This is the Suntory Craft Boss Shīkuwāsā & Ume, made using a blend of grape, plum, and shīkuwāsā juices. It also contained 1,500 mg of citric acid, a full day’s recommended intake of vitamin B6 and niacin, and 0.1–0.2 g sodium per 100 mL, formulated with hydration and heatstroke prevention in mind.

The beverage had a translucent yellow hue with a gentle aroma combining lightly tart plum and floral citrus notes.

When consumed chilled, the ume and shīkuwāsā were difficult to separate clearly. Instead, the flavours appeared integrated, with the ume contributing a slightly sweeter, fruity note that carried a mild vinegar-like tang. Mid-sip, the sweetness from the grape component became noticeable, rounding the acidity. The shīkuwāsā remained present throughout, adding a soft aromatic citrus sharpness that framed the drink from start to finish.

The overall acidity was milder than that of lemon or lime beverages. A faint salinity appeared toward the finish, reminiscent of an electrolyte drink, smoothing the acidity before a brief citrus note lingered in the aftertaste. The overall impression recalled a lightly diluted fruit vinegar beverage, though without the aggressive acidity typical of that style. The combination of fruit sweetness and added salt reinforced the electrolyte-like character.

Overall, a mild tart fruit beverage with electrolyte-style salinity, leaning more functional than purely refreshing.

This Suntory Craft Boss Shīkuwāsā & Ume contained 600 mL. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2026.