If you’re tired of overly sweet chu-hais and craving something truly authentic, elegant, and refreshingly complex, this may just be the best canned citrus drink you’ll ever taste.
Let’s dive into what makes this fruit-forward chu-hai gem worth hunting down
🍊 What Is It?
Part of Kirin’s premium chu-hai lineup, this edition is crafted with 11% real fruit juice, no additives, and a commitment to expressing the natural essence of citrus.
This edition blends:
・🍋 Four types of lemon for layered citrus depth
・🍈 A touch of lime for brightness and edge
・🍊 Hyuganatsu — a rare Japanese citrus — adding floral sweetness
The result? A refined, juicy, and multi-dimensional citrus experience unlike anything you’ll find in a typical chu-hai.
🍋 First Impressions: Fresh Citrus, Elevated
The moment you pop the can, the aroma explodes — zesty, vibrant, and incredibly nuanced. It’s not just “lemon-scented”; it’s a symphony of citrus notes — sweet, tart, bitter, and floral all at once.
It instantly signals: this isn’t your average canned drink.
🍈 Flavor Profile: Citrus Cocktail in a Can
This chu-hai drinks like a carefully crafted citrus cocktail, not a sugar-laden convenience store beverage.
Each lemon variety brings its own character — from bright acidity to soft sweetness and delicate bitterness.
Lime adds a clean, refreshing edge.
Hyuganatsu lends mellow sweetness and a gentle floral aroma that lingers beautifully.
Together, these elements form a complex yet balanced profile, offering richness without heaviness.
🌿 Texture & Balance: Smooth, Not Syrupy
Unlike many citrus drinks that rely on sugar or artificial flavors, this chu-hai is:
・✨ Smooth and rounded
・🧂 Not too acidic
・🧃 Naturally balanced
The lack of added sweeteners or flavoring agents allows the true essence of citrus to shine. There’s even a subtle wine-like finish — elegant and restrained.
🧼 Pure Ingredients. Nothing Else.
What’s inside the can? Only three things:
・11% real fruit juice
・Distilled spirits
・Carbonated water
No sweeteners. No fragrance additives. No artificial flavors.
Just pure fruit and expert blending — true to Honshibori’s philosophy of minimalism and authenticity.
🎉 Final Verdict: A Rare Citrus Treasure
Kirin Honshibori Premium – Four Types of Lemon & Hyuganatsu sets a new benchmark for canned chu-hais. It’s:
・🍋 Citrusy and layered
・🧃 Authentic and additive-free
・🍷 Refined like a cocktail or wine
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself to real citrus flavor done right, this drink delivers a premium experience in every sip.
🛒 Where to Buy
You can find it at:
・Major convenience stores in Japan
・Liquor stores
・Online platforms like Amazon Japan or Rakuten
🏆 Perfect Pairing of the Day – A Snack You’ll Want with Every Sip!
A refreshing chu-hai deserves a savory companion — and this regional snack delivers bold, beefy depth.
Meet: Pretz – Gyutan (Beef Tongue Flavor), a crisp snack stick infused with the umami of grilled beef tongue and a punch of cracked black pepper.
・🥩 Bold gyutan (beef tongue) flavor — rich and satisfying
・🧂 Coated in a sweet-savory glaze with a peppery finish
・🎌 A true taste of Tohoku — inspired by regional flavors
With its crunchy texture and deep, meaty seasoning, this Pretz offers snackable intensity that pairs beautifully with citrus-forward chu-hais like Kirin Honshibori. The mellow sweetness of the tare-style glaze and the sharp heat of black pepper make each bite a flavorful match for every sip.
Whether you’re sipping solo or sharing drinks with friends, this unique treat adds a distinctly Japanese twist to your chu-hai experience.
Together, they offer a balanced, distinctly Japanese pairing worth savoring. Kanpai! 🍻
