Michelob beer in Japan?

[Kevin]

This is a pretty random question, I know... But does anyone know whether or not Michelob beer is available in Japan?

The reason is that I recently received a wedding gift from a japanese fraternity brother. The guy's truly one of my favorite people in the world. I remember during rush way back when, we were going to one of those unofficial rush afterparties... he was in the back of my car talking about how much he loved America and loved Michelob beer. The guy ended up being president of the international student senate among other things. He now works in Japan on some kind of U.S.-Japan relations team.

At any rate, I want to send the guy a case of Michelob, but if he can just buy the stuff at the local liquor store, I'm not going to spend the $38.50 in shipping costs.

Anyone know?

[Kevlar281]

I know for a fact that Budweiser is available in Japan so it would be a safe assumption that other Anheuser-Busch Products would be available.

[jon1856]

Originally Posted by Kevin

This is a pretty random question, I know... But does anyone know whether or not Michelob beer is available in Japan?

The reason is that I recently received a wedding gift from a japanese fraternity brother. The guy's truly one of my favorite people in the world. I remember during rush way back when, we were going to one of those unofficial rush afterparties... he was in the back of my car talking about how much he loved America and loved Michelob beer. The guy ended up being president of the international student senate among other things. He now works in Japan on some kind of U.S.-Japan relations team.

At any rate, I want to send the guy a case of Michelob, but if he can just buy the stuff at the local liquor store, I'm not going to spend the $38.50 in shipping costs.

Anyone know?

While I do not know one way or the other, my suggestion would be to go to the AB web site and tell them the story and ask them.
http://anheuser-busch.com/
http://www.anheuser-busch.com/misc/contact.html
http://www.michelob.com/id_michelob.html

[FHwku]

yes.

I know for a fact that they do have Michelob in Japan. I had a few Ultras last time I was there.

I'll assume that your brother lives in or near a big city -- so I'd say that it'd be as readily available for purchase as Kirin and Asahi are in the United States.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by OTW

I know for a fact that they do have Michelob in Japan. I had a few Ultras last time I was there.

I'll assume that your brother lives in or near a big city -- so I'd say that it'd be as readily available for purchase as Kirin and Asahi are in the United States.

I've never seen Kirin before... but yeah, look at my location. That should explain it

Thanks.

[CutiePie2000]

Kirin is nummy; it's readily available in the 'Couv (pronounced "coov"), aka V-Town/Vancity.

[jon1856]

Originally Posted by Kevin

I've never seen Kirin before... but yeah, look at my location. That should explain it

Thanks.

Kevin;
Something that you should give a thought or two about.
Just as pizza, bagels, corn-beef, and pastrami do not taste the same outside of NY could be the same with beer.
Why? The water, among other things.
Would be rather interesting to know just where the beer, be it A-B or Kirin is bottled.
And I just got home from shopping . Next time I go out, have to check out the Kirin bottle.

[AlphaSigOU]

Originally Posted by jon1856

Kevin;
Something that you should give a thought or two about.
Just as pizza, bagels, cornbeef, and pastromie do not taste the same outside of NY could be the same with beer.
Why? The water, among other things.
Would be rather interesting to know just where the beer, be it A-B or Kirin is bottled.
And I just got home from shopping . Next time I go out, have to check out the Kirin bottle.

Oh yeah... Oklahoma and their whacked-out liquor laws... Anything over 3.2% alcohol content by weight (volume?) has to be sold warm (read: unrefrigerated) at a retail liquor store. Not very conducive to proper storage of beer. And ya better get it before 9 p.m.!

Another case in point: the Heineken sold in Europe tastes quite a bit different than the stuff sold here. 'Domestic' (read: European) Heiney is in brown bottles; the stuff they sell here is their export version.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by AlphaSigOU

Oh yeah... Oklahoma and their whacked-out liquor laws... Anything over 3.2% alcohol content by weight (volume?) has to be sold warm (read: unrefrigerated) at a retail liquor store. Not very conducive to proper storage of beer. And ya better get it before 9 p.m.!

Another case in point: the Heineken sold in Europe tastes quite a bit different than the stuff sold here. 'Domestic' (read: European) Heiney is in brown bottles; the stuff they sell here is their export version.

I hate our liquor laws.

Funny thing --my grandmother was telling me the other day that she actually enjoyed prohibition. She says the prices and selection were better, and the bootleggers' services included home delivery.

-- what's not to like?

[AlphaSigOU]

Now if you're in the DFW metroplex you hafta be damned good at map reading, 'cause you're navigating a minefield of 'dry' 'moist' and 'wet' areas.

Dry - no retail alcohol sales. Sales in restaurants through a private club.

Moist - beer and wine OK, no restriction on restaurant sales.

Wet - no restrictions.

[Kevin]

A-B emailed me back saying it's not available in Japan if anyone cares.

[Tom Earp]

Actually Bud has Breweries all over the world!

I figured they would have in the in the Orient.

Kirin, yes used to carry it in my liquor store along with all of the imported beers I could get. One of the few of course!

Many were not very good, but others were outstanding in taste. Cost, well another factor and small market.

But, was available! No, Corona, was not a good beer then or now!

Mexicans like Bud! Well that is what they bought.

Originally Posted by Kevin

A-B emailed me back saying it's not available in Japan if anyone cares.

In Japan or in his part of Japan?

Because I know for a fact I had Michelob Ultra the last time I was there (2005). Maybe it was because I had it at the Kansai Airport perhaps?

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by OTW

In Japan or in his part of Japan?

Because I know for a fact I had Michelob Ultra the last time I was there (2005). Maybe it was because I had it at the Kansai Airport perhaps?

Possibly?

Here's the email I received:

Dear Kevin,



Thank you for taking the time to visit our Web site and e-mail Anheuser-Busch. It’s great to hear that you’re re-paying someone’s thoughtful gift idea with one of your own!



Depending on how anxious you are about the $40 shipping price, you might be glad to know that Michelob is not currently available in Japan, neither on draught nor in packaged form. If you plan on sending some to your friend, please check with all international shipping regulations first. Brewers can’t ship beer directly to a customer, but it might be different for individuals.



You might also want to check out the Michelob merchandise available for purchase at www.budshop.com. At this time, Japanese customers cannot order themselves, but a friend in the States is more than welcome to be the “middle man,” so to speak.



Again, Kevin, thank you for e-mailing Anheuser-Busch. We’re sure that your friend will love his gift! Please let us know if you have additional comments or questions.



Erin

Your Friend at Anheuser-Busch

1-800-DIAL-BUD (1-800-342-5283)