At first glance, the gentle girl on the label is sure to catch your eye. The artwork is by well-known Kyoto illustrator “Akan Imaichi,” who is a regular at major manga exhibitions in the city. Known for their beautiful depictions of boys and girls, the label features a young woman making lemon liqueur at Sasaki Sake Brewery. But don’t assume this is a sweet, girly drink—quite the opposite! This liqueur packs a punch with 25% ABV, low sweetness, and a distinctly dry finish, giving it a surprising contrast with its soft, pretty label.

Opening the bottle and sipping neat, you’ll notice a fresh and appealing lemon aroma with both zest and acidity. On the palate, the sweetness is low and the lemon aroma gradually unfolds, filling your mouth. The mid-palate reveals a pleasant bitterness from lemon peel, while the finish is boozy and dry. If you enjoy crisp, less-sweet drinks, this is great straight up!

Try it 1:1 with soda for a refreshing Lemon Sour—the lemon aroma comes alive, sweetness is nearly undetectable, and the finish features a touch of zesty bitterness. It’s incredibly refreshing with crispy snacks or fried foods; you just can’t stop sipping!

Brewed by Sasaki Sake Brewery in Kyoto (founded in 1893), the brewery is located on what is said to be the site of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s legendary Jurakudai residence, hence the main brand “Jurakudai.” Other brands include “Nishijin” and “Heionna Shishin,” making Sasaki a leading sake maker in Kyoto.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, zesty lemon liqueur, Koto Lemon Liqueur is the perfect choice.