Kirin Ichiban is now part of the Guinness Anchor Berhad family

Kirin Ichiban is GAB’s first Japanese product in its portfolio and it is the company’s first new brand in five years.

Japanese super-premium beer Kirin Ichiban is now part of Guinness Anchor Berhad’s (GAB) impressive portfolio of international beers.

The beer was unveiled at a Japanese-themed cultural festival at Zebra Square Kuala Lumpur on April 9, an event that was graced by Makio Miyagawa, Japan’s ambassador to Malaysia.

Already available in more than 40 countries, Kirin Ichiban is a super-premium beer developed by Kirin Brewery that uses 100% malt and an innovative “First Press” brewing method to achieve its unique taste profile.

The First Press method means only the finest ingredients – including the purest malt, and extracts from the first strain only are used in the brewing process. This results in a premium beer that is crisp, rich in flavour yet leaves little after taste due to its purity.

GAB marketing director Bruce Dallas said that Kirin Ichiban has great potential in this market because consumers here are becoming increasingly discerning.

“After extensive market research, we found that there is much potential for growth in the super-premium beer category. We believe Kirin Ichiban with its unique flavour has the potential to fill that gap,” said Dallas.

Kirin Ichiban is GAB’s first Japanese product in its portfolio and it is the company’s first new brand in five years.