This is the Asahi Mitsuya Tokunou Melon Squash. It incorporated 10% juice and extract from muskmelons grown in Shizuoka Prefecture, and used microcarbonated acid to achieve an exceptionally rich melon taste.
The drink had a translucent yellow-green hue and carried the characteristic sweet muskiness of muskmelons, along with a fine carbonation. When enjoyed while chilled, the same sweet, musky notes were present at the start of each sip, accompanied by a vibrant freshness. By the mid-sip, it evoked the experience of biting into the pulpy centre of a perfectly ripe muskmelon. In the latter half of the sip, the muskmelon flavour briefly receded before the carbonation cleared the palate, allowing a fleeting hint of fresh muskmelon to return in the finish ahead of a clean aftertaste. The microcarbonated acid came through as tiny bubbles, providing a smoother mouthfeel that helped to spread the flavour of the beverage across the palate mid-sip compared to the palate-cleansing finish of regular carbonation. Overall, this beverage beautifully captured the liveliness of the muskmelon with a skilful balance between sweetness and acidity in contrast to the Fujiya Melon Squash.
This Asahi Mitsuya Tokunou Melon Squash contained 500 mL. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2023.