Kirin Ichiban vs Sapporo isn’t solely a showdown between two of the very best Japanese brewers but additionally two of the most important firms. You’ll be able to take a look at our overview of The High 5 Japanese Beers should you’d like, however we’re right here to debate these two firms and their beers intimately.
How did Kirin Ichiban and Sapporo turn into giants within the Japanese beer market? What do their beers style like? Which beers are higher? These are all questions we’re going to cowl.
Kirin Ichiban vs Sapporo Historical past
There are 4 main brewers of beer in Japan, Asahi, Kirin, Suntory, and Sapporo. Kirin holds the second largest market share behind Asahi. Whereas Sapporo has the smallest market of the 4 brewers, they nonetheless promote greater than 10% of all beer in Japan.
Historical past of Kirin Ichiban
Kirin Ichiban dates all the best way again to 1885, and in 1888 they started brewing beer. Nonetheless, again then they had been referred to as The Japan Brewing Firm. It was in 1907 that they modified their title to Kirin Brewery.
By 1972 Kirin was dominating the Japanese beer world with a 60% market share. Kirin Ichiban, although, wasn’t launched till 1990. Kirin had begun utilizing a primary press methodology when it got here to brewing. This implies they used solely the primary press of liquid for his or her wort, and they’re the one firm on the earth to take action.
In Japanese Ichiban means the ‘#1’, In order that they started advertising themselves and their beer as Kirin Ichiban as a result of they used the primary press.
Historical past of Sapporo
Sapporo is Japan’s oldest brewer of beer. A person by the title of Seibei Nakagawa created the primary brewery and beer model in 1876. He was additionally Japan’s first ever German-trained brew grasp. On the age of 17, he left Japan throughout a time it was forbidden to take action. He finally ended up in Germany and discovered the artwork of brewing. Years later, he returned residence and created Sapporo.
Japan isn’t the one place the place Sapporo is well-liked. It’s additionally the very best promoting Asian beer within the US. Sapporo U.S.A., Inc, was based in 1984, so their beer is definitely brewed within the US and Canada.
Kirin Ichiban Beers vs Sapporo Beers
Kirin Ichiban provides 4 totally different merchandise, Kirin Ichiban, Kirin Ichiban Kuronama, Kirin Ichiban Toretate Hop, and Kirin Ichiban Frozen Beer. Whereas our primary focus will likely be on the usual Kirin Ichiban, we’ll add some notes on the others.
Sapporo additionally provides quite a lot of beers. Their lineup contains: Sapporo Premium, Sapporo Premium Gentle, Sapporo Premium Black, Sapporo Reserve, and Sapporo Pure. Sapporo Premium is the unique beer, so we’ll focus extra on that particular beer.
Kirin Ichiban
The usual beer of Kirin, is the 2nd hottest beer on the Japanese market proper behind Asahi Tremendous Dry. Kirin Ichiban is a pale lager made with 100% malted barley, water, and hops. So, it’s not too dissimilar from the beers you’ll see in America or Europe. The principle distinction is their use of the primary press methodology.
To provide you an concept, most gentle beers within the US use barley, water, hops, and both rice or corn. Heineken, similar to Kirin Ichiban, makes use of 100% malted barley.
Kirin Ichiban Style & Specs
Kirin Ichiban, together with most Japanese beers, is sort of just like different pale lagers discovered. It is available in at 5% ABV and 19 IBU’s. IBU stands for Worldwide Bitterness Models, and it’s a measurement, on a scale as much as 120, of how ‘hoppy’ a beer is. Hops present bitterness to beer, the extra and stronger hops used, the extra bitter and better the IBU will likely be.
Okay, so Kirin Ichiban is just like some American pale lagers, however what precisely does it style like? Kirin Ichiban provides a dry and crisp mouthfeel. The hops present some gentle floral notes, however malt is the defining attribute.
Sapporo Premium
Sapporo Premium is the unique Sapporo beer. In addition they provide a pair lighter choices as effectively with their Premium Gentle and Pure alternatives. I think about with Sapporo brewing beer within the US, they’re closely influenced by beer traits in America. So, it solely is smart that they provide a low calorie and low carb choice.
