Beverage imported by the Dutch, it was during the Edo era (1600-1868) that Japan discovered beer. The first Japanese beer is produced in 1853 by Doctor Komin Kawamoto who applies the Dutch distillation method. Beer is the first alcohol produced in Japan. In 2010, the country produced 3.5 billion litres of beer, compared to 500 million for shôchû and 425 million for sake. It is also Japan's best-selling alcoholic beverage. The best-known brands are Sapporo, Coedo, Kirin Ichiban and Asahi.