TIME TO HIT REFRESH
This amiable brew is a welcome dinner guest ... our reviewer just wishes it would stick around longer
THE Japanese take great pride in everything they do and the end product usually reflects that.
That goes for their beers as well – as anyone who has visited the Land of the Rising Sun would attest, the quality is fantastic. Among the big brewers, Kirin has built a reputation for top-quality beers, so it was with considerable interest that I eagerly acquired a six pack of Kirin Megumi “first press”.
It’s touted as using the first press method (meant to assure purity and smoothness), but that doesn’t extend to authenticity ... this brew is made under licence in Australia.
I will have to venture back to Japan to find out whether that has changed the flavour, but the Aussie version is a little disappointing.
With the weather getting warmer, this clean, clear beer with a good white head may wet the whistle, but I found it wanting in the flavour and body department.
There’s no distinct nose and it has an initial good level of carbonation (gas), but I didn’t think there was much staying power all round.
The measure of a good beer is the flavour that hangs in the mouth but Megumi doesn’t stick around for long.
There’s not much bitterness in the aftertaste, which may appeal to those who don’t mind the odd beer as a refresher.
It is full strength at 4.5 per cent and definitely doesn’t sit heavily in the gut.
You could definitely knock a few over on a hot day, but drinkers who appreciate a beer with flavour and substance may be disappointed.
However, for those who enjoy an occasional beer or just one or two at a time and aren’t into bitter brews, Megumi fits the bill. It goes well with sushi or flavoursome Asian dishes and it’s suitable as a cleansing ale.