Perceptions of the Japanese associate the people of ’’the Land of the Rising Sun’’ with being essentially drinkers of sake (rice wine) and not having much knowledge or interest in beer. Nothing could be further from the truth for Japanese men are often very enthusiastic beer drinkers and besides the imported brands have a number of domestically produced beers to pick from including Kirin-the subject of this review. Kirin was jointly founded by a US entrepreneur and a German brewmaster back in 1888 and today is a huge company in its own right. It’s web site at http// http://www.kirin.co.jp. is very interesting and gives details of this company which has recently taken a big shareholding in San Miguel beer. The advertising hype tells you that Kirin beer has a full bodied richness , a distinctive taste and is a great favourite with the Japanese. The latter is certainly true but to me this is a rather light pleasant , beer but unremarkable. It is a thin yellow beer and does have something of a crispy hop finish. It is most certainly best served ice cool and it does go well with a wide range of foods. Of course, the Japanese themselves consume it along with their beloved sushi, shasmi, shabu-shabu and also with Kobe steaks and other more Western inspired dishes.
I have found it goes well with stir fried Chinese dishes, with Indian curries and with a Western style Grilled dish such as grilled loin chops. Kirin is widely available in most Asian countries where there is a large Japanese expatriate population such as Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. You will also find it is sold in some supermarkets and off licences in the UK. It is a pleasant enough drink, especially on a hot summer’s day, but to me it is not one of my all time favourite lagers. There is no section in my refrigerator earmarked for it. Final verdict -