Kirin Ichiban Premium Beer

Kirin Ichiban is a premium lager produced by the Kirin Brewery Company, Limited. The brand is famous for its unique 'First Press' brewing process (Ichiban Shibori in Japanese), which involves using only the first wort of the liquid to ensure a purer, smoother flavor compared to traditional beers that use multiple presses. This signature brewing style has made it one of Japan's most recognizable beverages globally.

While the brand has its roots deeply planted in Japanese culture and brewing tradition, its manufacturing is broad. In Japan, it is brewed at several Kirin-owned facilities. Internationally, to maintain freshness and market reach, the beer is produced under license or through subsidiaries in various countries, including the United States, Germany, and Brazil. In North America, for instance, it was previously brewed by Anheuser-Busch under a contract production agreement.

The brand is owned by the Kirin Holdings Company, Limited, a major Japanese beverage and pharmaceutical conglomerate. Kirin Holdings manages a diverse portfolio of brands and remains a pillar of Japan's commercial landscape, with its headquarters in Tokyo. The company continues to expand its global footprint through strategic partnerships and local distribution networks.