Unique Okinawan yeast in tasty beer

Orion The Premium

Brand: Asahi Breweries

Price: 200 yen

Place of purchase: Belc Supermarket

Rating:

Orion Beer which used to be a small local brewery in Okinawa has been owned by Asahi Breweries for some time but still produces beers based on local ingredients. This beer, released in 2023, is labeled Orion The Premium. The beer is brewed with malt, hops, and unmalted barley. Orion's website explains that this has a very Okinawan ingredient. Orion searched the islands of Okinawa for a "miraculous yeast" after an extensive search of thousands of samples. The yeast Orion settled on is identified as OB-001 derived from white clover.

I wasn't expecting much from a major brewery like Asahi, but this is a real treat and I have no complaints. In fact, I'll look out for this one again at the supermarket. The beer pours with a warm golden color and a decent head. It's got a lovely fruity flavor reminiscent of apples and pears and a light floral aroma. It's a little on the sweet side. For a major brewery, this is a really good beer for the price. I've tried other Orion beers that are hit and miss but this is probably the best one I've tried from this brewer.