I parlez-vous a bit but Japanese is Greek to me so it was time for the COMDB translation department to do their thing. They tell me that “yabai” means “terrible” in Japanese. I called them on that one, risking their wrath, but I figured that couldn’t be right. I said “that’s a terrible name for a beer”. They said “yes it is”. Note to self: never argue semantics with translators. Then they said “you may be interested in the slang translation.” I certainly may, I mean am. Apparently, in addition to terrible, dangerous or risky it can also mean cool, crazy, extreme, amazing, or insane. A very versatile word indeed. Let’s just hope in this case it’s amazing. While they were on a roll, I asked them what “wasabi” translates to. Apparently it is a far less versatile word and translates to … “wasabi”.* .
“Yabai, come on down, you’re the next contestant on The New Rice is Right”, said Bob Barker, never.**
A Black Bellows beer of the month club brew, it is Japanese inspired and brewed with 40% rice. It pours a light golden with a head that could be a nominee for the hall of foam. Beauty pour for sure. A very light fresh malt aroma, lager like lightness. What a nice refreshing tasty lager, sweet finish minimal bitters or hops, definitely crushable. Malt with a bit of sweetness and a crisp finish. I am really enjoying this one. A rice crispy brew with a snap crackle and pop to it. BB tell us this one is “Maximum thirst quenching, minimum interference” and they ain’t lying.
We have been impressed with other Black Bellows offerings in the past, Big Buck and Beach Freak come to mind. They have another winner here. In this instance I believe the correct translation for “yabai” is “amazing”.
Had one the other day with burnt burgers on the BBQ. Nice light lunch libation.