Kirin Beer Sendai Brewery Tour

Among the top-ranking beer companies in Japan, Kirin Brewery places second in market share. Its clear, golden color and sweet malt taste characterize the brand’s famous ichiban shibori (first press) brewing method, which uses only the first pressing of malted barley to produce the wort. Visitors can enjoy a firsthand tasting of Kirin’s various beer types while observing the factory facilities at the Kirin Beer Sendai Brewery Tour.

Kirin Brewery

Photo by: Alma Reyes

Kirin Brewery was established in 1907. The beer factory in Sendai is located in Miyagino Ward, about fifteen minutes by car or bus from Tagajo station. Opened in 1923, it is regarded as the oldest brewery in Tohoku. It is the major beer distributor for the six prefectures in Tohoku, including Niigata Prefecture. The plant was acquired as a strategic move to rebuild after the Great Kanto Earthquake devastated the Yokohama plant in the same year. The complex buildings nestle scenically around a park with lush trees that bloom gracefully in autumn.

Kirin Beer Sendai Brewery Tour

Photo by: Alma Reyes

The Kirin Beer Sendai Brewery Tour lasts approximately eighty minutes and provides a sensory experience of the beer-making process. It begins with a video presentation that outlines the company’s history and brewing process. The guide then escorts participants around the manufacturing facilities. Displays present samples of malt and hops accompanied by clips of picturesque barley and hop fields.

The factory zones and visuals explain the process of mashing, fermentation, and storage. Visitors can witness the boiling of malt to produce wort and the addition of hops to enhance the aroma and bitter taste. The draft beer specialist allows guests to smell the first-pressed wort and the second-pressed wort and touch the hops. After watching the fermentation process, guests can observe how the wort is stored to blend the flavors and aromas. Guests can also learn about the bottling and packaging processes.

Beer Tasting

Photo by: Alma Reyes

The tour concludes with a free tasting next to the souvenir shop. Here, visitors can sample KIRIN’s Ichiban Shibori and other beer varieties together with small snacks. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

The Kirin Beer Port Sendai Cafe and Restaurant is located in a separate building within the grounds. The small gift shop sells cheese and delicacies, in addition to beer. Guests can find a variety of souvenirs with a beer theme. It also handles the shipping of beer purchases.