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The Beer is Dear and Peerless Here
Aug. 25th, 2024 02:28 pmAt the mall yesterday, I was surprised to see a whole bunch of imported beer. I never see imported beer at the supermarkets which led me to think Japan bans foreign beer. There's all the familiar foreign liquors--Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniels, Bacardi, Beefeater, etc. They even have highballs in cans. Highballs are so popular in Japan they've got what I assume is basically very watered down Jim Beam in beer sized cans. Why would they have all these and not imported beer too? I guess foreign beers just aren't popular.
I've been enjoying beer so much this summer I've started to wonder if my old dislike for the beverage has been banished forever. I think it's just that I like Japanese beer. I took the opportunity yesterday and bought a bottle of Budweiser (American), a bottle of Corona Extra (Mexican), a can of Krombacher (German), and a can of Guinness (Irish).
I don't think I've ever tried Bud so I guess it's a bit ironic that my first taste of the iconic American beer would be in Japan. My first thought with my first sip was, "This is really bland." I wondered if I'd caught Covid or some other disease reputed to kill taste buds. But, no. Out of curiosity, I googled "Budweiser bland" and found many professional and amateur testimonials to the brand's infamous watery flavourlessness. I can't imagine why that appeals to anyone. Maybe people are just seduced by the "King of Beers" label.
Next I tried the Corona, which I think I have had before. It tastes faintly of corn (I see now it does actually contain corn). It's not bad but a little weak for me.
Finally, I had the Krombacher. I got the Weizen, I see now I should've gotten the Pils if I wanted to try the most popular variety. The Weizen tasted a bit like spearmint to me so I guess my tongue failed me at last. The internet says it's supposed to taste like honey and banana. I couldn't get into it, I felt like I was drinking gum. What an injustice to spearmint. There must have been a time, centuries ago, when people could enjoy the spearmint flavour without thinking of gum.
I haven't had the Guinness yet. I do sort of fondly remember drinking that. I'm going to have it with some Irish whiskey to-night. But I'm thinking now, when it comes to beer, all I like are Asahi Dry and Sapporo Black Label.
I've been enjoying beer so much this summer I've started to wonder if my old dislike for the beverage has been banished forever. I think it's just that I like Japanese beer. I took the opportunity yesterday and bought a bottle of Budweiser (American), a bottle of Corona Extra (Mexican), a can of Krombacher (German), and a can of Guinness (Irish).
I don't think I've ever tried Bud so I guess it's a bit ironic that my first taste of the iconic American beer would be in Japan. My first thought with my first sip was, "This is really bland." I wondered if I'd caught Covid or some other disease reputed to kill taste buds. But, no. Out of curiosity, I googled "Budweiser bland" and found many professional and amateur testimonials to the brand's infamous watery flavourlessness. I can't imagine why that appeals to anyone. Maybe people are just seduced by the "King of Beers" label.
Next I tried the Corona, which I think I have had before. It tastes faintly of corn (I see now it does actually contain corn). It's not bad but a little weak for me.
Finally, I had the Krombacher. I got the Weizen, I see now I should've gotten the Pils if I wanted to try the most popular variety. The Weizen tasted a bit like spearmint to me so I guess my tongue failed me at last. The internet says it's supposed to taste like honey and banana. I couldn't get into it, I felt like I was drinking gum. What an injustice to spearmint. There must have been a time, centuries ago, when people could enjoy the spearmint flavour without thinking of gum.
I haven't had the Guinness yet. I do sort of fondly remember drinking that. I'm going to have it with some Irish whiskey to-night. But I'm thinking now, when it comes to beer, all I like are Asahi Dry and Sapporo Black Label.
