Japanese history, as told through Kirin beer

Since 1998, Kirin Beer has frequently offered limited-edition recreations of its historical back catalog. This year saw a November 25 return of the brand's popular Meiji-era lager and Taisho-era pilsener.

The two beers' elegant old labels make today's glossy cans look garish and artificial. For the Meiji lager, Kirin has recreated the 1888 bottle artwork, which was interestingly enough designed by a German. On the label, the iconic Qilin chimera is drawn to resemble a dainty little deer, framed by a gigantic cherry-red rising sun. The Taisho pilsener's art dates back to the 1906 celebration of Japan's victory in the Russo-Japanese War. Here the Qilin looks a bit antique but has grown from its Meiji era miniature to a bold size similar to today.

Formula-wise, the Lager sticks to pure malt and hops, while the pilsener adds rice to the mix. The taste of the Meiji Lager is top-notch: rich and slightly bitter without infringing on the refreshment. The Taisho Pilsner is closer to today's Kirin flavor -- a little hoppy and sour, but with a cereal richness at its core. You can almost taste the liberal democracy.

Make sure to dive into this buzz-inducing history lesson while supplies last. Beer must have been pretty good back in the day. Thanks to Kirin, we modern folk can enjoy its rich taste -- without having to suffer the tuberculosis and open sewers of the era.