Yebisu Premium

For the most part, the variety of Japanese beer leaves little to be desired. Most grocery stores offer a selection of Asahi, Sapporo, and Kirin (i.e. Bud, Coors, and Miller), and beyond the basic varieties within each label there isn't much diversity. But recently, I've discovered a brand that has risen above the rest...
Yebisu Premium Beer.


Yebisu offers a selection of four beers. The most popular, which is also served on tap in some restaurants, is the gold can, 'All Malt Beer'. It's pretty good, but not really all that different from either of the big 3 mentioned above. 'The Hop' is supposed to offer a hoppier flavor from choice hops, but to be honest, I don't think it's much different from the 'All Malt'. The dark can, obviously the dark option, is Yebisu's black beer and is actually really good.

But the winner goes to the Yebisu in the red can. It's new to the shelves, and quickly became my favorite. It's a pretty flavorful pilsner with a bit of a hoppier taste.

The downside with Yebisu is that the price is a little steeper than the already high prices for Japanese beer. However, it's a good break from the ordinary every once in a while, and worth the few extra Yen.