Boss Cafe Au Lait, surprisingly hard to come by these days

Cafe Au Lait

Brand: Suntory Boss

Price: 140 yen

Place of purchase: 7-Eleven

Rating:

I used to live on this stuff when I commuted by train for work on my second period of residence in Japan. I wasn't really a coffee drinker until I came to Japan and I found Suntory Boss Coffee very easy to drink and I liked its sweetness. I also liked how widely available it was back in the day. Particularly in winter when it seemed like every second vending machine sold it. It was also widely available in convenience stores. When hot, the can is great for warming up cold hands! It keeps the heat well. The balance between milk and coffee is gentle and smooth, making it easy to drink even if you’re not in the mood for something strong or bitter.

As I have become more accustomed to coffee and coffee from vending machines, I have moved away from Boss Coffee entirely. I no longer the tin taste that comes with coffee in a can, rather than a bottle. Suntory Boss Cafe Au Lait doesn't seem to be as widely available as it once was. That is why when I spotted it in a convenience store on an uncharacteristically cold day in early September, I decided to pick it up. It offered me a nostalgic taste, but I now find it too mild and overly sweet. It’s pleasant enough but not memorable, and compared to richer canned options, it doesn’t offer much complexity. Those wanting a stronger caffeine kick may find it underwhelming.