Japan: Suntory Holdings to release new beer perfect for Japanese food

There’s been a lot of research into the mystery of umami, the mild, pleasing savoury flavour that’s said to exist at the heart of Japanese cuisine. Often referred to as “the fifth taste”, alongside sweet, sour, salty and bitter, umami was first discovered by a Japanese professor and only officially recognised as a proper scientific term in 1985. Now, almost thirty years later, the delicate flavour is finally set to meet its perfect partner in a beer called Wazen (lit. Japanese meal). Due for release on April 8 by Japan’s Suntory Holdings, the beer is being billed as “the beer for Japanese food”, Rocket News 24 reported.

Developed for customers who like to enjoy a beer with dinner in the comfort of their homes, the drink is specifically designed to be enjoyed with washoku, traditional Japanese food.

The beer has an alcohol content of 3.5% and is brewed in 100% spring water. Until mid-March, visitors to the Suntory brand site who fill out an online survey have the chance to win one of 11,000 free six-packs.

29 January, 2014