Japan: Big brewers launching seasonal beers

Japan's major brewers are releasing a number of seasonal beers, perhaps, buoyed by the news that beer shipments climbed 1 percent in the July to September quarter, The Independent reported on October, 22.

Kirin Brewery Co. was the first to launch its seasonal ale, putting its Kirin Autumn Taste on the market on August, 25. The beer is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and is popular at this time of year because it has a higher malt content and, at 6 percent, is slightly higher in alcohol content, the company said.

"In our study, people say they prefer the richness and flavour of Autumn Taste at this time of year," the company said in a statement, adding that it also makes the perfect accompaniment to food that is in season at the moment.

Looking slightly further ahead, Sapporo Breweries Ltd. made an updated version of its popular Winter's Tale ale available from October 13. Another long-running favourite, Winter's Tale was first launched in 1988 but not released last year. In response to requests that the brewer bring the beer back, Sapporo has created a slightly darker Pilsner-style beer that incorporates charcoal into the malt roasting process, giving it a clear and clean aftertaste, the company said.

Asahi Breweries Ltd. is not releasing a specialist beer this year, the company said, although the last of the "Big Four" Japanese manufacturers, Suntory Holdings Ltd., is planning the launch of two entirely new beers.

The Yoin-no-Zeitaku - which translates as "the luxury of lingering" - goes on sale on November, 9 and has "a profound flavour and pleasant aftertaste" that has been created by aging the beer slowly and carefully, the company said.

The final addition to the company's lineup will be the Kahori-no-Zeitaku, a light-bodied ale with a mellow aroma, it said. The beer goes on sale on December, 7 and takes advantage of malt from the champagne region of France, which helps to give it the light taste and flavor.

22 October, 2010