Since Sapporo uses European hops, should it really be considered as a Japanese beer?
If a brewery in Chicago used hops from Japan would you consider it to be American? Shouldn't the origin of the beer be considered as more important than where it is brewed? Is it true that Budweiser uses hops from Bavaria? Should Bud be considered German?
The term to use is “style”. A beer made in japan is a Japanese beer. Even if it tastes like a Corona. So, you would refer to it as a Mexican-style, Japanese made beer no matter the origins of it’s ingredients. Belgium beers are really big in the states now. Even if all the ingredients come from Belgium they can only be called Belgium Styles Ales. Make Any Sense???