Even though the Japanese are known for their clean, light, wholesome and healthy cuisine, they still like to drink a beer every now and then. The drink has less nutritional value than green tea, matcha or yakult, but tastes much better. Two of the most popular Japanese beers come from the Kirin brewery. This traditional company was founded in Yokohama and is now one of the largest breweries in the country with record sales figures and a well-developed export program.
Japan's brewing tradition dates back to around the 17th century, when Dutch traders brought the barley juice with them and charmed the Japanese with it. It would take another two centuries for beer to reach the commercial sector and become a disposable commodity. It was around this time that the Japan Brewery Company, a forerunner of Kirin, was founded. The company took over another brewery and marketed the first beer with the Kirin label in 1888. The official birth date of the Kirin Brewery is 1907. In order to be as close as possible to European beer, the brewery imported raw materials and brewmasters from Germany. The latter were to oversee production and train the Japanese employees. Numerous moves and earthquakes later, the brewery has established itself as a permanent fixture in Japan and achieved worldwide fame. Kirin's motto is "Joy brings us together" - and it fits wonderfully, because what brings people closer together is more joyful than a fresh, cold beer?
The beers from Kirin reflect the motto wonderfully: their light-footed charm and drinkable character represent joy in a culinary way. One of the company's best-selling brews is Kirin Ichiban . This Asian-inspired lager is brewed with hops, yeast, malt and water and flows into the glass in a crystal-clear amber tone. A balanced version of grain and green gold meets refreshing fruit components and a clear, subtle bitterness. Thanks to its harmonious aromas, the beer goes well with both Asian and European cuisine. We like to enjoy this Japanese export hit with a large bowl of ramen. Spicy broth made from seaweed and bonito (finely shaved dried fish), soba noodles made from buckwheat flour, a handful of different vegetables, meat, boiled eggs with a waxy yolk and dried seaweed create a heavenly composition that perfectly blends with the malty sweetness, crisp hops and beautiful spiciness of the beer.
