Kirin Ichiban 22OZ

Kirin Ichiban 22OZ is a 100% malt Japanese lager brewed at 5.0% ABV using Kirin's signature first-press method. Named World's Best International Lager at the 2025 World Beer Awards, this flagship beer from one of Japan's oldest breweries delivers a remarkably clean, full-flavored lager experience that stands apart from its peers.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Tokyo, Japan  |  Style: Japanese Lager  |  Brewery: Kirin Brewery Company, Limited

Production & Heritage

Kirin Brewery Company, founded in 1885 in Yokohama, Japan, is one of the country's most storied brewing houses. Ichiban takes its name from the Japanese term "ichiban shibori," meaning "first pressing" — a process that uses only the liquid that flows naturally from the mash before any additional water is added, capturing the richest and most flavorful wort. Where most commercial lagers press the mash multiple times to maximize yield, Kirin extracts only this first runoff, then brews it with a 100% malt bill and hops — no adjuncts like corn or rice. The result is a lager with noticeably more body and depth than typical mass-market pale lagers.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light, clean malt leads the nose with notes of white bread and a faint minerality. Subtle floral hop character sits underneath, keeping things restrained and inviting.

Taste: The entry is soft and lightly honeyed, with toasted malt sweetness giving way to a gently citrusy mid-palate — think yuzu rind and soft grapefruit. A modest bitterness emerges toward the finish, balancing the malt without ever turning sharp. The medium-light body carries more weight than most lagers in this class.

Finish: Dry and crisp with a clean, slightly bitter fade. There is minimal lingering sweetness, leaving behind a refreshing, palate-cleansing close that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Kirin Ichiban

Serve it cold — between 38°F and 42°F — in a clean pilsner glass or straight from the bottle. The 22oz format is ideal for a relaxed pour across a meal. A Michelada works well here, as the clean malt backbone stands up to lime juice and hot sauce without muddying. Try it in a Beer Highball (shandy-style with lemon soda) to amplify its citrus character for warm-weather drinking. It also pairs naturally with a Boilermaker alongside a light Japanese whisky, where its soft bitterness cleanses between sips.

Best For

• Pairing with sushi, ramen, or izakaya-style dishes
• Introducing craft-curious drinkers to Japanese beer
• Casual backyard gatherings where flavor matters more than filler
• Building a Japanese beer flight alongside Sapporo and Asahi

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kirin Ichiban taste like? Kirin Ichiban is a clean, crisp lager with honeyed malt sweetness, light citrus notes reminiscent of yuzu and grapefruit, and a dry, moderately bitter finish. The 100% malt bill gives it more body and depth than most mainstream lagers.

How does Kirin Ichiban compare to Sapporo Premium? Both are Japanese pale lagers, but Kirin Ichiban uses a 100% malt recipe and first-press brewing, giving it a fuller body and more complex flavor. Sapporo Premium is lighter and more straightforwardly crisp, with a slightly thinner mouthfeel.

Is Kirin Ichiban good for beginners? Kirin Ichiban is an excellent entry point for anyone exploring Japanese beer — its clean profile and balanced sweetness make it approachable, while the first-press method delivers enough character to hold the interest of experienced beer drinkers.

Where is Kirin Ichiban made? Kirin Ichiban is produced by Kirin Brewery Company, Limited, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company was originally founded in 1885 in Yokohama and remains one of Japan's largest and most respected brewers.

What foods pair well with Kirin Ichiban? Fresh sushi and sashimi benefit from the beer's crisp, palate-cleansing finish. Tonkotsu ramen pairs well because the dry bitterness cuts through rich pork broth. Yakitori and grilled meats match the light malt sweetness. Tempura works beautifully, as the carbonation lifts fried textures. Lightly spiced Thai dishes also complement the beer's subtle citrus notes.

What sizes does Kirin Ichiban come in? Kirin Ichiban is widely available in 12oz bottles and cans, the 22oz large-format bottle, and multi-pack configurations depending on market availability.

Is Kirin Ichiban worth the price? Kirin Ichiban positions as a premium import lager — a step above domestic macro lagers in both flavor and price. The first-press brewing method and 100% malt bill deliver genuine quality that justifies the modest premium over standard lagers.

Why Kirin Ichiban?

The ichiban shibori process is not a marketing tagline — it is a fundamentally different approach to lager brewing that sacrifices yield for flavor concentration. That commitment earned it the title of World's Best International Lager at the 2025 World Beer Awards, along with a Gold medal at the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show and Silver at the 2024 London Beer Competition. In a category crowded with adjunct-heavy lagers, Kirin Ichiban's 100% malt bill and first-press extraction deliver a noticeably richer, more aromatic beer. The 22oz bottle makes it a natural centerpiece for a Japanese meal or a standalone pour worth savoring.