Family Pale Lager Style Japanese Lager
Country Japan ABV 5.0%
Price $$ Packaging 12oz/355ml, 22oz/650ml bottle; 12oz/355ml, 24oz/710ml can
Characteristics Refreshing

Overview “Ichiban Shibori” means “first pressings,” and reflects a process where less effort is put into extracting sugars from the grain. This requires more grain, but Kirin claims it results in a “smoother” taste. Kirin also switched in 2009 to an all-malt formulation.

Flavors and aromas Japanese lagers, with their ultra-light profiles, are some of the most sensitive beers around when it comes to showing off flaws, which is probably why we were able to detect a skunky note even though this beer is packaged in sensible brown glass. Past that, Kirin Ichiban is quintessentially Japanese: a very light nose leads into a palate of very light, delicate malt, with just a hint of bitterness, and a dry finish. Despite the lightness, it’s not watery.