Asahi Honnama Clear Black
Asahi Breweries Ltd

 

Please note, that I am rating according to style (crap) not on absolute values.

A - very dark body with red highlights when held to the light.
S - Very fresh but light aroma.
T - very light but slightly roasty flavor apparent. It is as if the roastyness effectively covers all the defects innate of the happoshu style.
M - Very light body and refreshingly carbonated.
D - Refreshing and nice.

Appearance: The can boasts that "roasted malts" were used, and it shows, as this is exceptionally good-looking for the style. Very dark, a rich mahogany brown with an autumnal orange light burning from within. Head is initially very impressive, tall, smooth, and the color of perfectly toasted French vanilla cafe latte marshmallows. Poor retention.

Smell: Not as rich as it looks. Mild barley tea with weak carob notes, caramel, apple cores, and fresh grain. In general, nice but a bit weak; the adjuncty funk of the style is well hidden, but not completely hidden.

Taste: Odd, but not bad. On the watery side, but interesting enough. Acidic, slightly resinous hops lend an unexpected piquancy, a distraction from the smooth yet funky and bland malt/adjunct base. Lots of caramel and almonds, with a shy chocolatey undercurrent that emerges in the finish. Adjuncts interfere with an otherwise tasty beer, adding a weird, starchy, sticky twang. As far as beer goes, it's not great, but as far as happoshu goes, it's outstanding.

Mouthfeel: Exceedingly thin, very watery with bubbles that are both too large and too few.

Drinkability: Not bad, really, and nice with the right cheese - Swiss or Asiago would do.