For Kirin, three things are of overriding importance in brewing beer.
First is respect for life.
Kirin considers all the ingredients alive and respects the blessings of nature.
Second is a philosophy, brewing is an art created by people.
Brewing exceptional beer takes more than exceptional technology. At the heart of our brewing stand people who are knowledgeable and passionate about what they do.
Third: flavor is the only standard.
Science plays an indispensable role in brewing, but ultimately it all comes down to the five human senses.
Our dedication to these three precepts makes Kirin Ichiban the quality premium beer.
Malt is the ingredient that dictates the flavor of beer, so only the very best is chosen by Kirin.
The first round of selection sees the fine quality malt from Japan, North America, Europe and Australia carefully examined.
Then a shortlist is drawn up and our experts make their final selection based on experience and instinct.
We have even developed new malt varieties in our quest for improved flavor.
It's this totally uncompromising attitude to selecting malt that gives Kirin beer its unmatched quality and taste.
Every year, Kirin's hop specialists return to the Czech Republic and its fields of Saaz fine aroma hops in search of the pick of the crop.
Deep knowledge, long experience and close relationships with local producers support our specialists as they go through the rigorous process of selecting only highly aromatic, high-quality hops.
Kirin's long and close relationship with Czech hops began in 1905 with a massive purchase for brewing Kirin beer, and at one time nearly 80% of Czech hops imported to Japan were for Kirin's use.
And to this day, Kirin continues to use a wide variety of Czech hops.
Kirin – a living tradition of selecting the finest ingredients, backed by history and experience.
The yeast bank at Kirin's laboratories contains over 1,000 varieties of yeast, frozen and waiting their turn for use in a range of beverages such as beer and wine.
Highly skilled artisans select yeast according to how it matches ingredients, brewing process, brewery facilities and more, to obtain the best flavor.
Their ability to read yeast, developed over long years of experience, is yet one more reason why Kirin beer always tastes so very good.
