Japanese lagers thrive as Kirin and Asahi loom over Australia’s beer market

It was the depths of the COVID pandemic when Sydney beer maker Yulli’s was approached by the Japanese hi-fi brand Audio-Technica about a collaboration.

Time on the couch meant drinkers had more time to try something new and different, said Yulli’s head brewer James Harvey.

“We thought we’d just have a little stab at one batch as a limited release and see how it goes,” he said.

The beer was a hit.