Asahi Super Dry launched in 1987 and changed Japanese beer, creating the karakuchi or super dry style that chases a crisp, sharp, bone-dry finish with almost no lingering sweetness. It is one of the most refreshing macro-style lagers you can buy, built around dryness and a clean bite. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and whether it lives up to the reputation.
Asahi Super Dry at a glance
| Style | Japanese rice lager |
| ABV | 5.0% |
| Calories | Around 145 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 11g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Asahi Breweries, Japan |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, rice, corn, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Super Dry is all about the crisp, dry finish, with a light body and a clean, sharp bite rather than any sweetness.
The full review
It pours pale gold and very clear, with a quick white head. The aroma is clean and light, a little grainy with a faint hop note and almost no sweetness. It smells crisp, which is the whole idea.
On the palate it delivers on the dry promise. There is a light grain flavor up front, then a sharp, clean, bone-dry finish with a touch of bitterness and no lingering sweetness at all. The rice keeps the body light and the whole thing snappy. It is genuinely refreshing in a way sweeter lagers are not.
That dry finish makes it a superb food beer, cutting cleanly through rich, fatty or spicy dishes, and it is a natural with Japanese food. Served ice cold it is crisp and moreish, and while it is not a complex beer, the dryness gives it a real point of difference.
Value is fair for a premium import. It costs a little more than the domestic macros, but the distinctive super dry character makes it worth the small step up for anyone who likes a crisp, clean beer.
How I actually drink it
Cold, straight from the bottle into a chilled glass, with a bag of Doritos on the side. That salty, spicy crunch against the bone-dry finish is one of my favorite lazy-evening pairings, no fancy food match needed.
Dryness turned into a whole philosophy, and it works.
- Exceptionally crisp and bone-dry
- Clean, refreshing and moreish
- Excellent with food
- Distinctive super dry character
- Very little malt sweetness or body
- Not for those who like a rounder lager
- Costs more than the macros
Who it is for
Anyone who loves a crisp, dry, refreshing lager, especially with food. If you like this, a Sapporo or a Kirin Ichiban are natural comparisons.
Asahi Super Dry FAQs
What does Asahi Super Dry taste like?
Crisp and light with a clean grain flavor and a sharp, bone-dry finish with no lingering sweetness. Exceptionally refreshing, the definition of the super dry style.
What does super dry or karakuchi mean?
It refers to a crisp, dry finish with minimal sweetness. Asahi Super Dry created this style in Japan in 1987.
How strong is Asahi Super Dry?
It is 5.0% ABV, a full-strength lager.
How many calories are in Asahi Super Dry?
Around 145 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 11g of carbs.
Is Asahi Super Dry vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, rice, corn, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Asahi Super Dry gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
What food goes with Asahi Super Dry?
Its dry finish cuts through rich, fatty and spicy food, and it is a natural match for Japanese dishes and sushi.
Is Asahi a lager?
Yes, it is a Japanese rice lager brewed in the super dry style.
Where to buy Asahi Super Dry
Asahi Super Dry is widely sold in the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Asahi Super Dry is one of the most distinctive macro-style lagers around, built entirely on a crisp, bone-dry finish that makes it exceptionally refreshing and a superb match for food. It is light on malt and simple in the end, but the dryness gives it real character. A strong three point seven out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
Asahi Super Dry is one of more than 50 we tasted. Browse the complete ranked list in our best lager beer guide guide.
For more like this, see our guide to the best Japanese lagers.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Asahi Super Dry?
Asahi Super Dry is a Japanese rice lager, at 5.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Asahi Super Dry?
Asahi Super Dry has an ABV of 5.0%.
How many calories are in Asahi Super Dry?
Asahi Super Dry has Around 145 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Asahi Super Dry gluten free?
Asahi Super Dry: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Asahi Super Dry have carbs?
Yes, Asahi Super Dry has Around 11g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Asahi Super Dry taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
What is a good alternative to Asahi Super Dry?
If you can’t find Asahi Super Dry, Sapporo Premium is a close alternative in the same Japanese rice lager category.
How much does Asahi Super Dry cost?
Asahi Super Dry typically runs Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Asahi Super Dry without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Asahi Super Dry?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Japanese rice lager like Asahi Super Dry. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
