Kirin beer: a premium Japanese lager crafted with precision and tradition

Throughout the early 20th century, Kirin Brewery continued to grow and expand its operations. In 1907, the company was officially renamed Kirin Brewery Company, cementing its place as a leader in the Japanese beer industry. Over the years, Kirin has become known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship, consistently producing high-quality beers that have earned the loyalty of beer enthusiasts both in Japan and around the world.

Today, Kirin Brewery Company is part of the larger Kirin Holdings Company, a global beverage conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Despite its growth and expansion, Kirin remains dedicated to its roots and the traditional brewing techniques that have made it a beloved brand for over a century.

The unique "Ichiban shibori" brewing process and its impact on flavor

One of the key factors that sets Kirin Ichiban apart from other Japanese beers is its unique brewing process, known as "Ichiban shibori" or "first press." This method involves using only the first press of the wort, which is the richest and most flavorful portion of the mash. By focusing on the first press, Kirin is able to extract the purest essence of the ingredients, resulting in a beer with a clean, crisp, and full-bodied flavor profile.

The Ichiban shibori process begins with the careful selection of high-quality ingredients, including premium barley malt, hops, and pure water. These ingredients are then mashed together to create the wort, which is the sweet liquid that will eventually be fermented into beer. During the first press, the wort is gently squeezed from the mash, capturing the most flavorful and aromatic compounds.

This process differs from the more common method of brewing, which involves sparging the mash with additional water to extract as much of the remaining sugars as possible. While this approach can increase the overall yield, it can also result in a beer with a thinner body and less pronounced flavor. By focusing solely on the first press, Kirin is able to create a beer that is rich, complex, and full of character.

The impact of the Ichiban shibori process on the flavor of Kirin Ichiban is significant. The beer boasts a smooth, clean taste with a subtle sweetness and a hint of hoppy bitterness. The malt character is prominent, offering notes of breadiness and a gentle toastiness that lingers on the palate. The finish is crisp and refreshing, making it an ideal beer to pair with a wide range of Japanese cuisine.

Kirin Ichiban's signature ingredients and flavor profile

Kirin Ichiban's distinct flavor profile is a result of its carefully selected ingredients and meticulous brewing process. The beer is crafted using 100% premium barley malt, which provides the foundation for its rich, full-bodied taste. The malt contributes a subtle sweetness and a gentle breadiness to the beer, creating a smooth and well-balanced flavor.

In addition to the barley malt, Kirin Ichiban also features a blend of select hops, which impart a delicate bitterness and a hint of floral and herbal notes. The hops are added during the boiling process, helping to balance the sweetness of the malt and provide a clean, crisp finish.

Another key ingredient in Kirin Ichiban is the pure, high-quality water used in the brewing process. Kirin takes great care in sourcing its water, ensuring that it is free from impurities and has the ideal mineral content for brewing. The water helps to showcase the flavors of the malt and hops, while also contributing to the beer's smooth, refreshing character.

When poured, Kirin Ichiban has a clear, golden color with a fluffy white head. The aroma is subtle, with hints of sweet malt and a faint floral hoppiness. On the palate, the beer is medium-bodied with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. The flavor profile is well-balanced, with notes of bread, honey, and a gentle bitterness that lingers on the finish. The overall impression is one of a clean, refreshing, and highly drinkable beer that pairs well with a variety of foods.

Food pairings: how Kirin Ichiban complements Japanese cuisine and beyond

Kirin Ichiban's clean, crisp, and well-balanced flavor profile makes it an exceptional beer to pair with a wide range of dishes, particularly those found in Japanese cuisine. The beer's subtle sweetness and gentle bitterness complement the delicate flavors of sushi and sashimi, while its effervescence helps to cleanse the palate between bites.

When enjoyed alongside tempura dishes, Kirin Ichiban's light body and refreshing character cut through the richness of the batter, allowing the flavors of the vegetables and seafood to shine. The beer also pairs well with grilled meats, such as yakitori or yakiniku, as its subtle maltiness enhances the savory, umami-rich flavors of the dishes.

Beyond traditional Japanese fare, Kirin Ichiban is a versatile beer that can accompany a variety of international cuisines. Its clean, crisp profile makes it an excellent choice for spicy dishes, such as Thai curries or Korean kimchi stews, as the beer's effervescence and subtle sweetness help to balance the heat of the spices.

Kirin Ichiban also pairs well with lighter Western dishes, such as salads, grilled vegetables, and fish. The beer's delicate bitterness and floral hop notes complement the fresh, herbaceous flavors of these dishes, while its smooth, easy-drinking nature makes it a perfect choice for casual dining and social gatherings.

When selecting dishes to pair with Kirin Ichiban, focus on flavors that are light, fresh, and not overly complex. The beer's well-balanced profile allows it to enhance the natural tastes of the ingredients without overwhelming them, making it a reliable and versatile choice for a wide range of culinary experiences.

Comparing Kirin Ichiban to other popular Japanese beers like Asahi and Sapporo

While Kirin Ichiban, Asahi Super Dry, and Sapporo Premium are all well-known Japanese lagers, each beer has its own distinct characteristics and flavor profile. Understanding the differences between these popular brands can help beer enthusiasts appreciate the unique qualities of each brew.

