Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!

Beer Review: Kirin Ichiban

According to Kirin’s official website, their Ichiban beer first appeared in 1990 and is considered their prized "special reserve" drink. I would have to agree with the web site, that their product holds a complex taste. It leaves little aftertaste and is comparable to Fosters Lager. This beer, however, is not the renowned Kirin Lager, which holds a thicker, yet dryer taste. I was quite familiar with Kirin’s Lager, which complements sushi; however, this colorful specimen of aluminum captivated me while strolling through the frosty fluorescence of the beer aisle—I couldn’t help but capture this ornate 24-ounce monster. The Kirin beer itself was named after the mythical Japanese beast that was half deer and half dragon, brining fortune in its presence. I feel fortunate to consume this quailty product and would recommend the 24-ounce Kirin Ichiban if you enjoy the taste of beers similar to Fosters. -- Dopplebock

The Brewer?	Kirin Brewery Company	- - - - - - -	When tasted?	03 August 2001
Place of Origin?	Tokyo, Japan	- - - - - - -	How tasted?	24 oz can
Style of Beer?	Lager	- - - - - - -	Where tasted?	At Dopplebock's Home

I tried this brew back-to-back with Kirin Lager, in order to compare these two Japanese offerings. Like the lager, I found the Ichiban to possess both a light body and a light taste. This brew was crisp and refreshing, with a very clean taste to it. There was no real 'bite' to this beer. A satisfying beverage. -- Brewmeister G

The Brewer?	Kirin Brewery Company	- - - - - - -	When tasted?	11 August 2001
Place of Origin?	Tokyo, Japan	- - - - - - -	How tasted?	12 oz bottle
Style of Beer?	Lager	- - - - - - -	Where tasted?	At Brewmeister G's Home

My first impression of this lager was that it was cheap beer. You know that characteristic as soon as you taste it (although, unlike Bud, it did not give me a headache -- it was not quite that bad). It reminded me somewhat of Fosters. This beer was a disappointment as the label boasted of a "prized special reserve." There must have been something lost in the translation. They obviously meant, "reserve this for last once your guests are toasted on the good stuff." This beer had a light body, smooth texture and no bite to speak of. It was a bit refreshing as well. I wouldn't buy this Americanized version of Japanese Bud. It is not my style. My palate has been spoiled by very good local beers. I'd take a Rolling Rock over this any day if I want that good cheap beer experience. -- Growler Guy

The Brewer?	Kirin Brewery Company	- - - - - - -	When tasted?	Summer 2001
Place of Origin?	Tokyo, Japan	- - - - - - -	How tasted?	12 oz bottle
Style of Beer?	Lager	- - - - - - -	Where tasted?	At Brewmeister G's Home

Links for this beer:

Kirin's page for Kirin Ichiban
Kirin's Home Page

For more information about the SBR, please contact Brewmeister G. All fermented contributions are cheerfully accepted.