Beam Suntory has unveiled a new shochu-based RTD range in the Australian market called Koyomi Highball.
Koyomi was created especially for Aussie consumers and includes three flavours: Blood Orange and Bitters, Mandarin and Grapefruit, and Yuzu and Lime. Each expression contains 109 calories and carries an abv of 4.2%.
Shochu-based RTDs are hugely popular in Japan, especially among female drinkers, where they are called “chuhai”.
Chuhai is a word that combines the “highball” with “shochu”, an alcohol made from rice, barley or sweet potatoes.
Koyomi Yuzu & Lime is described as a “perfectly balanced combination of Japanese and Western citrus fruits”. Yuzu, a popular fruit in Japan, and lime, a popular citrus in Australia, create a “refreshingly zesty Highball”.
Koyomi Mandarin and Grapefruit has “warmer sweet notes” while Blood Orange and Bitters is described as “bold yet balanced” with “complex flavour” and a “less bitter finish” than a Spritz.
“Australia’s alcohol market is rapidly evolving, and as consumers are surrounded by choices, they are searching for a unique, new product, both inside and out,” said Beam Suntory director of innovation Kay Oh.
“Koyomi Highball embodies the cool, modern and sophisticated factor of Japan, making it one-of-a-kind. Blended with shōchū, and popular Japanese flavours, Koyomi Highball provides a unique drinking experience that transports you to Japan.”
The range is available through Coca-Cola Amatil and comes in four-packs priced at $18. It is available from leading liquor stores in Australia from August 2019.
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