Nagano Prefecture is known for producing Shine Muscat, a grape with rich sweetness and crisp texture. The grape is a popular flavour for sweets in Japan, and the UHA Mikakutō Nagano Yamanoshizuku, in both gummy and candy forms, set the standards sky high.
This is the Nippon Yell Gummy Nagano Shine Muscat, which used the juice of Shine Muscat from Nagano Prefecture.
Each gummy was an opaque green-yellow hue, coated in a fine layer of sugar dust, with dimensions measuring approximately 2 cm in diameter and 1 cm in height. Its aroma had the sweetness of Shine Muscat grapes with its characteristic subtle hints of tropical mango. Upon tasting, an initial delicate crunchiness attributed to the fine sugar dust evoked the crisp texture of the grapes. The exterior layer, which had a firmer consistency, introduced a subdued sweetness initially, allowing the more vibrant sweetness within the soft jelly centre to take the spotlight. However, as the centre gradually dissolved, the exterior layer imparted a fresh acidity, aptly capturing the juiciness of freshly harvested grapes. This acidity developed further into the finish, embracing the sweet tropical notes akin to mango. Overall, these gummies elegantly paid homage to the refreshing fragrance and rich sweetness inherent in Shine Muscat grapes. Nonetheless, our preference leans toward the UHA Mikakutō Nagano Gumi Yamanoshizuku, owing to its more concentrated flavour profile.
This Nippon Yell Gummy Nagano Shine Muscat contained 40 g. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2023.