Beer is Good – Sapporo Classic 2010 Vintage Lager

I don’t have a can of the “blue letter” Sapporo Classic to do a side-by-side taste test, but this limited edition brew from Sapporo Breweries is definitely a winner. Like the standard Sapporo Classic, this “green letter” variety is supposedly only available in Hokkaido. The color, mouthfeel, and structure is essentially the same as the generic Sapporo Black Label lager available worldwide, but the flavor is distinct. Typical of most Japanese dry lagers, this one is well attenuated with no unconverted sugars available to taste. A good hit of bittering hops makes sure the “dry” point is driven home. The initial bitter is followed by a good, rich maltiness that fades smoothly to a clean finish. Just a little more bitter, and they will be approaching Wernesgruener territory! This one is up there with the “gold can” Sapporo brewed with 100% Hokkaido barley and hops. As this is a limited edition both for time and sales territory, give it a try if you have the chance!