TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Kirin Brewery Co. said Tuesday it will launch a new third-category beer product with a higher alcoholic content of 7 percent on Oct. 22.
The 350-milliliter canned version of the Kirin Strong Seven will sell for around 140 yen.
The Kirin Strong Seven launch comes after Kirin's vodka-based beverage with a higher alcoholic content of 8 percent became a hit product following its introduction in May.
Third-category beer products are priced lower than conventional beer due to lower tax and have sold well while the Japanese market has shrunk for beer and beer-like beverages.
Kirin, which also plans to release a Kirin Smooth third-category beer with a lower alcoholic content of 4 percent for young people in September, intends to stimulate demand by increasing the range of choices for consumers.
