Japanese Rice Lager · Est. 1987
Asahi didn't just launch a beer in 1987 — it invented an entire category. Karakuchi, the "dry" style, sparked what Japan's brewers still call the Dry Wars.
5.2% ABV330mlKarakuchi (Dry) StyleJapan's No.1 Beer
The Brewing Innovation
🏆Created the Karakuchi (Dry) Beer Category in 1987
🏆Proprietary Yeast Strain No. 318
Asahi's own yeast strain No. 318 ferments to unusually high attenuation, converting nearly all residual sugar for the beer's signature bone-dry, clean finish — a genuine brewing innovation, not just marketing language.
Tasting Profile
Toasted BreadGrilled CornStrawClean Finish
Pairs Well With
🍣Sushi & Sashimi
Developed for exactly this
🍗Yakitori
Smoke meets crisp dryness
🦙Tempura
Cuts through the richness
🌶Spicy Dishes
Refreshes between bites
At a Glance
Brewery
Asahi Breweries, est. 1889
Style
Karakuchi (Dry) Lager
Grain
Malted barley, rice, corn
Yeast
Proprietary strain No. 318
Questions
What does "Karakuchi" mean?
It translates roughly to "dry" or "sharp." Asahi coined the term for this beer's clean, sugar-free finish, and the style became so popular it triggered what Japanese brewers still call the "Dry Wars" of the late 1980s.
What makes the finish so dry?
Asahi's proprietary yeast strain No. 318 ferments to unusually high attenuation, converting nearly all the beer's residual sugar rather than leaving sweetness behind — a genuine brewing innovation, not just a marketing label.
What food does it pair best with?
Sushi and sashimi are the classic match, developed specifically to complement Japan's evolving diet in the 1980s, but it also holds up well against yakitori, tempura, and spicier dishes.
Delivery
⚡ 30–45 min across Greater London
📦 Next-day UK-wide
🎁 Gift wrap available at checkout
18+ Please enjoy Asahi responsibly. For guidance and support, visit
drinkaware.co.uk.
