Asahi Super Dry 6Pk

Asahi Super Dry 6Pk is Japan's flagship dry lager, available in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles at 5.0% ABV. Brewed with Asahi's proprietary yeast strain No. 318 — the key to its signature high-attenuation dryness — this pilsner earned 88 points and a "Highly Recommended" rating from Tastings.com.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Osaka, Japan  |  Style: Japanese Dry Lager (Pilsner)  |  Brewery: Asahi Breweries

Production & Heritage

Asahi Breweries traces its roots to the Suita Brewery in Osaka, built in 1891. Super Dry, launched in 1987, revolutionized the Japanese beer market by introducing the "karakuchi" (dry) style that rapidly became the country's dominant beer category. The brew uses a grain bill of malted barley, rice, corn, and starch, fermented with the proprietary Asahi yeast strain No. 318. This particular yeast drives an exceptionally high attenuation rate, consuming nearly all residual sugars during fermentation and producing the clean, sharp dryness that defines the brand. The result is a highly carbonated pilsner with a notably lean, crisp body that finishes dry rather than sweet.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet grain leads on the nose, followed by a faint cereal note and gentle hints of fruit. The overall impression is restrained and clean, with none of the heavy malt character found in many European pilsners.

Taste: The entry is bright with corn sweetness and a subtle touch of honey. Mid-palate, a zingy citrus quality emerges — think pomelo peel and a squeeze of lemon juice. Very light malt flavor runs throughout, with minimal hop bitterness keeping things streamlined and refreshing.

Finish: Clean and medium in length, ending with a simple barley note and a distinctive touch of dryness. The high carbonation lifts any residual sweetness off the palate quickly, leaving a sharp, satisfying close.

How to Drink Asahi Super Dry

Serve ice-cold, ideally between 38–42°F, poured into a chilled glass to preserve the effervescent carbonation that defines the drinking experience. The lean, dry character also makes it remarkably versatile in beer cocktails. A Michelada benefits from Super Dry's crisp dryness, which cuts through the lime and hot sauce without adding competing sweetness. A Shandy pairs the beer's subtle grain sweetness with fresh lemonade for an easy warm-weather drink. A Beer Highball — a Japanese bar staple mixing beer with whisky highball — works naturally here, as Super Dry's clean profile lets the whisky's character come through.

Best For

• Pairing with sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese cuisine
• Summer cookouts and grilling sessions where a crisp, refreshing lager is essential
• Introducing someone to Japanese beer styles beyond mainstream American lagers
• Stocking a home bar for versatile food-friendly entertaining

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Asahi Super Dry taste like? Asahi Super Dry delivers bright corn sweetness, a hint of honey, and subtle citrus peel notes, all carried on a light, highly carbonated body. The hallmark is its clean, dry finish with very little residual sweetness — a direct result of the high-attenuation brewing process.

How does Asahi Super Dry compare to Kirin Ichiban? Both are flagship Japanese lagers, but Kirin Ichiban tends to have a crisper initial palate with a slightly longer, more lingering finish. Asahi Super Dry leans drier and sharper, with higher carbonation and less residual malt sweetness than Kirin Ichiban.

Is Asahi Super Dry good for pairing with food? Asahi Super Dry is one of the most food-friendly lagers available, particularly alongside Japanese cuisine. Its high carbonation and dry finish cleanse the palate between bites of rich, fatty, or umami-driven dishes.

Where is Asahi Super Dry made? Asahi Super Dry originates from Asahi Breweries in Japan, with the company's historic Suita Brewery in Osaka dating to 1891. Versions sold internationally may be brewed under license in other countries, though the recipe and yeast strain remain consistent.

What foods pair well with Asahi Super Dry? Sushi and sashimi pair naturally, as the dry finish complements raw fish without overwhelming it. Tempura benefits from the beer's carbonation cutting through the oil. Grilled yakitori skewers match the light malt sweetness. Spicy ramen works well because the crisp body tempers chili heat. Even lighter fare like edamame or gyoza makes an excellent companion.

What sizes does Asahi Super Dry come in? Asahi Super Dry is widely available in 12 oz bottles and cans, including this six-pack format, as well as larger 22 oz bottles and draft options at many establishments.

Is Asahi Super Dry worth the price? Asahi Super Dry positions as a premium import lager, priced above domestic macro lagers but in line with other Japanese imports like Sapporo and Kirin. For fans of clean, dry beer styles, it delivers a distinctive character that standard pilsners do not replicate.

Why Asahi Super Dry?

The proprietary yeast strain No. 318 is genuinely unique to Asahi and central to the beer's identity — no other major brewer replicates this exact fermentation profile. That high attenuation produces a dryness uncommon among mass-market lagers, giving Super Dry a sharpness and clarity that earned it 88 points from Tastings.com. Since its 1987 debut, it essentially created the Japanese dry lager category and remains Japan's best-selling beer. For anyone seeking a pilsner that finishes clean rather than sweet, with the carbonation and restraint to pair seamlessly with food, Asahi Super Dry stands as the definitive expression of the karakuchi style.