Ichiban Fetes the Start of Cherry Blossom Season

Everyone knows that around this time, DC becomes really thankful to Japan… for those beautiful cherry blossom trees.  Last Monday night, there was even more Japanese culture to be thankful for.

Japanese beer Kirin Ichiban celebrated the start of Cherry Blossom season in the nation’s capital with a special Japan-inspired VIP reception at Shaw ramen house Chaplin’s Restaurant.

Amongst a beautiful bloom of cherry blossom floral arrangements, guests previewed two exclusive Kirin “beer-tails” being served at Chaplin’s throughout Cherry Blossom season — Bread & Soda, made with Kirin Ichiban and Bulleit Bourbon, garnished with a slice of house made ginger cake and Honzo’s Steel, a mix of Kirin Ichiban orange-blossom honey reduction and Nolet’s Gin, topped with an heirloom purple rice ice cube. Guests also enjoyed pints of Kirin Ichiban paired with shots of Sakura Emaki Rose sake.

 Kirin Ichiban’s Cherry Blossom drink specials — $8 Kirin beer-tails and $5 Kirin pints or pints-and-sake — are available through April 17.

Kirin Brewery Company, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, is one of Japan’s most prominent and respected breweries, and among the top ten brewers in the world. Its history dates back to 1888 and in that time, the name Kirin has become synonymous in Japan and around the world with beer of the highest quality.

*Images credit Joy Asico