A new flavor is joining the "ISAINA" imo shochu soda series. Takara Shuzo will release "ISAINA" Imo Shochu Soda (Lemon) nationwide on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Background
The market for honkaku shochu (authentic distilled spirits) has seen growing interest in "aromatic shochu" — varieties characterized by fruit-like fragrance. Alongside this trend, the shochu-and-soda RTD (Ready to Drink) category has expanded steadily.
Takara Shuzo first launched "ISAINA" Imo Shochu Soda in February 2025 to a positive reception. The new lemon variant was developed in response to a rising trend observed mainly at restaurants in the Kansai region, where patrons have been enjoying the brand's flagship "Zenryo Imo Shochu ISAINA" as a soda highball with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Flavor Profile
The lemon flavor is designed to work in harmony with the lemon fragrance components naturally found in ISAINA. The combination delivers a balance of the fruity aroma from the soda highball and the fresh brightness of lemon. The drink is also crafted with extra-strong carbonation to maximize the overall flavor experience.
Product Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | "ISAINA" Imo Shochu Soda (Lemon) |
| Category | Spirits (carbonated) |
| Alcohol | 5% ABV |
| Pure Alcohol | 14 g per can |
| Volume / Container | 350 ml / aluminum can |
| Packaging | 24-can cardboard case |
| Reference Retail Price | ¥222 (excl. tax) |
| Release Area | Nationwide (Japan) |
| Release Date | April 7, 2026 (Tuesday) |
About Zenryo Imo Shochu ISAINA
ISAINA is described as an innovative "extraordinary" imo shochu (sweet potato shochu) whose aroma changes depending on how it is served. When mixed with soda or other dilutants (lower alcohol), the unique "kaori yeast" developed by Takara Shuzo imparts a fresh, apple-like fruity fragrance. When served on the rocks or straight (higher alcohol), the character shifts to the sweet aroma of sweet potato, derived from the "100% sweet potato" production process — including the koji.