Sapporo Premium Style & Specs
Sapporo Premium barely differs from Kirin Ichiban. Along with utilizing malted barley, water, and hops, Sapporo Premium can also be made with rice. Many home lagers use corn akin to Miller and Coors, however America’s two finest promoting beers – Budweiser and Bud Gentle- each use rice.
Sapporo Premium is barely much less sturdy than Kirin Ichiban because it is available in at 4.9% ABV and 18 IBU. Whereas that is minimal, there’s virtually an additional softness to the mouthfeel than Kirin. Moreover, Sapporo can also be extra carbonated than Kirin. Personally, I discover it fascinating how sharp but comfortable Sapporo actually is.
Kirin Ichiban vs Sapporo: Which Is Higher?
So, which beer is healthier, Kirin Ichiban or Sapporo Premium? Nicely, the higher query is, which do I favor? Actually, that relies upon upon what I’m searching for. I loved them virtually equally however in numerous methods.
On style alone, I give the sting to Kirin Ichiban. I discovered the flavors to be extra full-bodied than that of Sapporo. Nonetheless, Sapporo was extra refreshing to me. I favor the flavour of Coors Banquet to Busch, however I discover Busch extra refreshing. It’s the same state of affairs I discover myself in when evaluating these two Japanese beers.
If it’s a scorching summer time day, I’d go for Sapporo. If I’m within the consolation of air-con, Kirin Ichiban could also be my go to. Nonetheless, one other means to take a look at it’s by meals pairings.
Kirin Ichiban and Sapporo Meals Pairings
Kirin Ichiban and Sapporo are broadly provided in Japanese eating places throughout the US. You’re going to be okay with no matter meals you pair with both of those. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply there aren’t higher pairings for every.
I’d pair Kirin Ichiban with some stronger fish plates akin to salmon, tuna, or cod. It’s additionally excellent for any of your favourite fried Japanese dishes. The physique of Kirin Ichiban can cleanse your palate for a few of these stronger meals.
Sapporo, resulting from it’s gentle, refreshing nature, can be my selection for sushi. The softness permits sushi to shine by every sip with out being overpowered. over at Plate Cup Desk, they suggest consuming Sapporo with ramen.
Kirin Ichiban vs Sapporo Abstract
Whereas these beers are pale lagers, they do provide some variations from the home beer we’re used to. Kirin Ichiban is the one brewer on the earth to make use of solely the primary press of the wort for his or her beer. Sapporo, however, is extra carbonated than just about all of the home lagers you drink.
There are similarities as effectively. Pale lagers are a bit of lighter in coloration and fullness and are supposed to be served chilly in order to be refreshing. Personally, I just like the style of Kirin extra however discover Sapporo to be the higher thirst quenching choice.
Kirin Ichiban and Sapporo are each bought in liquor and grocery shops in addition to at Japanese and Asian eating places. Should you’re considering making an attempt them, go decide up a case and let me know what you suppose!
Kirin Ichiban vs Sapporo FAQ
Under are steadily requested questions relating to Kirin Ichiban and Sapporo. Many of those are answered within the article above.
The place Can I purchase Kirin Ichiban or Sapporo?
Kirin Ichiban and Sapporo are each broadly out there at liquor and beer shops throughout the nation. Should you’re native store doesn’t have it, attempt a bigger alcohol retail store. These beers are additionally out there at native Japanese and Asian eating places.
Is Sapporo Higher than Asahi?
Asahi is the very best promoting beer in Japan, however most Individuals agree that it’s not the very best tasting. Personally and from my analysis, Individuals are likely to favor Sapporo and Kirin Ichiban to Asahi.
What Sort of Beer is Kirin Ichiban?
Kirin Ichiban is a pale lager. So, too, is Sapporo. Pale lagers are essentially the most industrially produced beers on the earth with the likes of Budweiser, Miller-Coors, and others.
