The Coca-Cola system is set to launch a new flavor under its lemon sour specialty brand, “Lemon-dou” (檸檬堂), with the release of “Lemon-dou Unsweetened Lemon and Sudachi” (7% alcohol) nationwide on Monday, September 16, 2024. This marks the second release in the “Unsweetened Lemon-dou” series, which was developed specifically to pair well with meals, and introduces a new flavor beyond lemon for the first time in the brand’s history.
The unsweetened chu-hi (shochu highball) category in the alcohol market has seen a 36% year-over-year increase.*1 Consumers, particularly in their 30s, are increasingly selecting beverages based on factors like “great taste on its own” and “suitability with food.” In response to these evolving preferences, Lemon-dou launched the “Unsweetened Lemon-dou” series in May 2024, under the concept of “a drink that goes well with any meal.” The first release in the series was “Unsweetened Lemon-dou,” which has been well received. (*1 Source: Coca-Cola Japan)
The new flavor, “Lemon-dou Unsweetened Lemon and Sudachi,” represents a significant first for the Lemon-dou brand, as it incorporates a flavor other than lemon. While many unsweetened chu-hi beverages feature citrus flavors like lemon or grapefruit, Lemon-dou focused on sudachi, a common Japanese citrus used as a condiment to enhance meals. Sudachi pairs perfectly with lemon and enhances the fresh, natural taste of Lemon-dou, offering both uniqueness and novelty.
Key Features of “Lemon-dou Unsweetened Lemon and Sudachi”
– A Refreshing Blend of Sudachi Aroma and Lemon Flavor
With the first sip, the crisp and fresh aroma of sudachi fills the senses, while the clean, juicy flavor of Lemon-dou lingers as an aftertaste. The refreshing scent of sudachi is perfectly balanced by the mellow and soft lemon flavor, creating a taste profile that only the combination of these two ingredients can achieve. At 7% alcohol, it delivers a satisfying drinking experience, with the sudachi aroma making it a flavor you won’t tire of.
– A New Experience in Unsweetened Lemon Sour, Enhancing Everyday Dishes Like a Condiment
Sudachi is beloved in Japan for its refreshing scent and balanced acidity, often used as a condiment to elevate meals. “Lemon-dou Unsweetened Lemon and Sudachi” was developed with the aim of offering an easy-to-enjoy beverage that complements everyday meals in the same way. Whether it’s grilled pacific saury or sashimi, this flavor enhances a wide variety of dishes, much like a well-chosen condiment.
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