In Yamagata, it is common in izakayas and homes to mix Pine Cider, a long-loved local beverage, with Kinryū shōchū, a regional shōchū produced in Yamagata. Sanwa Otona no Pine Cider replicates this tradition, creating a ready-to-drink chūhai. It contained 5% alcohol and, like the original cider, no pineapple juice.

The chūhai had a clear yellow hue with a vibrant pineapple aroma, offering little indication of its alcoholic content and a moderate effervescence. Consumed chilled, it delivered an immediate fresh pineapple flavour with a mellow sweetness, despite the lack of juice. Notably, it exhibited stronger acidity and more restrained sweetness than the original cider, achieving the juicier pineapple profile absent in its non-alcoholic counterpart. The chūhai was smooth and easy to drink, with the alcohol making its presence known primarily through a dry finish and a faint hint of lingering bitterness.

Overall, the chūhai’s flavour profile was more appealing than the original cider. However, due to our preference for non-alcoholic beverages, the cider would likely be the choice for repurchase.

This Sanwa Otona no Pine Cider contained 380 mL. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Yamagata, Japan in 2024.