Beer column: Brewed with rice, this super dry lager takes inspiration from Japan

If you’re a fan of the popular Japanese-made beer Asahi, you’ll probably love this British Columbia-made craft beer.

It’s called the Scarab Super Dry Lager and it was released by Vancouver’s Strange Fellows Brewing back in May.

Pouring a pale straw colour, with aromas of crisp lager yeast and slight sweetness, Scarab comes in at 4.6% ABV (alcohol by volume) and 19 IBU (international bitterness units).

“Taking inspiration from Japanese super dry lagers, Scarab was brewed with rice and select lager yeast strains yielding a very crisp, light and bright-tasting beer,” the brewery explains.

“Delicate malt flavours are balanced with high carbonation and a subtle bitterness, making way for a thirst-quenching finish.”

The brewery adds that Scarab pairs nicely with tempura, spicy Thai or barbecue, but if you’re not looking to have it with a meal then it’s perfectly enjoyed as an easy-drinking option on a nice day.

The name and can may seem a little weird at first glance, but the beer is named for a species of beetle that is quite prevalent in Japan.

“Beloved ancient symbol of rebirth and good luck, the scarab beetle’s earthly toils mirror the sun’s eternal cycle,” a post from Strange Fellows says.

“Unlike the scarab’s desert dwelling, however, this super dry lager, with its thirst-quenching character, is ultra-refreshing and reviving.”

If you’re looking to track down this beer and try it as the hot weather returns to BC, it’s available at 87 BC Liquor Stores across the province.

While that’s the easiest spot to find it in many communities, it should be carried at many private liquor stores that focus on craft beer as well.

Josh Duncan is the NowMedia news director and a craft beer lover. Reach him at [email protected]. His beer column appears every Saturday afternoon in this space.