Japan: A special blend of Yebisu, arguably Japan's premium mass-produced beer, will go on sale by reservation from April 16, according to Sapporo Breweries Ltd. The special blend will be a beer allowed to brew for twice as long as normal, giving the beverage a deeper color and richer flavor, Mainichi Shimbun posted on April 10.

The prolonged brew Yebisu will sell in six packs costing 2,100 yen apiece, with each of the 330 milliliter bottles having an alcohol content of 6.1 percent. Production will be limited to 10,000 six packs. Shipping anywhere in Japan will incur an additional charge of 525 yen, with deliveries to be made during May and June.

13 April, 2004