The Birth of Authentic "Hon-Kirin": Evolving into a 100% Malt Draft Beer

Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd. will significantly refresh both the content and packaging of "Hon-Kirin" and relaunch it nationwide on Wednesday, November 4th. With this renewal, "Hon-Kirin" will change its production method from the conventional "new genre" category to "beer," evolving into a 100% malt draft beer. Amidst changes in the beer market, such as rising prices and shifting consumer lifestyles, the market is reaching a major turning point with the unification of liquor taxes in October 2026. Anticipating this, Kirin launched "Hon-Kirin" in 2018 as a daily beer centered on "authentic taste." In this renewal, to fundamentally improve the "authentic taste" pursued since its launch, the production method is being shifted from new genre to beer. This achieves a taste that allows consumers to feel the natural flavor of malt, offering a "satisfying yet drinkable" experience. The alcohol content has also been optimized from 6% to 5%, and the long-term low-temperature aging process continues to ensure a harmonious flavor free of off-flavors.