Watching Japanese movies, television dramas, or even anime, eventually you may have encountered a scene of someone very much enjoying an ice cold beer after stepping out of a hot bath, usually with a towel draped around their necks.

While obviously not a take that's unique to Japan, "beer after a hot bath tastes the best" is a line you'll hear often said by beer fans in the country. The idea may be tied to the luxury of enjoying a cold one after a trip to a traditional onsen hot spring, and getting a dose of that at home.

Whatever the reason, Japanese bathing products maker Bathlier is giving out their now yearly "Yuagari Biru Awado" (Beer After a Hot Bath Award--a pun as "Awa" means "head" or "foam" in Japanese). The company held web-based voting event asking voters (392 in total) to pick their favorite beer to drink after a hot bath.

When tallying up the votes, Japan's oldest beer brand Sapporo brought up the rear of the top five, with their 100% malt "luxury" beer Sapporo Yebisu (22 votes) and flagship lager Sapporo Black Label (28 votes) taking the number 5 and 4 spots, respectively.

3. Suntory The Premium Malt's (48 votes)

Suntory's traditional pilsner takes the third spot, with comments and feedback praising its lack of a bitter bite and fine head, and was particularly popular among women beer drinker.

2. Kirin Ichiban Shibori (59 votes)

Using only the first press of the wort, another one of Japan's oldest lagers takes second place, with feedback centered around its rich aroma and malty flavor.

1. Asahi Super Dry (167 votes)

For the third year in a row, Asahi Super Dry, Japan's best selling beer, takes home the top prize of post-bath brews, with its dry and crisp taste cited as its point of appeal for enjoying after relaxing in the tub.

So there you have it. While not exactly a huge pool of voters, that seems like a decent snapshot of the top five in Japan when it comes to scratching your beer itch after a nice bath. Those who chose Asahi Super Dry may be doing so with some new look cherry blossom cans to get in the mood for the season, however.


By - grape Japan editorial staff.