10 Best Japanese Beers UK | Asahi Kirin Suntory and More

Suntory's Premium Malt is a premium experience all around, with rich, creamy foam and full-bodied flavour. The Suntory factory collects natural water from underground in order to provide the finest quality pilsner.

The bitterness of the hops pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the barley used, making this the perfect option for those who want to savour each mouthful rather than knocking it back in one. It's well worth the price if you're a beer enthusiast!

Kirin's Ichiban Shibori translates to "first pressing" and means that the beer is fermented using only the first wort to produce a purer, smoother taste. After its release, it became the third best-selling beer in Japan and we can see why!

Whether paired with food or consumed by itself, this perfectly balanced beer is a delight to drink. Try a single bottle or stock up on this multipack of 24 at Amazon to enjoy with Japanese or European cuisine for many mealtimes to come!

Sapporo's Premium Beer is probably the best lager to drink if you're used to many of the popular brands here in the UK. At 5% ABV, it has a similar strength to Stella Artois or Heinekin but in our opinion, it has a superior flavour.

These 650 ml cans are also the ideal size to take to a party or gathering. Just be warned — once you start drinking Sapporo, you won't want to go back to the usual lager you find on tap at the pub!

Asahi Super Dry will probably be familiar to UK shoppers, as it appears on many a supermarket shelf. Thanks to its crisp, clean feel and pleasantly bitter taste, it works especially well with food.

The first dry beer in Japan, launched back in 1982, it has remained popular ever since. Plus, it's incredibly cheap when compared to the rest of our list. Just be aware of the relatively high ABV of 5.2% if you plan on having a few bottles!

Since the relaxation of Japan's brewing laws in 1994, smaller breweries have been creating beers to rival the big four. Originally a sake (rice wine) brewery, Kiuchi Brewery has turned its hand to ales.

This classic ale is brewed following the original IPA method brought to Japan in the 19th century and is slowly matured in Cedar casks which are used in the brewing of traditional sake. Enjoy the sweet, hoppy flavour but be mindful of the high ABV!

Not to be confused with Sapporo Premium, Sapporo Black Label has a lower ABV of 4.7%. It has been brewed with the aim of matching malty German lagers, combining the best of both East and West.

You won't want to drink this lager unless it's chilled, so we'd recommend storing these bottles in the fridge and then pouring them into a glass to get the most of the hoppy fragrance and thick head. Perfect after a long day at work!

If you're looking for something uniquely Japanese, then you may want to consider the Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale. It's made from an ancient grain that was commonly used to make sake, by a brewery historically known for producing rice wine.

The asamurasaki red rice creates a pleasing hint of fruitiness when opening the bottle and tasting, and when poured you're able to see the natural pink colour of the ale. This is a strong beer with a punchy flavour, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.

Kiuchi Brewery is known for IPAs, but they also produce this lager with a distinctive citrus flavour thanks to the addition of Japanese yuzu fruit. Similar to mandarin or grapefruit, zesty yuzu pairs well with the refreshing lager.

5.5% ABV is quite high for a lager and the citrus element packs quite the punch, so this small 350 ml can is probably just the right size for a tasting session. If you're looking to have a few beers to get a buzz on, you may prefer something with a more mellow flavour.

Sapporo's Yebisu All Malt Beer has a dense and hard-hitting malt flavour that is as robust as it is satisfying, using 100% malt, original yeast and German aroma hops in its recipe. It was designed to replicate German beer with a Japanese twist. 

If you're a fan of malty flavours this is worth tracking down, but regular lager drinkers may find it a little heavy on the stomach. It's also slightly on the expensive side for a 350 ml can, but worth trying at least once!

Located in the Nagano Prefecture, which is known for its highland areas, Karuiza Brewery uses water from the mountain to provide a clean yet rich tasting lager. This dark craft beer has a hoppy tang and zesty scent that makes it surprisingly refreshing.

Like many Japanese craft beers, the flavour of this beverage may not be to everyone's taste. It's more for enthusiasts looking to try something unique than a replacement for your usual weekend beer.