Under the dazzling Okinawan sun, what's the one thing you want to gulp down? Definitely beer!
So this time, we tried tasting 12 different types of beer from leading Okinawan breweries and local craft beers!
Discovering delicious alcoholic beverages is one of the joys of traveling. At the end of the day, after having a blast at the beach, enjoy a refreshing gulp of Okinawa's proud, delicious beer!

※please note
This review is based entirely on my own opinions and biases (and I'm also terrible at pouring beer). Please forgive me for any shortcomings.
The evaluation was based on a 5-star rating system for "aroma" and "character." We hope this will be helpful in enjoying Okinawan beer according to your travel situation and preferences.

<Lineup>
1. Orion
1-1. Orion Beer
1-2. Ryukyu White
1-3. The First Cherry Blossom
1-4. The Best of Summer
2. Helios
2-1. Bitter Melon Beer
2-2. Beer under the blue sky and sea
2-3. Shikuwasa White Ale
2-4. Angel's Red Ale
4. Four types of craft beer
3-1. Nihede Beer Soft
3-2. Nihedevier Hard
3-3. Nihedhe Beer Black Ale
3-4. Ishigaki Island Craft Beer
4. It tastes better because you're drinking it in Okinawa!

A well-known, long-established manufacturer that Okinawa is proud of.
Leading the pack is "Orion Draft Beer," which has been loved by the people of Okinawa since its creation in 1960, along with a selection of other high-quality, delicious beers!

　1-1. Orion Draft Beer

【evaluation】
Scent: ★★★☆☆
Quirkiness: ★☆☆☆☆
Type: Lager

This is the quintessential Okinawan beer.
Orion Beer is available on the mainland as well, but drinking Orion Beer in Okinawa is definitely the best!
This beer has a clean, refreshing taste that makes it easy to drink down quickly.

A must-try when you come to Okinawa.

　1-2. Ryukyu White

【evaluation】
Scent: ★★★★☆
Quirkiness: ★★☆☆☆
Type: Ale

This is the second release in the Orion Craft series, brewed in limited quantities under the concept of "Okinawa's craft beer that the world can be proud of!"
This beer has a delightful complex aroma, a blend of sweetness and spiciness.

This Okinawan craft beer is only available now. It's definitely worth trying!
It goes well with both fish and meat dishes!

　1-3. The First Cherry Blossom

【evaluation】
Scent: ★★★★☆
Quirkiness: ★☆☆☆☆
Type: Lager

This is a limited-edition seasonal beer that is released every year around the end of the year.
Okinawan residents say that when they see "Ichiban Sakura" (the first cherry blossom variety) on the shelves, they really feel like it's the end of the year.

As the product name suggests, you can enjoy a soft, elegant, and fruity flavor.
It pairs especially well with warm dishes like hot pot and oden!

　1-4. The Best of Summer

【evaluation】
Scent: ★★☆☆☆
Quirkiness: ★☆☆☆☆
Type: Lager

This is another beer that Orion releases for a limited time every year.
This beer is characterized by its crisp taste and the refreshing bitterness that lingers in the mouth.

On a scorching hot summer day, it's absolutely perfect to drink this with the glass chilled to perfection!
Pairing it with festival-style dishes like Okinawan tempura and okonomiyaki instantly puts you in a summer mood.

While the product names might suggest a lot of quirky or unusual items, the selection actually consists of refreshing and easy-to-drink beverages.
These are impactful items that are distinctly Okinawan, making them highly recommended as souvenirs!

　2-1. Bitter Melon Beer

【evaluation】
Scent: ★☆☆☆☆
Quirkiness: ★★☆☆☆

Helios' flagship beer.
It's a rather impactful product name, but it's a beer that beer lovers should definitely try.
The moment you bring it to your lips, you can smell the bitter melon, but when you drink it, it has a very refreshing and straightforward taste.

The refreshing bitterness of the bitter melon is pleasant in a good way ♪
It pairs well with oily foods such as fried and stir-fried dishes.

