Black, it ain't, but quibbling is for small minds
Written: May 14 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great fullness of aroma and taste in a fairly light beer.
Cons: It is hard to find in the U.S.
The Bottom Line: A very pleasant surprise, and the best Japanese beer I've had to date. This is delish, a lightweight powerpack of aroma and taste.
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| beerfly's Full Review: Asahi Black Draft |
I know very little about Asahi Breweries, Ltd.
I don't know much about Japanese "black beers" except that all the major Japanese breweries make one, which pleases me.
I don't really know much about Japanese brewing at all.
I do know this: if you've got a spare case of this stuff sitting around, I'll take it.
This beer smells fantastic! I poured my 11.2 oz. bottle into a tall weizen glass, and the aroma is concentrated in the stack: it's lush and rich, smelling of caramel, and molasses, and dark, moist brown sugar. It isn't black, not even close. It's a very pretty shade of brown, ruby-tinted and clear and bright, with a nice long-lasting cap of dark tan foam.
Mmmmmmmmm, what a creamy beer. It's obviously not a huge beer, it actually feels light on the tongue, but it still manages to feel pretty big in the mouth, an astounding contradiction. The aromas are all there as flavors, but lighter, without the lushness of the nose. That's okay, in fact, that's great, it makes this such an easy beer to drink. It's brilliant, a quaffing lager that has a ton of taste.
The finish is wonderful, a juicy maltiness that lingers but is clean and refreshing. It's got me salivating like I'm in the midst of a meal. I don't know why this is the only beer like this I've ever had. It's got to be something other brewers would make. I've had the Sapporo "Stout" and it's not like this; this has a lot more flavor, without being heavier than the Sapporo.
It is a puzzlement. This is a wonderful lager, yet it is unlike any German dunkles or schwarzbier I've ever had. It is sweeter than most dunkles, it has a more lush aroma than any schwarzbier I've ever had. I really like it.
Sorry, I'm gushing. But I really wish I'd bought more. I'd like to share this with other beer lovers. Find some of this, and see how much fun it is.
I don't know much about Japanese beer, but I know what I like.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
beerfly
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Member: Lew Bryson
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Reviews written: 88
Trusted by: 82 members
About Me:
One bourbon, one Scotch, one beer, eh? I'll take Kentucky Spirit, Scapa, and HopDevil.
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