Country of origin: Belgium
Alcohol Content: 9.2%
Price: ¥571

Appearance: A completely opaque caramel brown with a thin sudsy head that quickly dissipates (depending on how you poured). Has a slightly alarming amount of sediment.
Smells: I can smell bananas in it. Quite unusual as I've only encountered banana notes in one other beer.
Taste: Starts sweet with a good amount of fizz which gives way to a very malty and slightly creamy taste and finally leaves a well-balanced dry and bitter finish. As with the Achel, the alcohol hits you quite quickly.

Mickey-Dees here in Japan has recently released a burger of such artery-clogging potential that it's flying off the shelves and they can't keep up with demand. They've had to limit sales daily and in some stores, they've even been selling out before noon.

So what is this ridiculous burger that should come with its own defibrillator you ask?

I give you, the Mega Mac

A super-sized Big Mac with twice the beef, you need to squish the monstrosity down just to be able to get a decent bite in.

That said, I have no idea why stores are selling out. Can't they just make a regular Big Mac and throw on a couple of extra patties? Hmm ... could be the old bait and switch ploy where customers were enticed to buy the MM but then sold you a BM.

Country of Origin: England
Alcohol Content: 5%
Price: ¥458

Appearance: Pitch black and could be easily mistaken for Guinness although slightly sweeter in the nose.
Taste: A pleasant burned and roasted flavour which, combined with the malty bitterness, reminds me of black coffee for some reason. Pleasant enough, but at this price, I'll take the McEwan's any day.

When to drink: When I'm feeling bored and can't find anything else I'd rather drink.

Country of origin: Scotland
Alcohol Content: 8%
Price: ¥320

Appearance: A pleasant dark brown strongly resembling coca-cola.
Taste: A very malty first impression settling down to a very satisfying finish resembling molasses and caramel with a barely noticeable touch of bitterness. Goes down very smoothly and is reminiscent of heavier ales. Three or four leisurely gulps in and you start feeling the warmth. Aeric likes. And at this price, one I'm definitely getting again.

When to drink: After a hard day's work (or easy, I'm not choosy).

Country of origin: Belgium
Alcohol Content: 8%
Price: ¥571

Appearance: Opaque amber with a big foamy head.
Sounds: Vibrant with a medium carbonation.
Taste: Starts out tangy, followed by sweet, full-bodied malt and hops. The flavour of the hops lingers followed by a bittersweet finish. Feels heavy and packs a big alcohol punch.

When to drink: During dinner with some hearty food like stew or roasts, or after dinner as a way to end the evening.

Note: Gently swirl the bottle before serving as the yeast settles at the bottom.

Having noticed a small store next to the train station specializing in imported brews, I've been tempted on occassion to sample some of them. My recent introduction to a lovely and delectable Chimay has persuaded me. in true Trappist fashion. to slowly work my way through the selection of foreign beers from this little off-license. I admit that a recently-read article about beer-appreciation might have something to do with this ^^;

It has to be said that these beers are not your run-of-the-mill Budweisers that you chug down as if you were at a frat party with an unslakeable thirst on a three-day bender.

No no. These fine libations are to be lovingly savoured, their every detail deserving more than a cursory glance and really should not all be sampled in the same sitting.

My first batch, acquired not 20 minutes ago and shall be reviewed over the course of the next week, include:
Trappist Achel, Samichlaus Bier ("The Strongest Lager Beer In The World"), Samuel Smith Tadcaster Oatmeal Stout, McEwan's Scotch Ale, and Trappistes Rochefort.

Watch this space for reviews.