Japan is a way better place than it used to be

Haven't tried any of 'em yet, though.

(For those joining the story late: brewers' cheapskate reluctance to use hops is generally the bane of the dreadful Asian beer industry.)

Taster's update after jump:

Well, now I know. The Kirin "Sparkling Hop" turns out to be nothing to get excited about. It is some kind of weird near-beer that, to me, is blah. I should have noticed the fine print on the label: "The Flavor of Frozen Hop."

On the other hand, Yebisu's "The Hop" is good, and the Kirin brand below is OK. The label says Toretate Hoppu, freshly picked hops. That suggests a little more than the beer delivers, but in general I'm thankful for Japan's new bounty.