Yebisu's adequate premium ale

Yebisu premium ale

Brand: Yebisu

Price: 150 yen

Place of purchase: Belx supermarket

Rating:

Yebisu describes this premium ale as an English-style bitter ale. It's got some of that quality, with 5.5% alcohol by volume (the high end for this variety of ale), a light amber color, and it's on the dry side. It's got a bit of hoppiness you'd expect from this genre and hints of citrus. It's not bad for an approximation of an English ale, but not really representative of the style. I'd say this beer pairs with sharp cheeses, burgers and fries, and its slight astringency might work with heavier fare.

I expected something a bit more "premium", a beer that's got a lot of body, flavor, hoppy quality, and complex flavors. But it's actually a bit ambiguous. I suspect that Yebisu's version of premium ale is a compromise to suit the preferences of a Japanese audience more accustomed to lagers. That's likely why this ale doesn't exemplify the pronounced hop flavor I had expected. The hop scent, despite the malt from two varieties, dissipates quickly, which leaves the beer rather simple. I'd hoped for something that represents the style, but I guess I shouldn't expect much from a major brewery.