Asahi Super Dry, first introduced in 1987, is known for its "karakuchi" or dry taste. The beer is characterized by its light body, low bitterness, and crisp, clean finish. Asahi Super Dry has a subtle hoppy aroma and a light, refreshing flavor that makes it a popular choice for those who prefer a more understated beer experience.

Sapporo Premium, on the other hand, has a slightly fuller body and a more pronounced malt character compared to Asahi Super Dry. The beer has a golden color and a medium-bodied mouthfeel, with a balance of subtle sweetness and moderate bitterness. Sapporo Premium's flavor profile features notes of bread, grass, and a hint of citrus, making it a well-rounded and approachable beer.

In comparison, Kirin Ichiban stands out for its unique "Ichiban shibori" brewing process, which results in a beer with a richer, more complex flavor profile. The beer has a medium body and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel, with a subtle sweetness that is balanced by a gentle bitterness. Kirin Ichiban's malt character is more prominent than that of Asahi Super Dry, offering notes of bread and honey, while its hop profile is more subdued than that of Sapporo Premium.

When comparing these three Japanese lagers, it is clear that each beer caters to different taste preferences. Asahi Super Dry is ideal for those who enjoy a light, crisp, and refreshing beer, while Sapporo Premium offers a slightly fuller flavor profile with a balance of malt and hops. Kirin Ichiban, with its unique brewing process and rich, smooth flavor, is perfect for those seeking a more distinctive and complex beer experience.

Where to find and buy Kirin Ichiban around the world

Kirin Ichiban's popularity has spread far beyond the borders of Japan, making it readily available in many countries around the world. In Japan, Kirin Ichiban can be found in most convenience stores, supermarkets, and liquor shops, as well as in izakayas, restaurants, and bars.

In the United States, Kirin Ichiban is widely distributed and can be purchased at major grocery store chains, liquor stores, and specialty beer retailers. Many Japanese restaurants and sushi bars also feature Kirin Ichiban on their beverage menus, allowing diners to enjoy an authentic Japanese beer experience alongside their meals.

Across Europe, Kirin Ichiban is available in select countries, particularly in major cities with significant Japanese expatriate communities or a strong interest in Japanese culture. In the United Kingdom, for example, Kirin Ichiban can be found in Japanese supermarkets, specialty beer shops, and online retailers that focus on imported and craft beers.

In other parts of Asia, such as China, South Korea, and Taiwan, Kirin Ichiban is often readily available due to the popularity of Japanese cuisine and cultural influences. Many high-end supermarkets, department stores, and specialty shops in these countries stock Kirin Ichiban, making it easily accessible to beer enthusiasts.

For those unable to find Kirin Ichiban in their local stores, online retailers and specialty importers offer a convenient way to purchase the beer. 

As Kirin Ichiban continues to grow in popularity, it is becoming increasingly easy for beer lovers around the world to experience the unique flavor and quality of this premium Japanese lager.

Kirin's other beer offerings and product lines beyond Ichiban

While Kirin Ichiban is the brewery's flagship product, Kirin offers a diverse range of other beer styles and product lines to cater to various tastes and preferences. These offerings showcase Kirin's commitment to innovation, quality, and providing consumers with a wide selection of beverage choices.

One notable example is Kirin Lager, a classic Japanese lager that has been in production since the late 19th century. This beer features a slightly fuller body and a more pronounced malt character compared to Kirin Ichiban, with a balanced bitterness and a clean finish. Kirin Lager is a popular choice among those who prefer a more traditional Japanese beer experience.

In recent years, Kirin has also expanded its craft beer offerings, recognizing the growing demand for more diverse and flavorful beer styles. The Kirin Brewery Heartland series features a range of craft-inspired beers, such as a Weizen, a Stout, and an IPA, each showcasing unique ingredients and brewing techniques. These beers cater to consumers who are looking for more complex and distinctive flavor profiles.

For those seeking a lighter alternative, Kirin offers a range of low-malt and no-malt beer options, known as "happoshu" and "new genre" beers in Japan. These products, such as Kirin Tanrei and Kirin Nodogoshi, have a lower calorie and carbohydrate content compared to traditional beers, making them popular among health-conscious consumers.

Beyond beer, Kirin has a strong presence in the non-alcoholic beverage market, with a wide array of soft drinks, teas, and coffees. Kirin Lemon, a lemon-flavored carbonated drink, has been a staple in the company's product lineup since 1928 and remains a popular choice among Japanese consumers.

Kirin also offers a selection of chu-hi, a Japanese alcoholic beverage made with shochu (a distilled spirit) and carbonated water, often flavored with fruit juices or other natural ingredients. These refreshing and flavorful drinks have gained popularity in Japan and are now being introduced to international markets.

As Kirin continues to innovate and expand its product lines, the company remains dedicated to providing high-quality, flavorful, and diverse beverage options to consumers around the world. Whether you prefer a classic lager, a craft-inspired beer, or a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, Kirin has something to offer for every palate and occasion, further cementing its position as a leader in the global beverage industry.