Happoshu
Term from the Brauwerkstatt brewing glossary, category “Beer styles”.
Explanation
Japanese beer-like drink with less malt than beer. Under Japanese law only a drink made with at least 50 percent malt counts as beer, so happoshu was taxed at a lower rate for a long time. There is also the “third category” with even less malt or none at all. Since October 2026 all three have been taxed the same.
Test your knowledge
What is happoshu?
- A Japanese beer-like drink with less malt
- A plum beer
- A rice wine
Show answer
Correct: A Japanese beer-like drink with less malt. In Japan only a drink made with at least half malt counts as beer, so happoshu was taxed at a lower rate for a long time.
Which country does the beer style “Happoshu” come from?
- Japan
- South Korea
- Vietnam
Show answer
Correct: Japan. Japanese beer-like drink with less malt than beer.