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Japanese Beers – A Side-by-Side Comparison
Japan produces some of the world’s most recognised lager brands, but how different are they really?
During a visit to the JAL Business Lounge at Sapporo Airport, I had the perfect opportunity to find out. With all four of Japan’s best-known beers on tap, I poured a glass of each and compared them side by side under identical conditions. This article compares Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory, explains how they differ, and reveals my personal favourite. If you’re just looking for the results, here’s the short version.
All four beers were served from the same draught system, at the same temperature and tasted side by side, making this as fair a comparison as I was ever likely to get.
How do Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory compare?
| Beer | Character | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirin Ichiban | Smooth & balanced | ★★★★★ (5.0) | All-round drinking |
| Asahi Jukusen | Clean & crisp | ★★★★☆ (4.5) | Refreshment |
| Sapporo Classic | Malty & rich | ★★★★☆ (4.5) | More flavour |
| Suntory Premium Malt’s | Hoppy & aromatic | ★★★★☆ (4.0) | Hop lovers |
The table above gives the headline results, but here’s how I reached those conclusions.
For years I have wondered what the difference is between the different brands of Japanese beers.
Living there for 3 years in the late 90s / early 00s, I certainly worked my way through every possible beer I could find, but that was before I developed a love of tasting flights and comparing flavours.
So I poured myself a glass of each, no doubt attracting a few curious looks from the other guests, and took out my notebook.
Here’s how they compared:
- Suntory (The Premium Malts)- tight, aggressive fizz. Light hops. Bitter.
- Asahi (Jukusen) – softer bubbles and flavour with a light citrus note
- Sapporo (Classic) – light fizz with underlying bitterness.
- Kirin Ichiban (Shibori Premium) – light fizz. Very citrusy with yuzu / soft grapefruit and a touch of sweetness.
These were brewed and drunk in Japan.
FAQ
Which Japanese beer is best?
Based on this tasting, Kirin Ichiban was my favourite. It had the most complex flavour profile, combining citrus, soft grapefruit and a slight sweetness while remaining extremely drinkable.
Is Asahi better than Sapporo?
Asahi was cleaner and crisper, while Sapporo had a richer malt character.
Are Japanese beers brewed in the UK the same?
Not always. Many are brewed under licence outside Japan, which can subtly affect flavour.
I’d like to repeat the same tasting using the UK-brewed versions to see just how different they really are.
Interested in Japanese drinks?
Although my main speciality is Japanese wine rather than beer, living in Japan sparked a lifelong fascination with the country’s food and drink culture. If you’ve enjoyed this comparison, you may also enjoy my book, JAPANESE WINE, the first comprehensive English-language guide to Japan’s wineries, wine regions and producers.
Learn more about Japanese Wine →
