While lemon-lime is the original ramune flavour, there are dozens of others – some are fruit-based, some are more adventurous (for example, wasabi, chilli oil or cream pottage). One of the safer non-fruit flavours is Hatakosen Uji Matcha Ramune. It’s made with matcha from Uji, Kyōto and comes in the classic Codd-neck bottle with a marble stopper that’s popped into the special chamber in the neck of the bottle before drinking.

This Uji Matcha Ramune is a translucent deep green colour with a sweet vegetal nose. Upon tasting, fragrant, vegetal matcha notes are prominent and sustained throughout each sip with the sweetness of traditional lemon-lime ramune and an enjoyable carbonation, before leaving a lingering sweet matcha aftertaste. With matcha rarely consumed with sugar, the sweet matcha flavour recalled that of a matcha latte without the creaminess. For lovers of ramune who enjoy matcha the sharper vegetal notes of matcha are well balanced by the sweetness here to create an enjoyable and refreshing beverage that will not disappoint.

This Hatakosen Uji Matcha Ramune contained 200 ml. It was bottled in Japan and was purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2017.