Most Japanese beers do have some rice. As does Budweiser. But Japanese breweries have for the last 20 yr. or more also been producing all malt beers.Sapporo and Asahi both make a decent all malt beer although not really to my taste. But then I prefer heavier, bitter beers. Guiness and McEwan's Scotch Ale are two of my favorites.

They have good and bad beers the same as anybody does. I generally like their beers. I like a Kirin Ischiban with sake and sushi. Yes, of course all at the same time.

Taste is what it is, not all are the same, personally I like Sapporo, also Asahi super dry, I have had some sweeter beers, 1 recently though I don"t remember the name, it was an American brewed sorghum beer. That was actually good -I would not drink more than 2 in a sitting though, it would prob build up. Not all Japanese beers are bad or sweet for that matter. Try 'em a little at a time + you may find 1 that sits good.Best of luck w/the search

Sapporo is made from Hops, Barley, and Rice! Its in the FAQ.http://www.sapporobeer.com/

Yes some of the Japanese beers use rice in the recipe grist bill.You don't like them so what no big deal. The beers that are sweet to you contain some residual sweetness from their particular recipe formulation and brewing process.Some of the beers are German style such as helles or Czech Pils. These beers have a bit of dryness caused by the grain treatment during mashing. It is something like astringency from tannins and such.Just as I said, straight from a Japanese Brewing Co site. Nice beers.Arigato.Domo arigato.Yeah, but without the fruit, seaweed, and of course more water. LOL

OK, I like beer...imported beer and ale...and I have never had a problem with food allergies, with the exception of a minor reaction to a certain rice dish.I also am a student of Japanese Culture...and I love it, BUT.........Why is their beer so damned awful? And, more importantly, what do they ferment to make it? Is it made from rice? (no, I am not kidding, this is a real question, not a trollish jest) I can drink beer usually with absolutely no reaction, but I got amazingly sick off of two cans of Sapporo. What gives? Anybody know their imported beers well enough to comment. Also, why is Japanese Beer so "sweet" tasting?Thanks, I appreciate the help.Thanks to Mr. R and Beergod. I kind of figured there was rice in it...sort of like a fermented "Onigiri."Sweet I can deal with...I've had some Pilsners that I have liked...but for some reason get sick, not hungover but sick when I drink it. It has to be a rice allergy. But then, a Sushi Bar should be hell for me...but I have never had any other adverse reaction to rice products. Strange.Charles: Hmm, I can't drink Bud either...gotta be the rice, eh? Allergic to beer? Noooooooooo!