Buzz
Disclaimer: Alcoholic beverages are intended for individuals above 18 years old.
Asahi Super Dry is the outcome of market research indicating consumers' preference for tastier, lower malt content, relatively high alcohol volume, and light aftertaste beers, aligning with the evolving dietary habits of the Japanese. Leveraging this profound understanding, Asahi utilized its brewing expertise to develop a crisp, refreshing brew with a clean finish to meet these demands.
Asahi engineered a high carbonation, high attenuation pilsner. Subsequently, the product was rebranded as Super Dry and launched on March 17, 1987, pioneering the dry beer category. The success of Asahi Super Dry in the market spawned similar products from competitors and ignited the 'dry beer war' in Japan and a succinct marketing trend for dry beers globally. Nevertheless, Asahi surpassed the test of time, and years later, Super Dry remains the top dry beer globally.
1. Overview of Asahi Beer
Established in 1889, Asahi Beer started its journey under the name Osaka Beer Manufacturing Company. It stands tall as one of Japan's largest breweries, with its flagship export being Super Dry.
For a considerable time, Asahi trailed behind Sapporo and Kirin. However, the success of Super Dry propelled it into a fierce rivalry with the two traditional brands.
Similar to other renowned Japanese beer brands, Asahi heavily relied on German brewers, equipment, and ingredients throughout its formative decades. German beer greatly influenced Japan's fledgling beer industry, to the extent that the Japanese public viewed German beer as superior to all others. Hence, Asahi and other Japanese breweries boasted loudly about their German ingredients and secrets in their beer marketing endeavors.
More recently, Asahi's partnership with Orion has facilitated mutual brewery expansions. Orion aided in Asahi beer distribution in Okinawa. In return, Asahi inked contracts to produce Orion Draft beer at some of its breweries to enhance domestic distribution in Japan.
Asahi beers tend to feature modest hop levels, with rice commonly listed in the grain ingredients. Corn is also used for Asahi Super Dry. Notably, Asahi has made significant efforts to minimize their carbon emissions and ecological footprint.
2. What Makes Asahi Super Dry Beer So Beloved?
Asahi Super Dry Beer, boasting a 5% alcohol content, stands as a highly renowned Japanese brew crafted by the colossal Asahi Group Holdings brewery. It's characterized by a dry profile with a moderate alcohol content.
2.1 Assessing Asahi Super Dry Beer
Asahi Super Dry is a light, swift, and robust beer. Its drinkability is highly regarded. Its low bitterness and high carbonation further enhance these qualities.
Most bottles and cans of Super Dry are sterilized. The trial versions of this Japanese beer icon are slightly less common but offer more freshness.
2.2 Ingredients of Asahi Super Dry Beer
Rice, corn, and corn starch are used in the ingredient list of Asahi Super Dry beer, in addition to malted barley. Less malt means less sweetness and richness. Rice and corn contribute to a soft texture and very subtle flavor. Starch enhances head retention. The presence of hops in Asahi Super Dry beer is very low.
2.3 The Appearance of Asahi Super Dry Beer
Asahi Super Dry beer is translucent, pale yellow with a thin white head. The Asahi Super Dry beer bottle is made from brown glass to protect the beer from the effects of light.
2.4 Aroma of Asahi Super Dry Beer
Asahi Super Dry beer has the scent of freshly baked white bread along with sweet roasted corn and a hint of hay.
2.5 Flavor of Asahi Super Dry Beer
Asahi Super Dry beer is gentle and clean. Drinking it in one gulp will leave a dry sensation in the mouth, but with the sweetness of white bread balanced by the light roasted malt and the mild bitterness of grassy hops.
Asahi Super Dry beer has a short, mild, dry aftertaste with a toasted flavor and a light bitterness of hops.
2.6 Enjoying Asahi Super Dry Beer
You should drink Asahi Super Dry beer with ice cold or pre-chilled. The colder this beer is served, the drier and lighter it will be. You should let the Asahi Super Dry beer bottle/can cool a bit after eating if you want to enhance the flavor.
As with all other types of beer, using a beer glass will yield the best results. Shaker pints are the most common choice, but pilsner glasses are even better if you enjoy the true beer-drinking experience.
2.7 Proper Storage of Asahi Super Dry Beer
You should store Asahi Super Dry beer cold if possible. Sterilized versions only work well at room temperature for a short period. Therefore, the beer will lose its flavor quickly if not chilled.
All types of beer can be susceptible to light damage. To keep the beer away from direct light and prevent skunky odor development, Asahi Super Dry beer uses brown bottles for protection.
Remember, Asahi Super Dry beer is a type of beer that should be consumed as fresh as possible because even under the best storage conditions, it will degrade within 6 to 12 months after bottling.
2.8 Pairing Asahi Super Dry Beer with Food
Food pairing is a strong point of Asahi Super Dry beer. It can withstand strong flavors, cleanse them, and prepare you for the next bite.
Japanese fried dishes like tempura, karaage, and tonkatsu are particularly suitable for Asahi Super Dry beer. A glass of Asahi will also complement the flavors of ramen, udon, or soba.
3. Does Asahi Super Dry Beer Contain Gluten?
No, Asahi Super Dry beer does not contain gluten! Although this beer contains rice (and corn), it is also brewed with malted barley. This final ingredient is essential for beer production and is why most types of beer do not contain gluten.
4. Similar Beers to Asahi Super Dry Beer
Asahi Super Dry beer is brewed in the International Pale Lager style. Similar beers from Japan include Sapporo Premium (slightly sweeter), Kirin Ichiban (more malty, more flavorful), and Orion (more complex).
A lesser-known beer from Japan resembling Asahi Super Dry beer is Echigo Koshihikari Rice Lager. This complex beer is more expensive and harder to find.
Similar beers from outside Japan include Miller Lite, Bud Light, Heineken, Amstel Light, Tsing Tao, Singha, and Tiger.
5. Price of Asahi Super Dry Beer
- A case of 24 cans of Asahi Super Dry beer 350ml has a reference price of 1,150,000 Vietnamese dong per case.
- A case of 24 bottles of Asahi Super Dry beer 330ml has a reference price of 570,000 Vietnamese dong per case.
- A 2-liter jug of Asahi Super Dry beer has a reference price of 450,000 Vietnamese dong per jug.
6. Conclusion
True to its name, Asahi Super Dry beer is brewed with rice, hence light, dry Karakuchi taste but with a hint of sweet white bread aroma, dried by delicate roasted malt flavor and light bitterness of grassy hops.
Overall, Asahi Super Dry beer is light, refreshing, and non-cloying even when consumed on a hot summer day or during the freezing winter.
