What is Kirin Ichiban?
A major Japanese lager known for its first-press brewing method.
Japanese
Kirin Brewery
Crisp and easy-drinking
Beer profile
Story and local context
Kirin Ichiban belongs in the everyday drinking culture of Japanese. It is the kind of beer people may recognise from restaurants, supermarkets, beach bars, sports nights, street food stalls or casual meals, depending on where it is commonly sold.
Look for it in local shops, bars, casual restaurants or places serving national dishes.
Serve it in a clean glass at the temperature that suits the style. Crisp lagers and pilsners are usually best cold, while darker or stronger beers can show more flavour slightly less chilled.
What food goes well with Kirin Ichiban?
Match the beer to the food by weight and intensity. Crisp lagers suit fried snacks, grilled dishes, seafood and spicy food. Maltier beers work better with roasted meats, sausages and richer comfort food. Dark beers can be excellent with barbecue, stews, chocolate desserts or slow-cooked dishes.
Lighter beers refresh salty or spicy food. Fuller beers can stand up to roasted, smoky or richer dishes.
Serve it beside traditional dishes from Japanese for a simple food and drink route into the country.
