Happoshu

Happoshu is a Japanese beer-like alcoholic beverage brewed with a low malt content, typically below 25%, giving it a similar alcohol content to conventional beer but a lighter body. Because Japanese liquor tax is governed by the malt proportion, happoshu sells at a markedly lower price than beer, which drove its popularity as an affordable alternative. Brewers compensate for the reduced malt with adjuncts, flavourings and advanced brewing technology to approach beer-like character. Legally it occupies its own tax category with distinct labelling rules, and its commercial success prompted further low-malt innovations in the Japanese drinks market.