Kirin Ichiban Brings First Press Brewing Philosophy to Life at Clarke Quay Pop-Up

Kirin Ichiban is bringing its brewing philosophy to life in Singapore with the opening of First Press Studio by Kirin Ichiban, an 11 day pop up at Swee Lee in Clarke Quay from 27 August to 6 September 2026.

The free entry experience will invite visitors to explore the story behind Kirin Ichiban’s signature First Press Method through art, Japanese inspired craftsmanship, interactive activities and tasting experiences. Guests aged 18 and above will also receive a complimentary tasting glass of Kirin Ichiban.

The First Press Method was pioneered in 1990 and uses only the first press of 100 per cent malt, rather than pressing the malt a second time to extract more. By stopping after the first press, Kirin Ichiban places an emphasis on quality and taste, helping to preserve the beer’s rich and smooth character.

The method has remained central to Kirin Ichiban for more than 35 years, with the beer now available in more than 40 countries. At First Press Studio, visitors can explore the philosophy through works created by Singapore based artisans and hands on activities inspired by Japanese craftsmanship.

The experience begins with The First Press Collective, featuring three local artisans who have interpreted the First Press philosophy through their respective creative disciplines. Sign painter Charmaine Chen presents Old World Charm, an exploration of quality through traditional sign painting. Matthias Yong’s Baremetal brings metalworking and precision craftsmanship into an expressive installation, while food artist Gong Hua of Who Eats Art combines food and art in a sensory interpretation of the First Press concept.

Visitors can also take part in The Ichiban Pour Experience, a guided session that explores how the First Press Method works and the craftsmanship involved in the brewing process. The experience ends with a freshly poured complimentary glass of Kirin Ichiban for every guest aged 18 and above.

Another activity, Kirin Good Fortune, allows visitors to create a personalised Good Fortune Charm inspired by the Kirin, or 麒麟, a traditional symbol associated with joy and prosperity.

For those looking for a more hands on experience, The First Press Workshop will offer limited capacity sessions priced at S$15 per person. Each 60-minute workshop includes materials, a handcrafted creation to take home and one complimentary glass of Kirin Ichiban.

The Kumiko Coaster Making Workshop will run from 28 to 30 August and introduce participants to Kumiko, a traditional Japanese woodworking technique known for intricate geometric patterns. Participants will assemble individual wooden pieces to create a coaster without using nails.

From 4 to 6 September, the Shibori Bandana Experience will introduce guests to Japan’s traditional resist dyeing technique. Participants will create a 50 by 50 cm cotton bandana by experimenting with different folding, twisting and binding methods, resulting in an individual pattern.

Workshop sessions are limited to 15 participants each and advance registration is required.

Visitors can also enjoy an Oishii Pairing at Swee Lee throughout the pop up. Three curated pasta dishes will be available to pair with Kirin Ichiban, with a selected pasta dish and one bottle of Kirin Ichiban priced at S$25. Only 30 pairing sets will be available each day.

First Press Studio by Kirin Ichiban will be open at Swee Lee at Clarke Quay from 27 August to 6 September 2026. With free tasting experiences, local art, Japanese inspired crafts and limited capacity workshops, the pop up offers visitors different ways to discover the First Press philosophy behind Kirin Ichiban.

Alcoholic beverages will only be served to and consumed by individuals aged 18 and above.