Orion Premium Draft Beer - Beer Review

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The Better Beer Authority heads to Okinawa, Japan and reviews the most popular beer on the island. This pale lager is a perfect complement for the hot, humid weather on the island. See how Orion fits into Japanese beer culture and what our panel of beer reviewers thinks of the flavor.

Partial Transcript: "On Tap -- Orion Premium Draft Beer

Hi. I'm James Knott and this is your Better Beer Authority. Today we are talking about Orion Premium Draft Beer from the Orion Beer Company in Okinawa, Japan.

"Ichi, Ni, San, Hai Kanpai"

Okinawa is an island in southern Japan with over 1.3 million people. And -- over half the beer they buy on the island is Orion Beer. Joby and I recently visited Okinawa.

"We're at a liquor store in Okinawa, Japan, and when you're in Okinawa you drink Orion beer. This is by far the best selling beer in Okinawa, Japan. There are several different varieties like Orion Draft Beer, Orion Special, Orion Zero Life, Orion Rich, Orion Southern Star and I'm pretty sure that's not all of them. So when you are in Okinawa, Japan drink Orion."

Orion Draft is a Japanese Rice Lager with 4.7% ABV. It has a pale color and light, clean taste that goes well with Okinawa's hot sub-tropical climate.

Orion is not just a beer in Okinawa. It is part of the culture. There is a huge festival there every year and it even has it's own theme song. In Japanese, Kanpai means cheers.

"Orion Beer Theme Song"

Q&A -- Joby, we purchased this in the U.S., does it have the same flavor as what you remember from Japan? What are your favorite Orion Memories?

Orion Beer gets (???) Kanpai's. Head to Okinawa, Japan and try it for yourself. Or, if you can't find it at your local bottle shop, then you might be able to find it at a Japanese or Oriental food store.

Thanks for watching. I'm James Knott and this is your Better Beer Authority. Kanpai!"

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[dkp7895]

I wish I coudl get some now. I was one of those Marines that drank it while I was there.

[AgileHProductions]

@dkp7895 Do you think you will go back ever?

[jaywhy8202]

One thing to keep in mind is that Okinawa has a HUGE US military population (nowadays mostly Marines and USAF), which has been there since the end of WWII. Several generations of GIs stationed-on or passing-through the Ryukyus drank this local brew, as well as imported US brands served through on-base clubs and Class VI (package store) sales.

[AgileHProductions]

@jaywhy8202 Very True. GI culture has influenced Okinawa a lot and this is true for the beer world as well.

[whooperpooper86]

オリオン！doesnt get better

[rainboy9]

nice review. the first beer i ever had was orion in okinawa when i was 15. i like how you guys gave a good picture of how big a part of okinawan culture this beer is.

[SouthernOregonOrgani]

Orion sucks

[barbarella111]

I apologize for my absence as this summer has been very hectic. So glad I caught this one from Okinawa!! I found it very interesting and still plan on going there in the future. Thank James and panel.

[AgileHProductions]

@dhartogs It's creepy with a :)

[dhartogs]

Enoyed the review, loved how Joby was rocking the BBA shirt in Okinawa.