Sapporo Premium

Sapporo Premium is a crisp, clean Japanese rice lager from Sapporo Breweries, Japan’s oldest beer brand, founded in 1876 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Originally brewed by German-trained brewer Seibei Nakagawa, it brought European lager techniques to Japan while adapting to local tastes. Today, Sapporo Premium is one of Japan’s most recognized beers worldwide, known for its iconic silver can and balanced, highly drinkable profile. At 4.9% ABV, 140 calories, and about 10.3 g of carbohydrates per 12 oz (355 ml) serving, it offers traditional character with a light enough footprint for mindful sipping.

Flavor & Aroma

Pale golden with bright clarity and a crisp white head, Sapporo Premium presents light grain aromas with subtle floral hops. The flavor is dry and balanced, featuring mild malt sweetness, a slightly grainy note from the rice in the mash, and a gentle bitterness (18 IBU) that keeps the finish snappy and refreshing.

Nutritional Profile

ABV: 4.9%
IBU: 18
Calories: 140 per 12 oz
Carbs: ~10.3 g per 12 oz

With a calorie-to-ABV ratio of about 28.57 kcal per 1% ABV, it provides respectable strength without overloading on calories.

Style Context

Japanese rice lagers are brewed with a portion of rice in the mash to create a lighter body and cleaner flavor. Sapporo Premium is a textbook example, maintaining crispness and drinkability while carrying a touch more malt depth than many mass-market light lagers.

Pairings & Occasions

Food Pairings: Sushi, sashimi, grilled seafood, tempura, light appetizers.
Best Enjoyed: With Japanese cuisine, warm-weather gatherings, or anytime you want a clean, refreshing lager with global pedigree.