Sapporo Yebisu Black Beer

Aroma: 6 | Appearance: 6 | Mouthfeel: 6 | Flavor: 6 | Overall: 6

This Schwarzbier pours a dark brown color from a 12oz can. Medium sized beige foamy head. Aroma is roasty malt with a touch of chocolate. Medium bodied dark lager. Malts are chocolate and coffee. Hops are a touch earthy. It’s a little thin, but not that bad. Nice balance, good carbonation. Mouthfeel is a touch thin. Finish is crisp and clean. Aftertaste is slightly bitter, Thanks to Dan for hauling this stuff all the way across the Pacific.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

Now this is a very pleasant surprise. I can’t say that I’ve had much exposure to Japanese black beers, but always assumed that that they would have as much in common with German Schwarzbier as Killian’s Irish Red has in common with Irish beer in general. So while I’m not sure if this represents the “typical” Japanese black beer, it is indeed quite tasty. Definite roastiness in every sip, with enough malt body to make it noteworthy. Very nice aroma, to boot. One of the more impressive Japanese beers that I’ve had the past few days while working in Sasebo, that I hope to find once I get back to The States.
//TB

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

This is a quality beer but not Yebisu's best effort. Asahi makes a better dark but Yebisu makes the better all malt lighter lager. The Japanese make excellent beer.