Welch’s is an American brand best known for its grape juices, particularly those made from dark Concord and white Niagara grapes. This Asahi Welch’s Rose Sparkling is a Japan-exclusive release, blending these polyphenol-rich grapes with strawberry juice and sauce. It contained 10% juice.

The beverage had a clear, deep pink colour with moderate carbonation. Served chilled, the mellow fruitiness of the white grapes and the rich sweetness of the Concord were most apparent at the start of each sip. The sweetness deepened in complexity as the strawberry juice and sauce emerged mid-palate, adding a layer of tartness that balanced the overall profile. The bubbles intensified towards the finish, leading to a clean aftertaste with no lingering sweetness. For those more accustomed to the rather one-note grape juices made from concentrate in Australia, the pronounced grape flavour may seem artificial, but it is entirely in line with the Concord grape profile found in Japan.

This Asahi Welch’s Rose Sparkling contained 450 ml. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2021.