SUPER BARBICAN
Maker: Takara Shuzo Co.
Introduced: March 2003
ABV (alcohol by volume): 0.2%
Price: 194 yen ($1.64)
Fragrant and fruity, this malty brew has the lowest ABV rating of the four–yet tastes closest to the real thing. It’s the most expensive of the four, but worth it. ****
MALT SQUASH
Maker: Kirin Brewery Co.
Introduced: May 2003
ABV : 0.5%
Price: 130 yen ($1.10)
Tastes fresh and clean and has an effervescence that tickles your throat on the way down. Goes well with greasy food like fries, chips and pizza.***
SUPER CLEAR
Maker: Sapporo Breweries Ltd
Introduced: April 2003
ABV: 0.5%
Price: 130 yen ($1.10)
Very light and rather watery, with a spicy, slightly sour flavor–like a soda with the texture of a beer. Not much of a beer substitute, but great icy cold with lunch or for a break between tennis matches.**
FINE BREW
Maker: Suntory Ltd
Introduced: April 2003
ABV: under 0.5%
Price: 130 yen ($1.10)
Yeasty and sour, with a hint of bitterness. Good with typical Japanese food like raw fish and cold noodles.***
