In 1990 Kirin launched a very special beer in Japan, called Ichiban Shibori, which literally translates as first pressing. This distinctive beer is fermented using only the very first wort, which contains less bitter-tasting tannins. Its very mild, pure and smooth taste caused a sensational boom when launched in Japan, subsequently becoming the third best selling brand there amongst Japanese beers. In 1993 responding to requests from enthusiastic customers, Charles Wells Ltd, started to produce Kirin Ichiban in the U.K. Since then, like Kirin beer, Kirin Ichiban has attracted a lot of customers in Europe with its unique taste. Based on this unique quality, Kirin Ichiban was awarded the Monde Selection Gold Medal in from 1997 through 2001. There is no doubt that Kirin Beer, with its well balanced taste, will always go down well with Japanese food like Sushi, Sashimi and Tempura. Kirin Beer is also the perfect combination with all kinds of Oriental and European food - truly a cosmopolitan taste.