#Japan #Tokyo #Kirin #AI Taste Sensor #Hot Pots

The Perfect Pairing: Kirin's Sugar-Free Beverage and Japanese Hot Pots

As the winter season embraces us, the Japanese tradition of enjoying a variety of hot pots, known as 'nabe,' becomes a cultural highlight. This year, Kirin Brewery Co., spearheaded by President Hidetsugu Horiguchi, has partnered with OISSY, a food tech company, to combine culinary enjoyment with innovative technology. Utilizing their AI-based taste sensor 'Leo', they have scientifically assessed the best pairings of ten hot pots with ten popular types of alcoholic beverages, revealing the ultimate match: Kirin's sugar-free lemon beverage with an alcohol content of 7%.

Kirin’s Sugar-Free Beverage: A Rising Star

Kirin's 'Kirin Hyoketsu' series, which contains no sugar or artificial sweeteners, emphasizes a clean and refreshing taste that appeals to modern diners. The series has seen remarkable success with a 107% increase in sales from January to October 2025 compared to the previous year, demonstrating its popularity in the ready-to-drink (RTD) market—where it leads in sales within the sugar-free chuhai category since its launch.

Experts attribute this success to the increasing demand for beverages that enhance meals and pair well with various dishes. As diners seek the perfect accompaniment for their meals, 'Kirin Hyoketsu' has successfully positioned itself as a go-to choice for food pairing.

A Scientific Approach to Sake Pairing

In an innovative twist, Kirin explored hot pot pairings using OISSY's AI taste sensor, which mimics human taste receptors and quantifies five basic flavors: sweetness, umami, saltiness, acidity, and bitterness. The study sampled 100 combinations, comparing 10 types of hot pots with 10 different beverages including beer, Japanese sake, and wines.

The results were compelling, showcasing the refreshing 'Kirin Hyoketsu Lemon' as the top scoring beverage with seven types of hot pots, including 'miso nabe' and 'yakiniku nabe', aligning perfectly with their sweet and salty flavor profiles. OISSY's tasting expert, Suzuki, shared insights, indicating that the balance of acidity and bitterness in 'Kirin Hyoketsu Lemon' enhances the savory qualities of hot pot recipes rich in umami and saltiness.

Insights from the Taste Test

Notably, the top five pairings predominantly featured carbonated drinks, such as 'Kirin Hyoketsu Lemon' and 'Grapefruit' take the lead thanks to their ability to cut through the richness of the meals. The 'ao sōzai' skills of these carbonated drinks offer a pleasant contrast to the hearty flavors of winter hot pots, making them ideal companions.

Furthermore, non-carbonated selections like sake and shochu demonstrated strong affinities with lighter, hybrid hot pots that blend Japanese and Western elements. This suggests a versatile pairing potential that caters to diverse palates.

Reiko Yasui, a renowned culinary expert recognized as 'Honorary Nabe Master', emphasized that the right beverage must accentuate the umami qualities of hot pot dishes. Yasui endorsed 'Kirin Hyoketsu Lemon' for its ability to refresh the palate without overshadowing the delicate flavors of the hot pot.

Enjoy This Winter Season

As winter approaches, embracing the warmth of hot pots with thoughtfully selected beverages will enhance your dining experience. Kirin’s innovative approach combines tradition with technology, inviting more individuals to savor the deeply satisfying experience of hot pot dining.

Kirin and their partners have paved the way for a new trend in dining with scientific backing that enhances food enjoyment through data-driven choices. Enjoy your hot pot season and delightedly explore the harmonious pairings made possible with Kirin's refreshing drinks.

About OISSY

OISSY is at the forefront of food tech, renowned for its advanced methods in analyzing flavors scientifically. Their sensor, 'Leo', represents a leap forward in quantifying tastes, giving a detailed view of food compatibility.

Dive into the festive season with Kirin, and allow their remarkable beverages to elevate your hot pot gatherings to new heights!