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The Daily Insight

Is Kirin a good beer?

Author

Sarah Martinez

Updated on April 02, 2026

Kirin Ichiban Shibori is one of Japan’s most acclaimed and best-selling beers, made with a distinctive bittersweet taste. The name of this beer literally means “first pressing,” with the beer fermented using only the very first wort, producing a mild, pure and smooth-tasting beer.

What does Kirin Ichiban?

KIRIN ICHIBAN is brewed from only malt, hops and water. Unlike other beers, only the first press of the wort is used. That´s why it´s called ICHIBAN – meaning “first” and “best” in Japanese. “Ichiban Shibori” is a unique method of brewing beer at its purest from a single pure ingredient: 100% malt.

Is Kirin Ichiban a dry beer?

The flavor of Kirin Ichiban is dry, medium-light in body, and modestly bitter. It has a soft texture and moderate carbonation.

What beer do Japanese drink?

Beer (ビール) is the most popular alcoholic drink in Japan and widely consumed at homes and drinking establishments nationwide. Four companies currently dominate the market: Asahi, Kirin, Suntory and Sapporo.

What does Ichiban beer taste like?

The flavor of Kirin Ichiban is dry, medium-light in body, and modestly bitter. It has a soft texture and moderate carbonation. Tasting notes include toast, fresh bread, fresh flowers, and savory hops. All-malt and using the unique ichiban shibori mash pressing method.

Is Kirin Ichiban made from rice?

Most Japanese beers like Sapporo, Kirin and Asahi are rice-based and even Budweiser uses rice along with barley. …

What does Kirin Ichiban taste like?

Why is Kirin Ichiban Shibori so popular?

Since its introduction in 1990, he says that Kirin Ichiban Shibori has captured the imagination – and palate – of the Japanese beer drinker with its quality but also its harmony with Japanese cuisine. “The smooth crispness of Kirin Ichiban Shibori is a great accompaniment to more delicate Japanese dishes,” he says.

What is the best way to drink Kirin Ichiban?

The ubiquitous sake bomb is popular among younger drinkers and Kirin is a solid choice. For safety reasons, a sturdy sake glass should be used. All beer should be stored cold. This applies to Kirin Ichiban as well. Beer has a short shelf-life. Keeping it cold will help prolong its freshness.

Is Ichiban Shibori beer a Reinheitsgebot beer?

But while the Kirin Lager Beer – thanks to the inclusion of rice as an adjunct in its making – would not have conformed the German Reinheitsgebot beer purity law, Kirin’s flagship all-malt Ichiban Shibori certainly does.

What is the taste of Kirin Beer?

If it weren’t for the ichiban shibori method, Kirin beer would be fuller-bodied and more bitter. Cans and bottles of Kirin are the easiest to find.