This is the Kirin Gogo no Kōcha Milk Tea Fuyu no Koi. It was a winter version of the Kirin Gogo no Kōcha Milk Tea, designed for consuming hot and featuring a thicker mouthfeel. As with the original, the black tea used for brewing contained 20% ‘candy tea leaves’, which have a rich aroma ideal for milk tea.
The tea was an opaque tan hue with a fragrant black tea aroma. When consumed hot, it provided a rich and creamy mouthfeel that coated the palate with aromatic black tea notes, much like its original version. Similarly, a lively sweetness greeted the start of each sip, evolving with a caramel-like depth in the body. The milk flavour was subtle and seamlessly integrated, avoiding any overpowering or disruptive elements. The absence of bitterness or astringency contributed to an overall flavour reminiscent of aromatic chocolate-flavoured milk.
The key distinction was in the more restrained sweetness of this version. While we found the original version overly sweet, this version struck a better balance. Warmth heightens one’s perception of sweetness, yet the reduced sugar content in this version achieved a touch more balance for the harmonious flavour sought.
This Kirin Gogo no Kōcha Milk Tea Fuyu no Koi contained 400 mL. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2024.