Exploring the World of Tap Bars in Japan: A Beginner's Guide

What is a Tap Bar?

Hey there! I'm your friendly guide to the wonderful world of tap bars in Japan. Today, I'll be taking you on a journey to discover the unique and exciting culture of these establishments. So, what exactly is a tap bar?

A tap bar is a special type of bar where you can enjoy a variety of beers poured directly from kegs. The "tap" refers to the faucet or spout connected to the keg, and together with the "bar," it creates a unique drinking experience. The number of taps available at a tap bar varies, and each one offers a different selection of beers to explore.

If you're a beer enthusiast, the tap bar is like a paradise, offering a wide range of beers to suit all tastes. From craft beers to well-known brewery favorites, there's something for everyone. The tap bar concept is quite diverse, and you'll find bars that specialize in certain types of beer, as well as those that offer a wide variety, including bottled and canned options from around the world.

Ordering at a Tap Bar

How to Order Your Drink

Now, let's talk about how to order your drink at a tap bar. There are two main styles of ordering: self-service and traditional. In the self-service style, you are given a "beer card" or a "wristband with an embedded chip" when you enter. You then choose your beer from the taps, hold your band over the touch panel or insert your card, and pour your desired amount. This style is common in overseas tap bars but is less common in Japan.

Traditional Ordering

The traditional ordering style, which is more familiar to Japanese patrons, involves looking at the menu and ordering from the server. You can choose from different glass sizes, such as a pint (473ml) or a half-pint (234ml), and specify which tap you'd like your beer from. Some bars also offer "beer flights," which are tasting sets that allow you to sample a variety of beers in smaller glasses.

Understanding ABV, IBU, and SRM

When you look at a tap bar's beer menu, you'll often see terms like "ABV," "IBU," and "SRM" listed alongside the price and product description. But what do these terms mean?

• "ABV" stands for "Alcohol By Volume" and indicates the alcohol content of the beer. In Japan, the higher the number, the stronger the beer.
• "IBU" represents "International Bitterness Units," and it measures the bitterness of the beer. A higher IBU value means a more bitter beer, although this can be balanced by the sugar content.
• "SRM" refers to the color of the beer. The higher the SRM number, the darker the beer.

The History and Evolution of Beer

A Journey Through Time

Beer has a long and fascinating history, dating back to around 3000 BC when the Sumerians in Mesopotamia are believed to have brewed the first beer by mixing water with breadcrumbs. Beer then spread to Egypt, where it was served to those building the pyramids. At that time, beer was considered "drinkable bread" due to its nutritional value and energizing properties.

Over the centuries, the art of brewing beer evolved, with different regions adding their own unique twists. The Germanic people began using naturally fermented wort instead of breadcrumbs, and the Roman Emperor Karl the Great promoted beer as a safe alternative to unsanitary raw water. In the Middle Ages, Christian monks and private brewers began experimenting with ingredients, adding medicinal herbs and hops.

Standardization and Innovation

However, not all beers were created equal, and the quality varied greatly. This led to the enactment of the "Beer Purity Law" in 1516 by Wilhelm IV, the Duke of Bavaria, which standardized the ingredients used in German beer, resulting in its worldwide fame for quality.

The invention of the cooling machine and pasteurization in the 19th century revolutionized beer-making, allowing for bottom-fermented beer to be produced year-round and improving its preservation. Around the same time, Danish fermentation physiologist Emil Christian Hansen developed the "pure culture method" for yeast, ensuring consistent quality in beer production.

Types of Beer

Exploring Beer Styles

When you visit a tap bar, you'll encounter a wide variety of beer styles or types. There are over 100 beer styles globally, which can be categorized into three main groups based on ingredients, roasting processes, and fermentation methods: lagers, ales, and others.

Lagers: Refreshing and Easy-Drinking

Lager beers are bottom-fermented at cool temperatures using lager yeast, resulting in a refreshing and easy-drinking beer. The most popular style within this category is "Pilsner," known for its clear golden color, creamy foam, and moderate bitterness. Japan's "Ichiban Shibori" and "Super Dry" are famous examples of this style.

Ales: Rich and Mellow

Ale beers, on the other hand, are top-fermented at warmer temperatures using ale yeast. These beers are meant to be savored like wine, with a rich and mellow flavor. Ale beers come in various styles, from fruity and full-bodied to cloudy and round, offering a diverse range of tastes.

Others: Naturally Fermented

The "others" category includes beers that are naturally fermented at room temperature, without bottom or top fermentation. Some of these beers have distinctive aromas, strong sour or sweet tastes, or even champagne-like flavors.

The Craft Beer Revolution

Craft Beer's Rise in Popularity

In recent years, craft beer has taken the world by storm, especially among young people. Craft beer, or locally brewed beer, has a unique character that varies depending on the region and brewery. In Japan, the craft beer movement began in 1994 with the revision of the Liquor Tax Law, which lowered the minimum production requirement, allowing small breweries to enter the market.

Japan's First Craft Beer

The first craft beer in Japan was created by Niigata-based Echigo Beer Co. in 1995, and since then, the country has seen an explosion of unique and innovative beers. Craft beers are often served at tap bars, and you can also find them at dedicated sections in convenience stores.

The Appeal of Tap Bars

Why Visit a Tap Bar?

So, what's so great about tap bars? Well, for one, they offer a casual drinking experience. Whether you're stopping by after work or meeting friends, tap bars provide a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a drink or two. Additionally, tap bars often have well-thought-out food and drink pairings, with staff recommending the perfect craft beer to complement your meal.

Affordability and Variety

Tap bars are also surprisingly affordable, with prices comparable to regular restaurants, despite their impressive selection and unique ambiance. You can expect drinks starting at around 500 JPY and food at 700 JPY, making it a great value for your money.

Unique Interior Design

Another charm of tap bars is their interior design. Each establishment has its own unique style, from colorful taps and animal-shaped levers to exotic beer bar vibes and Hawaiian-themed decor. You can truly transport yourself to another world while enjoying your favorite brew.

Discovering Rare Beers

And last but not least, tap bars offer the opportunity to discover rare and unique beers, especially those attached to small breweries in rural areas. You never know when you'll stumble upon a hidden gem of a beer!

Four Basic Styles of Craft Beer

Now, let's dive into the four basic styles of craft beer:

1. Pale Ale: Originating in England, this style is made through top-fermentation using ale yeast. It can be further categorized into English Pale Ale, American Pale Ale, and Belgian Pale Ale, each with its own distinct flavor profile.
2. IPA (India Pale Ale): A must-try for hop lovers, IPA is a variation of English Pale Ale with a stronger hop aroma and increased bitterness.
3. White Ale: Born in Belgium, White Ale is a wheat beer made with Belgian yeast, known for its cloudy white appearance and creamy, soft taste.
4. Stout: Created by the Irish Guinness Company, Stout is a black beer with a distinctive bitterness and a chocolate or coffee-like aroma. It has a high alcohol content and uses barley roasted at high temperatures, resulting in a unique flavor profile.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! I hope this guide has inspired you to explore the wonderful world of tap bars in Japan. Remember, when tasting different beers, try to drink them from lightest to darkest color, or from lowest to highest alcohol content and bitterness, to fully appreciate the nuances in flavor.

Whether you're visiting a small tap bar on vacation or a trendy spot in the entertainment district, the variety and quality of beers you'll encounter are sure to impress. So, go forth and cheers!