Back in the autumn of 2005 I had my very first Japanese Melon Soda at a boutique mall in Vancouver. Melon soda, as one would expect, is quite sweet and carries the flavour of musk melon. In 2005 the beverage I drank was an imported can of Suntory's メロンソーダ. Today, while on a short trek to the nearby park, I found an alcoholic version of this same drink: Suntory's Melon Sour.
The first sip went down incredibly smooth, almost as though it were a soda in and of itself. While the drink is not carbonated, it carries with it the sweetness and aroma of something designed for people in their teens and early-20s. The 4% alcohol content is so low that it's almost unnoticeable, making for a drink that would go well with an adult softball league or an afternoon out with the in-laws. A person can feel a buzz if they drink enough of it, but it will be an active effort to do so.
While this drink is clearly designed for people half my age, it is something I might reach for while having a picnic or just a momentary rest in the shade. Despite its name, Melon Sour is sweet, but not so much so that it would overpower the slight tang in the aftertaste. This 355mL can was found at the local Apita for 98円 plus tax, and a 500mL can be had for 138円. Convenience stores will likely ask an extra 50円.
Suntory's Melon Sour isn't something that I would have on a daily basis, but it is certainly an enjoyable summer treat.