Even though the Japanese are known for their clean, light, wholesome and healthy cuisine, they like to drink a beer every now and then. The drink has less nutritional content than green tea, matcha or Yakult, but tastes a lot 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.
The brewing tradition in Japan dates back to around the 17th century. At that time, Dutch traders brought 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 an available commodity. Around this time, 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 Kirin Brewery is 1907. In order to get as close as possible to European beer, the brewery imported raw materials and master brewers from Germany. The latter were supposed to monitor 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", which translates to something like "Joy brings us together" - and it fits wonderfully, because what brings people closer together is more joy than a fresh, cold beer?
The beers from Kirin reflect the guiding principle 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 . The Asian-inspired lager is brewed with hops, yeast, malt and water and flows into the glass in a crystal-clear amber tone. A balanced balance of grain and green gold meets refreshing fruit components and a clear, restrained bitterness. Thanks to its harmonious aroma, the beer goes well with both Asian and European cuisine. We prefer to enjoy this Japanese export hit with a large bowl of ramen. Spicy broth made from seaweed and bonito (finely shredded dried fish), soba noodles made from buckwheat flour, a handful of different vegetables, meat, boiled eggs with waxy yolks and dried seaweed create a heavenly composition that perfectly blends the malty sweetness, the crunchy hops and the beautiful spiciness of the beer intervenes.
