This is the Ito En x Nippon Yell Domestic Citrus Blend, a non-carbonated beverage made with up to 10% fruit juice sourced from three domestic citrus varieties: Unshū mikan from Wakayama Prefecture, Kawachi bankan from Ehime Prefecture, and Hassaku from Wakayama Prefecture. These varieties are all known for their low acidity and mellow profiles.
The drink had an opaque golden-yellow hue and a soft, sweet citrus aroma strongly reminiscent of Unshū mikan. On tasting, the initial flavour delivered sweet citrus notes dominated by the Unshū mikan and Kawachi bankan, followed by a light, rounded acidity mid-palate. A subtle but noticeable bitterness from the Hassaku emerged in the finish, adding a layer of complexity without disrupting the beverage’s overall smoothness. While the flavour was well balanced, the absence of carbonation created a slightly flat mouthfeel, causing the flavour to linger rather than refreshing the palate. This may be due to the smooth texture of the juice base, which, though pleasant, lacked the crispness that carbonation or higher acidity might have provided.
Overall, this beverage offered a well-constructed blend of three distinct Japanese citrus fruits, highlighting their complementary characteristics for a balanced, sweet–sour flavour profile.
This Ito En x Nippon Yell Domestic Citrus Blend contained 400 g. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2024.