6 Seasonal Japanese Autumn Beers - The Taste Of Changing Leaves

Like Japanese sweets companies, popular Japanese breweries like to match the flavor of their beer to the season.

In this article, introduce you to the seasonal beer line-up for autumn 2019 which includes six different limited-editions of popular Japanese breweries.

Asahi Kurenai

Asahi might be one of the best known Japanese beer brands worldwide. Asahi is usually lighter in taste than other brands but Asahi Kurenai has a rich roasted flavor unusual for Asahi.

The meaning of Kurenai in Japan is deep red and it refers to the color of the beer. It offers a reddish-brown color that is archived by using Amarillo hop. With 6.5% Asahi Kurenai has the highest alcohol content on this list.

Asahi Kurenai is available in 350 ml for about 200 yen and 500 ml for about 300 yen as well as in 500 ml and 630 ml bottles (price unknown).

Asahi Aki no Utage

Asahi Aki no Utage (Autumn Party) is part of the more budget-friendly Asahi beer line which includes Asahi Clear. It is the lightest tasting among the autumn beer releases this year. Even though it is light and refreshing, it still has a distinct roasted malt flavor perfect for autumn.

Asahi Aki no Utage is available as in 350 ml (about 150 yen) and 500 ml (about 250 yen) cans. The alcohol percentage is 6%.

Suntory The Premium Malts Aki Kaoru Ale

Suntory The Premium Malts Aki Kaoru (Autumn Fragrance) Ale is part of Suntory's The Premium Malts line. This line is known to be very rich with a prominent malt flavor. It even has won a gold prize two years in a row at an international alcohol and food show.

Suntory The Premium Malts Aki Kaoru Ale is fruity and mellow while still offering the signature malty flavor. The color is a glowing golden orange just like turning autumn leaves.

Suntory The Premium Malts Aki Kaoru Ale is available in 350 ml for about 200 yen and 500 ml for about 300 yen. The alcohol percentage is 6%.

Suntory Kinmugi Kohaku no Kutsurogi

Suntory Kinmugi Kohaku no Kutsurogi is the autumn version of Suntory's golden barley (kinmugi) line. "Kohaku no kutsurogi" means "amber relaxation" and the color of the beer reflects the name.

Tastewise it is the strongest in this year's autumn line-up. It is brewed with extra malt which makes it deep in color and taste.

Suntory Kinmugi Kohaku no Kutsurogi is available as in 350 ml (about 150 yen) and 500 ml (about 250 yen) cans. The alcohol percentage is 6%.

Sapporo Baisen Nama Beer

Sapporo Brewery is one of Japans most beloved beer companies. As the name suggests it is made in Hokkaido which is known for its high-quality agricultural products.

Sapporo Baisen Nama Beer (roasted draft beer) uses two kinds of roasted malt. The flavor is complex, strong and slightly bitter.

Suntory The Premium Malts Aki Kaoru Ale is available in 350 ml for about 200 yen and 500 ml for about 300 yen. The alcohol percentage is 6%.

Kirin Aki Aji

Kirin Aki Aji (autumn flavor) has been around the longest in all the autumn beers in this line-up. It has been a returning favorite since 1991.

Picture courtesy of Kirin

The packages have changed over the years but the flavor has stayed true to itself. Kirin Aki Aji was created to go well with autumn foods such as mushrooms and new rice. As with the others, the malt percentage, as well as the alcohol percentage, is higher than the original Kirin beer which pairs well with the rich autumn delicacies.

Kirin Aki Aji is available in 350 ml and 500 ml cans an bottles. Small cans retail for about 200 yen while big cans cost about 300 yen and bottles usually being slightly higher in price. The alcohol percentage is 6%.

Taste the Flavor of Autumn

Seasonal Japanese beers are created to reflect the image, smell, and taste of the season. They pair well with seasonal food and make great souvenirs as well.

All the beverages mentioned are available at most convenience stores and supermarkets right now and they are usually around until November. Make sure to try their regular counterparts as well!

Written by Chiara Mischke