Inspired by the iconic “Hinomaru” red circle on the Japanese flag, this apple cidre from Nikka presents a striking natural red hue in a clear bottle. Made by the renowned Nikka distillery, this Apple Cidre bursts with crisp, refreshing apple flavors and a gentle 3% ABV—making it the perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering!

Named “Japan Cidre,” this drink uses two varieties of 100% Japan-grown apples: the vividly red-fleshed “Geneva” and the tart “Kogyoku.” No sugar or artificial coloring is added; the beautiful red color comes entirely from the natural pigments of the Geneva apples. Originally limited to 700 bottles, its popularity led Nikka to release additional batches.

Let’s taste it… On the nose, you get the aroma of ripe apples. Take a big sip and enjoy the crisp, natural apple flavor—leaning on the tart side, with lingering apple notes on the finish. Nikka recommends pairing this cidre with pizza or fried foods—the apple’s acidity refreshes your palate and balances rich dishes.

You might wonder: why does Nikka, famed for whisky, make apple cidre? When the Yoichi Distillery was first established, whisky required years to mature, so Nikka originally produced apple juice to keep the business running. That period helped Nikka perfect its apple fermentation techniques—making all their apple wines and brandies a quality guarantee!