This is the Suntory -196°C Autumn Grape, one of three flavours released to celebrate the autumn season in 2023. The can featured stunning illustrations capturing the essence of autumn fruits and the season.
Using kyohō grapes from Yamanashi Prefecture, this chūhai was created using Suntory’s ‘-196°C manufacturing method’, which involves crushing the frozen fruit to maintain its fresh flavour.
The chūhai presented itself with a clear, pale purple hue and emitted a sweet aroma reminiscent of fresh red grapes, accompanied by a gentle carbonation. Served chilled, it immediately delivered a fresh kyohō sweetness at the forefront of each sip, gradually developing a subtle hint of fresh acidity as one progressed through the drink. However, in the latter half of the sip, the kyohō notes receded, replaced by a somewhat nondescript sweetness that faded as the effervescence of the bubbles cleared the palate, leaving a slight bitterness lingering in the aftertaste.
Compared to the fruity flavours found in the apple and nashi variants of this series, the brightness of the kyohō was notably less vibrant. As a result, the bitterness from the artificial sweetener and alcohol content became more pronounced in the finish. Despite this, the chūhai remained enjoyable, although a more prolonged and robust kyohō flavour would have been appreciated.
This Suntory -196°C Autumn Grape contained 350 mL. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Hong Kong in 2023.