Happoshu in the states

Finding them State side is really hard.

Came across maybe I can count on one hand? at either a solid Japanese or Sushi restaurant. I have even been in several Japanese specialized market shops and they don't carry them around here either. I am guessing it doesn't make sense for them to carry a liquor license for those economically and I am sure the Japanese ones hardly get exported?

When I have seen it in restaurants, I have come across Beniaka which is sweet potato.
Niagara Ale which is white grapes.

Hardly seems like Happoshu, but they are interesting actually.

 

To be blunt, I'm not sure why companies should go through the trouble of exporting an alcoholic beverage like Happoshu. It'd be like US brewers exporting 3.2 beer - is that really worth the time and expense for exporting compared to standard strength products?

Both alternatives serve a legal purpose in their country, but aren't really sought out otherwise.

 

The import taxes would jack up the price on any happoshu brought over, totally negating the point of its existence.

 

Ah, Happoshu, I haven't had one yet . Next one I see, I'll grab it right off!....Honestly.....

 

Well, European brewers and US brewers both have exported NA beers for decades. Must be financially rewarding for them.

US import taxes? They'd be no different than any other US federal excise tax on beer, imported or domestic, regardless of alcohol content. (About 5¢ a can). I don't know how it works for Japanese brewers exporting beer, but in the US, beer that is exported out of the country does not pay US excise tax and my impression is that is true in most countries.

Brewers Removing Beer and Beer Concentrate from Bonded Premises Without Payment of Tax

 

I'd argue NA beer is very different from 3.2 and Happoshu. Presumably NA attracts a different crowd than those trying to buy cheap alcoholic beer or "beer". The sole purpose of Happoshu is offering a low cost alcoholic beverage - very different products, very different intentions.

 

I just returned from two weeks in the Tokyo area. I think that I was able to avoid happoshu the whole time. I had one giant draft mega jockey that might have been one.

 

Japanese beer (ie. Actual beer brewed in Japan) imported into the US costs significantly more than it does in Japan.

 

I don't think I have ever tried any of these. If I'm buying a Japanese lager I'm looking for an all malt option and there are a few. The real steal is awesome, fresh Japanese sake. For me it's the best value, style often varies by region so it's fun to try when traveling and is delicious.

 

There has been some general (e.g., non-Happoshu beers) discussion so...has Sapporo started producing their beers at the Stone breweries they purchased yet?

Cheers!

 

That's true of most imported brands sold in the US - maybe not for a few high tax countries, I think some Canadian beers might be cheaper here, but they also don't have the expense of ocean shipping.

Otherwise, most imported brands in the US cost more here than in their home market - transportation, logistics (extra warehousing, etc.), the added cut for the extra "tier" (Importer) and the desire for more profit (the American beer buyer generally accepts the "Import" price segment) all contribute to that, but not US Fed. Excise Tax which is the same for importers and larger domestic breweries.

And last I looked (the DoC's site is decidedly un-consumer-friendly) the only countries that would be charged a Tariff for beer were places like North Korean and Cuba - where embargoes are in place, anyway and little demand for their beer.

But even the non-Japan-brewed big "Japanese" brands marketed the US [below] brewed in the US or Canada (or Italy or Vietnam) are expensive and, not that I pay attention, are probably being sold at a similar suggested retail price as when they were Japanese imports?

Still on hold - the Stone marketing department and the graphics folks can't agree on which Japanese characters to use which translate to "FIZZY YELLOW BEER".

 

FWIW I lived very close to Mitsuwa for a number of years and looked for Happoshu there often (for the tick of course!) and they never carried, likely for the reasons elucidated throughout this thread. Very informative, thanks y’all!