This is the OliveLeaf Yamagata Pineapple Cider, a pineapple cider beloved by the people of Yamagata, though it contains no fruit juice.
The beverage had a clear yellow hue with a bright pineapple aroma and moderate effervescence. Consumed chilled, the pineapple flavour presented a mellow sweetness that felt natural and avoided overt artificiality. However, it lacked the vibrant depth and juicy tartness typical of golden pineapple juice. The carbonation provided a refreshing finish, leaving a clean aftertaste. The light, mellow sweetness made it a refreshing choice, particularly after hiking up Risshaku-ji Temple (Yamadera) on a clear day. While a juicier pineapple profile might be preferred, this cider remains enjoyable and one we would drink again when in Yamagata.
This OliveLeaf Yamagata Pineapple Cider contained 380 mL. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Yamagata, Japan in 2024.