Kinshachi Blue Label

Kinshachi Blue Label beer. When I first heard the name I could only think of one thing, PBR. To those of you not fortunate enough to know what that is, let me enlighten you. Past Blue Ribbon is perhaps the finest cheap beer around. It is steeped in tradition and has won many awards, and even got a great review from Charlie Papazian himself. While drinking large quantities of it will give you the worst abdominal pain ever, it’s always near the top of beer lovers’ lists of favorite cheap beers.
The Kinshachi Blue Label tastes nothing like PBR. But it is pretty good. Made by the same folks that brought us the Green tea Beer (yuck) and the Red Miso beer (surprisingly tasty!) the Blue Label hits the mark. I didn’t know exactly what to expect since my first two beers from this brewery were on opposite ends of the spectrum. But, since they are made in Nagoya (Landbeer Brewery) we felt we better try out all that they have to offer.
If you love a good pilsner, you will love this beer. In fact, if I had been blindfolded, I would have sworn that I was drinking a Pilsner Urquell; the taste was that similar. Of course when trying to make a good pilsner, trying to imitate the beer that is most commonly associated with said type isn’t a bad idea. This beer had that distinct Czech pilsner bite and bitterness that makes it so great. The beer was light and refreshing. I would love to find this beer on draft somewhere, and rumor has it that it can be found in Nagoya! Sounds like a trip in the making!
Again, the major downside to this beer is the price. At nearly $5 a bottle, it isn’t something that you just pick up a six-pack of every day. The beer is good, but is it $5 worth good? Back home $5 from the store for a single beer can get a double deuce of something really good, like the Boss Cox Double Dark IPA or some Ruination IPA! I’ve said it before and I am sure I will say it again, you can buy a Yona Yona Ale or some Black Malts for about half the price, and honestly, you would be getting a better beer.
If your weekend takes you to a place that sells the Kinshachi Blue Label and you find a little coin in the bottom of your pocket, pick one up! And never mind that Nate looks like the Grinch stealing your beer in that picture...