A new canned shochu with water is coming to Seven-Eleven. Fukutokucho Shurui Co., Ltd. (福徳長酒類株式会社) of the Oenon Group is adding "Hakata no Hana Mugi Shochu Mizuwari" (博多の華 むぎ 焼酎水割り) to the lineup of "Hakata no Hana Mugi," part of its "Hakata no Hana" series of authentic shochu. The can lets drinkers enjoy the mellow taste of "maewari," in which shochu and water are blended ahead of time, simply by opening it. It goes on sale in stages from Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Seven-Eleven stores that sell alcohol across Japan, excluding Okinawa Prefecture. Some stores may not carry it.
What Is "Maewari"?
"Maewari" is a way of drinking that has long been popular in Kyushu, the home of shochu. Shochu and water are mixed in advance and left to blend. It is said to soften the sting of the alcohol and give a gentler taste.
A Canned Mizuwari with a Mellow, Gentle Taste
"Hakata no Hana Mugi Shochu Mizuwari" uses a "maewari mellow style" (前割りまろやか仕立て) that brings barley shochu together with clear soft water to draw out a rounded mellowness. The result is a gentle, softly unwinding mouthfeel and a refined mellowness that ordinary mizuwari (shochu mixed with water) does not offer. The shochu is also made with the original "Hakata no Hana yeast," developed at the distillery, which gives it a "floral aroma."
The mellow, gentle taste pairs well with food. Because the shochu is already diluted with water, there is nothing to prepare, so you can enjoy a shochu with water straight from the can. It is also suggested as a new option for people who prefer non-carbonated alcoholic drinks and want an easy, mellow drink.
About the "Hakata no Hana" Series
"Hakata no Hana" is a shochu brand that has been loved by many people for a long time and reached its 45th anniversary last year. It is the company's signature brand. Besides "Hakata no Hana Mugi," the lineup includes "Hakata no Hana Soba," "Hakata no Hana Kome," and "Hakata no Hana Imo."
The flagship "Hakata no Hana Mugi" is an authentic barley shochu built around the concept of a "floral aroma, light taste." It offers an elegantly spreading floral aroma and a light flavor. It is made with quality two-row barley and clear groundwater drawn from deep beneath the distillery. The original "Hakata no Hana yeast" brings out the "floral aroma." For the "light taste," the shochu uses a custom still with a special modification (Note 1) and the "Hyoten Clear method" (氷点クリア製法), in which the raw shochu is cooled to below freezing and filtered to remove off-flavors.
Note 1: A plate commonly called a "jamaita" (baffle plate) is placed at the head of the still to control the transfer of off-flavor components.
With the addition of "Hakata no Hana Mugi Shochu Mizuwari," the company aims to reach new drinkers who want a non-carbonated alcoholic drink, while also meeting the needs of barley shochu fans who want to enjoy it simply from the can.
Product Details
Product Name: Hakata no Hana Mugi Shochu Mizuwari (博多の華 むぎ 焼酎水割り)
Category: Otsurui shochu (焼酎乙類)
Alcohol Content: 9%
Volume / Container: 350 ml can
Packaging: 24 cans per cardboard case
Suggested Retail Price: ¥198 (excluding tax). The suggested retail price does not restrict retailers from setting their own prices.
Release Date: In stages from Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Where to Buy: Seven-Eleven stores that sell alcohol across Japan (excluding Okinawa Prefecture). Some stores may not carry it.
