What premium beer tastes like: Ikomai x Sapporo
It was supposed to be a routine Wednesday night until we decided to drop by Ikomai last night for their Unlimited Sapporo Night.
Everyone is used to going to events held at restaurants. This one, however, felt very different. The energy at Ikomai was at an all-time high, even as they started earlier than usual for a dinner event (5:30 pm).
A GLASS OF SAPPORO goes well with kushikatsu, tebasaki, and probably every other Japanese street dish you’d find at Ikomai. The kushitatsu wins by default as far as the perfect match with beer.
Most people who live and work in Makati are familiar with Ikomai, especially the Japanese crowd. They’re known for their delicious kushikatsu (deep-fried meat skewers) and their spicy tebasaki (Japanese street wings) as well as desserts whipped up by Tochi Dessert.
SPICY TEBASAKI. It’s not the most well-known Japanese street food, but it won in our book. It’s an unassuming spicy chicken wing that goes really well with a glass of Sapporo.
AN UNLIKELY PAIR. These potato cheese balls also went well with the smooth taste of Sapporo beer.
What people got as an extra that night were kegs of Sapporo, brought in by Philippine Wine Merchants. We got to hear from Koji Takaku, Sapporo’s Sales Manager for Southeast Asia, about how the brand has grown since it was brewed in the Sapporo, Japan in 1876.
KOJI TAKAKU (right), Sapporo’s Sales Manager for Southeast Asia, poses for a shot with Ikomai’s Taro Hori (left).
According to him, Sapporo’s success comes from how they treat their beer. Sapporo is one of the few premium beers to come from the land of the rising sun that has a distinct taste. It’s smoother than your run-of-the-mill beer and is closer to a German lager without the bitter taste.
Sapporo is a bit more expensive than other brands, but you’re getting your money’s worth. A testament to its taste is the number of people that went to Ikomai that night. 130 guests packed themselves into Ikomai’s intimate restaurant setting, all with a glass of Sapporo and a plate full of kushikatsu.
Sapporo is exclusively distributed by Philippine Wine Merchants. It’s available in most Japanese restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores in Metro Manila.
Also read: Ikomai in Salcedo, Makati: Home to Japanese street and comfort food
