What are the characteristics of European beer? How are they different from Japanese beer?

We will answer your questions!

First of all, there are two differences between Japanese beer and European beer:Some important features and differencesToday, I will explain them in detail while comparing them.

Characteristics of European and Japanese beers

Style and versatility

European beer

• Diversity
  ヨーロッパ全体には、ラガー、エール、スタウト、サワービール、フルーツビール、Trappist beerなど、非常に多くのスタイルがあります。各国や地域によって独自のスタイルがあり、豊富な選択肢があります。
  
  
• Fermentation Technology
  There is a good balance between high-temperature fermented ales and low-temperature fermented lagers, and the different brewing methods result in a wide variety of flavors.

Japanese Beer

• Lager is mainstream
  The Japanese beer market is mainly made up of lagers (especially pilsners), which are characterized by their refreshing taste. Although ales and craft beers are on the rise, the overall proportion of lagers is high.
  
  
• Influenced Styles
  Japanese beer has been influenced by German beer culture, and generally speaking, people want beer that has a light, refreshing taste.

Taste and flavour

European beer

• Rich in flavour
  European beers offer a variety of flavors, including fruit, spices, herbs, and malty aromas. Belgian beers in particular are known for their complex flavors.
  
  
• Variations of sour and sweet tastes
  There are many styles that emphasize sourness or sweetness, such as sour beer and fruit beer, and the range of flavors is wide.

Japanese Beer

• Refreshing and easy to drink
  Japanese lagers are generally refreshing, with a mild bitterness and aroma, making them very easy to drink. For this reason, they are said to go well with food.
  
  
• Light flavor
  Japanese beer is characterized by its light taste, and a smooth taste is especially desired during the hot seasons.

Brewing techniques and traditions

European beer

• Long history and tradition
  多くのヨーロッパ諸国では、数世代にわたる醸造の伝統があり、厳格な製造基準が守られています。特にドイツの「ビール純粋令」やベルギーのTrappist beerはその良い例です。
  
  
• Craft beer culture
  In recent years, the number of craft beers produced by small, independent breweries has increased, and innovative styles are being created one after another.

Japanese Beer

• Modern manufacturing process
  Beer brewing in Japan has a relatively short history, having learned the techniques from Germany during the Meiji period, which is why modern brewing methods have been adopted.
  
  
• The rise of craft beer
  Craft beer is becoming more popular in Japan, with small breweries producing a wide variety of styles, but lagers still dominate the overall market.

Beer culture and how to drink it

European beer

• Social culture
  Beer is often at the heart of social life, with beer halls and pubs a popular gathering place, and beer festivals are popular, with each region offering its own unique style.
  
  
• Pairing
  Food pairing is important, and choosing the right beer to go with the food is crucial. In particular, the pairing of regional cuisine with local beer holds deep cultural significance.

Japanese Beer

• Enjoy with a meal
  In Japan, great importance is placed on the compatibility of beer with Japanese food in particular. Japanese cuisine is characterized by delicate flavors that make the most of the taste of the ingredients, and beer also plays a role in bringing out the flavor.
  
  
• Izakaya culture
  Casual drinking parties at izakayas and other establishments are common, and beer plays an important role in parties and gatherings.

Living in Europe, my thoughts on beer

- Beer heaven is here -

What I feel through my life in Europe isThe joy and depth of beer.

In Japan, at an izakaya, I would gulp down a beer and say, "First of all, I'll have a beer!" and it was a drink to get drunk, but since coming here, my relationship with beer has completely changed.

A wide variety of beers and pure fun

Pilsner, Weizen, Stout, Lambic... Just looking at the labels on display at the supermarket gets me excited. Which one should I try today? A little sense of adventure has become part of my daily life.

Each region has its own unique flavor

One of the great pleasures of traveling is tasting the local beer. Munich's white beer, Belgium's cherry-flavored lambic... the beer itself is one of the reasons to visit a place, and is rooted in the land as a "tourist resource."

The shape of the glass is more important than the ice-cold glass

Unlike in Japan, beer is usually served in glasses designed to bring out its aroma and flavor, rather than being served cold or with a foamy finish. The formal attire for each type of beer, such as a tall Weizen glass or a rounded Trappist glass, is interesting.

Anyway, beer is cheap

Beer in Europe is sometimes cheaper than water. In some countries, when you order it at a restaurant, you are often surprised at the price. It's delicious and easy on the wallet, so of course you'll want to drink it...!

summary

European beer has a deep and varied world with its rich flavors, traditional brewing techniques, and sociable culture. On the other hand, Japanese beer is mainly focused on lagers, and is characterized by a refreshing and easy-to-drink style.

Both types of beer are rooted in their respective cultures and food habits, and each has its own merits, but for beer lovers, enjoying the differences between the two should be a very interesting experience, so be sure to try a variety of European beers!