🍺 Japanese Beer Taste Test – Top Picks from Tang’s Asian Food Emporium (Melbourne)
If you're a fan of Japanese brews, you’ll love this quick tasting roundup. We picked up five interesting cans from Tang’s Asian Food Emporium in Melbourne — a great spot to find Japanese drinks that rarely hit the shelves elsewhere.
📍 Where to Buy Japanese Beer in Melbourne?
We grabbed these from Tang’s Asian Food Emporium, but if you’re after a wider range and in large quantities including seasonal and limited-edition beers, check out our Japanese Beer Collection at Southland Cellar.
📦 Delivery available Australia-wide
📍 In-store pickup at Westfield Southland (Cheltenham, VIC)
Here’s our lineup, rated from favourite to least (but honestly, they’re all worth trying):
🥇 1. Asahi Nama Jokkie Can – Super Dry
Crisp, refreshing, and exactly what you’d expect from Japan’s best-selling beer. This draft-style can delivers a foamy head, clean finish, and that satisfying bitterness we all love.
⭐ 5/5 – Classic for a reason.
Type: Lager
ABV: ~5.5%
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🥈 2. Orion The Draft – Okinawa’s Craft Beer
Light, malty, and smooth — Orion is brewed in Okinawa and has a loyal following for a reason. It’s super drinkable, making it perfect for warm days or izakaya-style snacks.
⭐ 4.5/5 – Bright and breezy.
Type: Pale Lager
ABV: ~5%
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🥉 3. Asahi Shokusai – Premium Gold Can
A more premium and refined offering from Asahi. Shokusai hits a smooth malt note with a mild aromatic finish — almost like a Japanese take on a European-style lager.
⭐ 4/5 – Subtle sophistication.
Type: Lager
ABV: ~6%
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🔥 4. Yebisu Creative Brew – Premium Chocolate Aroma
This one’s for the adventurous. With a roasted chocolate nose and deep malt body, Yebisu’s creative brew feels more like a dessert beer. Definitely not for everyone — but worth a try.
⭐ 3.5/5 – Bold, rich, and a little niche.
Type: Dark Lager
ABV: ~5.5%
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🍋 5. Asahi Lemon Chu-Hi – 14% Real Juice
More of a Ready-To-Drink (RTD) cocktail than a beer, this lemon chu-hi is sweet, citrusy, and dangerously easy to drink. Great for parties, but a bit too sugary for our everyday taste.
⭐ 3/5 – Fun, but sweet.
Type: Lemon Sour / Chu-Hi
ABV: 14%
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