This is the Suntory Pop Pineapple Cider. It was made with ‘purified water’ and contained no fruit juice, achieving its pineapple flavour through artificial means.
The drink presented itself as a bright, transparent yellow hue, accompanied by a sweet pineapple aroma and pronounced carbonation. When consumed chilled, the pineapple notes made a swift appearance at the beginning of each sip, delivering the fruit’s aromatic and vibrant tropical sweetness. This was complemented by a touch of balancing acidity, akin to the richness of flavour found in a ripe golden pineapple, although it did not quite reach the depth and complexity of sweetness offered by the fresh fruit. Just before reaching the finish, the pineapple flavour gently subsided, and a hint of artificial sweetener (acesulfame K) emerged, followed by the effervescent bubbles cleansing the palate, leaving behind a refreshing and clean aftertaste. This pineapple cider proved enjoyable for its ability to capture the flavour of golden pineapples. While a hint of artificial sweetener was detectable, it remained a pleasant and refreshing beverage in moderation.
This Suntory Pop Pineapple Cider contained 600 mL. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2023.