I tried two different Japanese beers recently. Both I had never had before and both were excellent. The only problem I found with them is that they are 3-4 more expensive than domestic craft beers which I am sure will hurt their influx into the US market place. They are both American Pale Ale style beers.

Baird Rising Sun Pale Ale

The Rising Sun Pale Ale from Baird Beer in Numazu, Japan pours out a golden orange in color with some floating sediment and a one finger, foamy white head. On the nose aromas of pine, citrus, bread, caramel and grain. In the mouth this starts out tart then subdues a little with some sweetness coming in to play before the hops take over leaving a lovely bitterness. Flavors of orange, grapefruit, iced tea, caramel with some peppery spice. Light side of medium bodied. Good lacing. Well carbonated. Cream and oil in the mouthfeel. More hop on the finish with spice. A very nice pale ale but there is a draw back. At $4.99 per 12 ounce bottle that makes this a $30.00 6-pack of beer.

Nikenjayamochi Kadoya Honten Isekadoya Pale Ale

The Isekadoya Pale Ale from Nikenjayamochi Kadoya Honten Co. in Mie-ken Ise-shi, Japan pours out golden orange in color with some cloud and a large, frothy, off-white head that sticks around. On the nose aromas of orange, lemon, caramel and a little bready malt. In the mouth this is very well balanced with flavors of honey, caramel, citrus rind and a little pine. Medium bodied. Fantastic lacing. Moderate carbonation. Round mouthfeel that is very full and slightly creamy. Nice hops on the finish. An excellent Pale Ale but expensive at $6.99/500ml bottle.

The Premium Lager Beer from Kingfisher Brewing Company (United Breweries) is brewed and bottled in Saratoga, New York. The lager pours out pale gold in color with a little cloud that goes away as it warms and a one finger white head. On the nose aromas of grain, malt and some sweetness. In the mouth this is more malt than hop with an underlying sweetness and grassy flavors. Moderate carbonation. Some lacing. Light bodied. Clean mouthfeel. The finish continues the theme of being slightly sweet with more malt than hop character. Probably on par with Becks or Heineken but nothing to write home about.