Kirin Ichiban is bringing its signature First Press brewing philosophy to Singapore with First Press Studio by Kirin Ichiban, an 11 day pop up at Swee Lee Clarke Quay from 27 August to 6 September 2026.
The immersive experience will invite visitors to discover the craft behind Kirin Ichiban through art, interactive activities, Japanese inspired craftsmanship and tasting experiences. Admission is free, and every guest aged 18 and above will receive a complimentary tasting glass of Kirin Ichiban.
At the centre of the pop up is Kirin Ichiban’s First Press Method, a brewing approach introduced in 1990 that uses only the first press of 100% malt. Unlike brewing methods that may press malt more than once to extract additional liquid, Kirin Ichiban stops after the first press, prioritising quality and taste over yield.
The First Press Method has remained central to Kirin Ichiban for more than 35 years, with the beer now available in more than 40 countries. At the First Press Studio, the philosophy will be presented through the work of Singapore based artisans alongside interactive experiences and Japanese inspired crafts.
Visitors can begin 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 explores the enduring value of quality through traditional sign painting in Old World Charm, while Matthias Yong brings metalworking into an expressive installation titled Baremetal. Food artist Gong Hua of Who Eats Art combines food and art in a sensory interpretation of the First Press philosophy.
At The Ichiban Pour Experience, guests can learn about the First Press Method and the brewing process behind Kirin Ichiban. The guided session explores how the method contributes to the beer’s smooth taste before concluding with a complimentary freshly poured glass for guests aged 18 and above.
Visitors can also create a personalised Kirin Good Fortune Charm inspired by the Kirin, a traditional symbol associated with joy and prosperity, giving guests a keepsake to take home.
For those looking for a more hands on experience, The First Press Workshop will offer limited capacity paid 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. Participants can learn the traditional Japanese woodworking technique of Kumiko and create a coaster by assembling individual wooden pieces into intricate geometric patterns without using nails.
From 4 to 6 September, the Shibori Bandana Experience will introduce participants to Japan’s traditional resist dyeing technique. Guests will create their own 50 by 50cm cotton bandana using different folding, twisting and binding techniques, with each finished piece featuring its own pattern.
Food will also be part of the experience, with Swee Lee offering a curated Oishii Pairing throughout the pop up. Visitors can choose from three pasta dishes designed to pair with Kirin Ichiban and enjoy their selected pasta with a bottle of the beer for S$25. The pairing will be limited to 30 sets per day.
First Press Studio by Kirin Ichiban will take place at Swee Lee Clarke Quay, located at Blk 3B River Valley Road, #01-06, Singapore 179021, from 12pm to 8pm daily between 27 August and 6 September 2026.
Alcoholic beverages will only be served to and consumed by individuals aged 18 and above. Each eligible guest visiting the First Press Studio will receive one complimentary glass of Kirin Ichiban as part of the experience.
