John_Henry said:
Cheers scass. I'm actually living in Japan myself, have been for nearly a year now. I made a brew when I was back over for Christmas with my dad and brother. I'd have to disagree with you on the Japanese microbrews. Don't get me wrong, I've not had any that are bad, but on the whole not a patch on the Europe and the states. I find a massive over use of cascade, so much so it's actually put me off it, before coming over it was one of my favourite hops. Yona yona is good and I've heard of Bairds, looking forward to trying it. I think it might be run by an English chap. Good luck with your brew in Portugal.
Hi John_Henry,
Sorry if you are disappointed in Japanese beers. There are some good, even great, ones. Honest. But on average don't set your standards too high.
I think Baird is from the US, actually. Their beers are very fine. Perhaps the best I had in Japan. Worth a visit to their taproom, right on the harbour at Numazu. And good sushi just across the way at the fish market...
Thirty years ago it was Kirin, Sapporo, Asahi and Suntory only. All basically the same. They are not exactly bad, just incredibly uninteresting.
Enjoy Japan. It's my second home.
Steve