Kirin Ichiban Shibori Day

What Is Kirin Ichiban Shibori Day?

November 11th is "Kirin Ichiban Shibori Day" in Japan. The date comes from the character "ichi" (one) in the product's name appearing more times than on any other day of the year. It was established by the Kyushu regional headquarters of Kirin Brewery Company and registered with the Japan Anniversary Association in 2020.

A Beer Brand's Holiday, Inspired by the Character "One"

"Kirin Ichiban Shibori," launched on March 22, 1990, is one of Kirin's flagship beer brands. Its defining feature is using only the "first-press wort" -- the wort that flows out first during filtration -- and it marked its 30th anniversary in 2020, the year the day was registered.

• Origin: the character "ichi" (one) in "Ichiban Shibori" appears the most times on November 11th of any date in the year
• Purpose: to promote the brand's commitment to its first-press brewing method and its overall appeal
• What "first press" means: a brewing method that uses only the first, cleanest extraction of wort, without blending in the second press

A Dedicated Method That Creates a Smooth, Clean Taste

Typical beer brewing also uses the second-press wort collected after the first. Using only the first press is said to draw out the richness of the malt while producing a clean taste with fewer off-flavors. Ichiban Shibori is an all-malt beer said to use about 1.5 times as much malt as ordinary beer.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Enjoy a Kirin Ichiban Shibori and appreciate its brewing method
• Learn about the beer brewing process
• Look into the history and philosophy behind your favorite beer brand
• Share a toast with friends or family

A Dedication to "First" Creates a Genuinely Great Taste

The commitment to "first" embedded in the brand's name reflects a broader spirit of careful craftsmanship. November 11th is a day to savor that dedication in every sip.