Japanese Rice Lager
Description
A clean, dry, crisp pale lager brewed with rice as an adjunct. Remarkably smooth with a delicate, refined character and subtle sweetness.
Aroma
Very low, delicate malt aroma with a clean, slightly sweet rice note. Hop aroma absent to very low. Immaculately clean lager fermentation. Subtle and refined, with no off-aromas.
Appearance
Very pale straw to pale gold, 2-4 SRM. Brilliant and clear. White head with moderate retention. Exceptionally clean and bright appearance.
Flavor
Delicate, clean malt flavor with subtle rice sweetness. Very low hop bitterness. Exceptionally dry, clean finish. Remarkably smooth with no harsh flavors. Refined and subtle throughout.
Mouthfeel
Very light body with high carbonation. Exceptionally smooth and clean. Delicate and refined. No astringency or roughness.
History
Developed by Japanese breweries in the Meiji era (late 19th century), beginning with Kirin Brewery (founded 1885) adapting German lager techniques with domestic rice as an adjunct. Sapporo (1876), Kirin, Asahi, and Suntory defined Japanese lager. The use of rice creates the exceptionally clean, dry character associated with Japanese food-pairing culture.
Commercial Examples
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Japanese Rice Lager beer?
- Japanese Rice Lager — a clean, refined, ultra-crisp lager brewed with rice. Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin.
- What is the ABV of Japanese Rice Lager?
- Japanese Rice Lager has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.0-5.5%.
- How bitter is Japanese Rice Lager beer?
- Japanese Rice Lager measures 15-25 IBU (International Bitterness Units).
- What are some examples of Japanese Rice Lager beers?
- Sapporo Premium Beer, Kirin Ichiban, Asahi Super Dry, Suntory The Premium Malt's, Yebisu
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