P*ss off! Cusquena is lovely drop.....it got 10/10 in the Daily sport!!

Okies, Delia and Aster - what should one drink in esteemed company to ensure one does not portray oneself as unwise in the world of beer?

[x9200]

I prefer skol over heineken but I was given once a budweiser that tasted and looked like s**t and in that light heineken is for me not the worst one.