Keg at Ant ’n Bee - Tokyo. Pours clear ruby with a creamy, khaki head. Moderate smoke in the nose, some ripening apples, toasted wholegrain bread. Medium sweet flavour with notes of candied ham, mild campfire, brown bread, low bitterness. Medium bodied with fine to average carbonation. Decent balance to the finish, with restrained smokiness, sturdy malty sweetness, more bread, light caramel, a little alcohol. Very nice overall.

Tap at Takumi. Deep brown with red and orange tints, hazy, with a low thick head. PRetty. Rich smoky nose, bacon, some caramel and chocolate. Rich bacon flavor, very smoky, caramel, grains. It is a somewhat ale-like fruity tartness and acidity that is not terrible but isn’t welcome in a lager. Some cherry and apple. Medium body, soft carbonation. Good but could be improved.