Perfect for Summer! 5 Specialty Beers Only Available at Japanese Supermarkets and Convenience Stores
Convenience stores and supermarkets carry a wide variety of beers, including domestic and international brews. This article recommends some high-quality, Japan-only beers that are perfect for enjoying during the summer months!
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Use d POINT to Enjoy Japanese Beers at a Bargain!
d POINT is a point program with no sign-up or annual fees operated by Japan’s largest telecommunications company, NTT DOCOMO, INC. You can earn points just by showing your d POINT CARD when making purchases at d POINT Member Stores such as leading convenience store chains, McDonald\'s, cafes, and supermarkets. Accumulated points can be used for purchases at 1 JPY per point.
This article introduces Japan-only beers from both major and craft beer manufacturers. d POINT can be used at FamilyMart and LIFE supermarkets, where you can grab these beers for less than 300 JPY! Pair them with a snack to earn even more points! Why not treat yourself to one of these specialty beers?
Take advantage of d POINT by following the link at the end of this article to register for it!
1. Kirin The Hop - Fragrant Aftertaste (FamilyMart)
As its name implies, this beer features a lively hop flavor with a deep, refreshing aftertaste that makes for an enjoyable drinking experience. Kirin, one of Japan’s largest beer manufacturers, has partnered with FamilyMart for this limited-time release. The refreshing bitterness and tropical fragrance make for an interesting taste sensation. The complex aroma of this beer comes from the mixture of four varieties of Japanese hops and Kirin’s proprietary hop aroma formula. It\'s a beer that is perfect for unwinding on a quiet summer evening.
This beer is available at the more than 16,500 FamilyMart locations across Japan. Refrigerated beer is available 24 hours a day for ultimate convenience (at most locations) and perfect snack accompaniments are also available, such as the ever-popular FamiChiki (fried chicken). Why not treat yourself to this wonderful combination?
Price: 227 JPY (incl. tax)
2. Sapporo Beer Surprise - Blissful Aftertaste (FamilyMart)
After the initial refreshing bitterness of this beer, the rounded sweetness of the barley takes over. This beer is also a limited-time release exclusive to FamilyMart, but this time, they have partnered with Sapporo, one of Japan’s largest beer manufacturers. The light, bitter flavor surrounds a deep sweetness, and while the flavor is complex, a pleasant sweet flavor is left at the end to create a blissful aftertaste. On nights when I want to relax my mind and body, this is the beer I choose. The pleasant taste slowly spreads across the tongue, erasing the worries of the day.
Price: 227 JPY (incl. tax)
3. Yo-Ho Brewing Yona Yona Ale (LIFE)
Yona Yona Ale is produced by craft beer manufacturer Yo-Ho Brewing, which specializes in ales with richness and aromas that are reminiscent of wine. If you drink it straight from the fridge, the flavor of this beer is quite different than if you let it sit at room temperature. At a slightly cold temperature of around 13℃, it has a lovely grapefruit flavor and pleasant richness. This is apparently due to an aroma hop used called “Cascade.” As someone who tends to drink ice-cold lagers, I was hooked from the first sip. For pairing, a food that accentuates the hop’s aroma is recommended, such as fried beef or teriyaki chicken. This beer is available at LIFE, as well as other supermarkets.
LIFE is a supermarket in the Kanto and Kinki regions that is easy to spot thanks to its four-leaf clover logo. Their beer selection, featuring a full wall of beers from big manufacturers to craft brews, is a highlight of the store. Japanese supermarkets carry a full selection of microwavable meals, and LIFE also has good sashimi and sushi items available.
Price: 261 JPY (incl. tax)
4. Yo-Ho Brewing Suiyoubi no Neko (LIFE)
Suiyobi no Neko (Wednesday\'s Cat) is a beer with a cute cat design on the can. I recommend this one for other women who don’t often drink beer, as the hops are not too bitter and it has a fruity green apple aroma. The coriander seeds and orange peel add a refreshing flavor. I like bringing this beer to lunch with my friends and find that it pairs well with Asian food that includes seafood or coriander. This item is available at LIFE and other supermarkets.
*This beer is brewed in the traditional Belgian style but is classified as "happoshu" (low-malt beer) because of the spices used.
Price: 294 JPY (incl. tax)
5. Suntory Tokyo Craft Pale Ale (LIFE)
Suntory has been brewing beer in Tokyo for half a century, and shows their pride for their home city by displaying it on the front of this can of beer. The brew features a pleasant bitterness and a fruity citrus aroma. The North American hops’ citrus scent pairs well with salty fried food drizzled with freshly squeezed lemon. This beer would be well enjoyed while looking out over a Tokyo landscape similar to the one on the package and enjoying a lively conversation with friends. It\'s the perfect beer for that kind of gathering. This beer is available at LIFE, as well as other supermarkets.
Price: 228 JPY (incl. tax)
Get Great Value on Your Purchases in Japan with d POINT!
Follow the link below to register for d POINT, which was introduced earlier. It can be used at FamilyMart, LIFE, and other d POINT Member Stores, so be sure to register!
Summer is the season for beer! If you see any of these beers at Japanese supermarkets or convenience stores, make sure to give them a try!
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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