This is the big one and a tricky contest it was. Japan started with a strong opening. Who can resist a Sapporo, Kirin or, especially Asahi.
Australia in contrast has a mixed bag of beers, most of which are a working man’s brew. These are epitomised by VB and Melbourne Bitter (Nobody but tourists drink Fosters). These are fizzy beers served ice cold and quench the third. They do have chemical undertones. Far superior are the James Bags and Cascade beers from Tasmania, Crown lager or Coopers.
For this round of the competition Coopers Pale Ale was fielded. First you have to know how to poor this drop as each bottle has sediment.
The idea is to roll the bottle up and down the bar to mix it. Yes, this is a beer to be served cloudy. It has far more complexity than any other of the mainstream mass produced beers. It’s a winner and thus pitted against Asahi.
It is already on record on this blog how I enjoy an ice cold Asahi in the appropriate glass. This is a difficult choice because we are comparing chalk and cheese – much like comparing the Japanese and Australian cultures.
However, on value for money the local Australian brew wins.
BEER WINNER: Coopers Pale Ale, Australia
world cup, beerAustralia, Japan
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I must admit, I find it hard to distinguish between Melbourne Draught and Crown Lager, or Bogan Christmas Present as it is sometimes known. And as an Adelaide boy, I’m always amused at the spectacle of the Cooper’s range being rolled up and down the bar here in Melbourne. The proper technique is simply for the barkeep to invert the bottle while operating the till. By the time payment is proffered, the job is done. Perfect.
I’ll tell the bartender next time! Cheers
A mate of mine procured (ahem) some Fosters intended for the Japanese market, the cans were covered in Japanese script. It tasted completely different to regular Fosters to the point that no-one wanted to drink it. BTW does Willie Simpson know what you’ve been up to? Could be the start of Melbourne beer turf wars.
Nah, just get it down yer neck.
Ok, when I’ve finished some of the nasty foreign beer – I’m talking about the fake Budweiser.
tankeduptaco – sorry my spam filter swallowed you for a while. Beer turf wars? Who’s Willie Simpson?
At least it spat me out whole. Willie does the beer column in Epicure.
Ah, that would explain it. Overloaded with supplements nowadays, I tend to inhabit the Murdoch camp who are part sponsors of this decadent lifestyle. I do occasionally catch Epicure online though.
I know this is an old debate but I’m just back from NYC and over there Asahi is cheaper than Coopers Pale Ale. So how does this little contest play out when you switch the price points?