Snappy shiikwasaa flavoured chuhai

Orion Shima Chu

Brand: Orion

Price: 170 yen

Place of purchase: Belx Supermarket

Rating:

Shikwasa, the distinctive citrus fruit grown in Okinawa, is one of my favourite flavours. The combo of sweet, sour, and lightly bitter flavours of the fruit reminds me of a holiday in the islands. This shochu highball drink produced by Orion, makes use of unripe shikwasa fruit. Shima Chu appeals because it isn't too sweet. The unripened citrus hasn't yet developed its sugars, so you get a sharp, crisp flavour. I found it at a Belx Supermarket in the Kanto region. It's priced at about 170 yen for a 300 ml can.

I have no complaints about Orion's Shima Chu shikwasa flavoured shochu highball. It's priced about the same as comparable ready-to-drink chuhais. I'd get this again. It's got two features that appeal. First, the fruit used is not fully ripened, so the sugars haven't developed. And Orion doesn't add sweeteners. It's a good sparkling citrus-flavoured drink with washoku. I had it with grilled saba, rice, and salad. The product website doesn't say it is a limited product, but it's hard to find. I found it at a Belx supermarket.