The Kirin beer logo is based on the mythical East Asian creature. The appearance of a Kirin is said to be good luck and coincides with a time of peace and a benevolent ruler.
Kirin beer is easily one of the most popular Japanese brands. Like its competitors Sapporo and Asahi, Kirin is a lager with a Germanic heritage. Today, all of these beer are made in an industrial fashion. Only Kirin uses all-malt for its grain bill.
Kirin Ichiban is named for its ichiban shibori wort pressing method. This unique style produces a clean and complex-flavored beer.