Kirin Ichiban is one of Japan’s premium lagers, and its calling card is the brewing method: Ichiban Shibori means first press, and the beer uses only the first run of wort from the mash, which Kirin says gives it a cleaner, smoother, less bitter character. The result is a soft, rounded lager that drinks a cut above the macros. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and whether the first-press method delivers.
Kirin Ichiban at a glance
| Style | Japanese lager |
| ABV | 5.0% |
| Calories | Around 145 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 12g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Kirin Brewery, Japan |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, hops, yeast (first-press wort) |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Ichiban is a smooth, clean premium lager with a soft malt roundness and a gentle finish, the first-press method keeping harsh bitterness out.
The full review
It pours clear pale gold with a soft white head. The aroma is clean and lightly malty with a gentle grain sweetness and only a faint hop note, smoother and rounder than a standard macro lager.
On the palate it is smooth and soft, with a rounded malt sweetness up front and a clean, gentle finish that avoids the sharp edges some lagers have. The first-press method shows in that smoothness: there is body and flavor here, but no harshness. It is easy and satisfying at the same time.
It is a lager that suits both sipping and food, and it shines alongside Japanese dishes, sushi and grilled meats. Served cold it is clean and refreshing, but there is enough soft malt character to reward a little attention, which sets it apart from the crowd.
Value is fair for a premium import. It costs a little more than the domestic macros, but the smoothness and quality justify the small step up for anyone who wants a cleaner, rounder lager.
First-press smoothness that actually lives up to the pitch.
- Smooth, clean and rounded
- Soft malt character without harshness
- Great with Japanese food
- Premium quality for a small premium
- Light on hop character
- Costs a little more than the macros
- Not complex enough for slow sipping
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a smooth, clean premium lager, especially with food. If you like this, a Sapporo or an Asahi are natural comparisons.
Kirin Ichiban FAQs
What does Kirin Ichiban taste like?
Smooth and clean with a soft, rounded malt sweetness and a gentle finish. It avoids the sharp bitterness of some lagers, which is the point of the first-press method.
What does Ichiban Shibori mean?
It means first press. Kirin Ichiban uses only the first run of wort from the mash, which gives it a cleaner, smoother character.
How strong is Kirin Ichiban?
It is 5.0% ABV, a full-strength lager.
How many calories are in Kirin Ichiban?
Around 145 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 12g of carbs.
Is Kirin Ichiban vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Kirin Ichiban gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
What food goes with Kirin Ichiban?
It pairs well with Japanese food, sushi and grilled meats, its clean smoothness complementing rather than overpowering them.
Is Kirin Ichiban a lager?
Yes, it is a Japanese lager, brewed using the first-press method.
Where to buy Kirin Ichiban
Kirin Ichiban is widely sold in the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Kirin Ichiban is a genuinely smooth, clean Japanese premium lager, and the first-press method delivers on its promise of a rounder, softer beer without harsh edges. It is light on hops and simple in the end, but it is well made and a natural match for food. A solid three point six out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
See where Kirin Ichiban lands against the field in our guide to the best lagers guide.
Kirin Ichiban is one of many we ranked. Browse the full list in our best Japanese beer guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Kirin Ichiban?
Kirin Ichiban is a Japanese lager, at 5.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Kirin Ichiban?
Kirin Ichiban has an ABV of 5.0%.
How many calories are in Kirin Ichiban?
Kirin Ichiban has Around 145 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Kirin Ichiban gluten free?
Kirin Ichiban: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Kirin Ichiban have carbs?
Yes, Kirin Ichiban has Around 12g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Kirin Ichiban taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
How much does Kirin Ichiban cost?
Kirin Ichiban typically runs Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Kirin Ichiban without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Kirin Ichiban?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Japanese lager like Kirin Ichiban. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