　2-2. Beer under the blue sky and sea

【evaluation】
Scent: ★★★★☆
Quirkiness: ★★★☆☆
Type: Ale

This is another Helios representative Weizen beer.
It features the characteristic cloudiness and rich aroma of a Weizen, but as the product name suggests, it has a refreshing taste.

It pairs well with nuts and chocolate!

　2-3. Shikuwasa White Ale

【evaluation】
Scent: ★★☆☆☆
Quirkiness: ★☆☆☆☆
Type: Ale

This is another beer that pleasantly surprises you.
It has very little bitterness, and the aroma and acidity of the shikwasa are perfectly balanced. It's common to pair citrus fruits with foods that have a strong flavor, and this is exactly that kind of combination.

The harshness of the beer is suppressed, leaving a refreshing aftertaste like fruit juice.
This beer can be enjoyed not only with a meal, but also as a dessert beer.

　2-4. Angel's Red Ale

【evaluation】
Scent: ★★★☆☆
Uniqueness: ★★★★☆

This ale is sold only during the winter season.
It features a gentle bitterness and sweetness, making it a very easy-to-drink beer despite its appearance.

It leaves a sweet aftertaste, making it a great choice as a dessert beer.
Although it's a limited-time product, it's relatively easy to find in souvenir shops and similar places.

Craft beer refers to beer produced in small quantities.
Because of its limited availability, this beer is perfect for enjoying while traveling in its place of origin.

This time, we compared two of Okinawa's leading craft beers: "Nihede Beer" and "Ishigaki Island Beer"!

　3-1. Nihede Beer Soft

【evaluation】
Scent: ★★★★☆
Quirkiness: ★★★☆☆
Type: Craft

A refreshing Okinawan beer with no unpleasant aftertaste.
The vibrant, fruity scent is reminiscent of the tropics, which is great.
It has the cloudy appearance and yeast aroma typical of craft beer, but the taste is straightforward and refreshing.

This craft beer is perfect to enjoy with a meal.

　3-2. Nihedevier Hard

【evaluation】
Scent: ★★★★☆
Uniqueness: ★★★★☆
Type: Ale

This craft beer is perfect for drinking in hot Okinawa.
It has a sweet and savory flavor reminiscent of caramel. You can enjoy the unique characteristics typical of craft beer, but it's surprisingly easy to drink.

This is highly recommended for those trying craft beer for the first time!

　3-3. Nihedhe Beer Black Ale

【evaluation】
Scent: ★★★☆☆
Uniqueness: ★★★★☆
Type: Ale

Compared to the dark beers you might find in bars, this beer is characterized by its lighter taste.
It has a sweet, coffee-like flavor, and is the sweetest and full-bodied of all the Nihede beers.
This is also recommended for people who "aren't particularly fond of" dark beer.

It pairs perfectly with richly flavored snacks like cheese and meat dishes!

　3-4. Ishigaki Island Craft Beer

【evaluation】
Scent: ★★★☆☆
Uniqueness: ★★★★★
Type: Ale

This beer offers the quintessential Weizen beer experience (made with wheat and characterized by a rich, banana-like aroma).
It has little bitterness and a rich aroma and flavor, like a fruit compote.
This beer has a long-lasting aftertaste, so you can enjoy it even without any snacks!

It's also recommended as a dessert beer after a meal.

The beers we tasted this time were all unique and each had its own distinct deliciousness.
However, there is one thing they all have in common.

It means that "Okinawan beer is made to be drunk in Okinawa!"

Compared to beers from other manufacturers and craft beers, I was impressed by how light and refreshing they all generally were.

Under the strong sun, with the sea breeze blowing, I gulp it down, my throat rumbling.
Okinawan beers are probably the perfect fit for that kind of situation.

Of course, it makes a great souvenir, but when you travel to Okinawa, be sure to try Okinawan beer while you're there!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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