A new limited-edition flavor is joining Takara Shuzo's popular canned chu-hi lineup. The 寶 "Maruoroshi Stand" Horo Bitter Orange Sour goes on sale nationwide on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in limited quantities. The drink uses orange with the peel included, delivering a subtly bitter taste balanced with fresh, juicy citrus flavor — all at 4% ABV.
A Flavor Born from the "Stand Bar" Scene
Orange is a citrus fruit with high seasonal demand in early summer, and stand-style bars — a dining format that has been gaining popularity particularly among younger drinkers — often serve sours made with whole orange, peel and all. The Horo Bitter Orange Sour aims to bring that kind of balanced, not-too-sweet bitterness to a ready-to-drink format.
About the "Maruoroshi Stand" Brand
Whole Fruit × Takara Shochu for Satisfaction at Low ABV
The Maruoroshi Stand range uses "maruoroshi paste" and "maruoroshi puree" — preparations that draw out the full flavor of the fruit, from the bittersweet peel to the richness of the flesh. Paired with carefully selected Takara Shochu matched to each fruit, the result is a genuinely satisfying sour despite being just 4% alcohol.
The "Petit Luxe" Trend in RTD
The "petit luxe" mindset — treating everyday meals to something a little special — took hold during the pandemic era of home drinking and remains strong. In the RTD (ready-to-drink) market, products that deliver a sense of quality and concentrated flavor have been on the rise.
A Rebrand Responding to Customer Feedback
The original 寶 "Maruoroshi" series launched in 2022 and earned strong reviews for its rich, whole-grated fruit flavor combined with Takara Shochu. However, feedback indicated that the 7% ABV was too high for some, and that customers wanted the same concentrated flavor at a lighter strength. In response, the line was relaunched at 4% ABV in September 2025 as 寶 "Maruoroshi Stand."
Since the relaunch, the brand has received positive feedback — particularly from younger drinkers — praising it as "juicy and delicious," "rich but satisfying at 4%," and "exceptional quality for a canned chu-hi."
The year-round lineup currently includes Lemon Sour, Grapefruit Sour, Yuzu Sour, and Peach Sour. The Horo Bitter Orange Sour is a limited seasonal addition.
A New Brand Aimed at Stand Bar Culture
While stand-style bars have been trending among younger consumers — with their focus on whole-fruit sours and stylish aesthetics — most RTD products referencing bar culture had leaned toward traditional "izakaya" imagery. Maruoroshi Stand was created to capture the atmosphere of the modern stand bar scene in a can. The packaging features a bold neon-style logo and illustrations of a blender and citrus slices, nodding to the "whole-grated" quality of the ingredients.
The brand website is available at: https://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/products/soft_alcohol/maruoroshi/
Product Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | 寶 "Maruoroshi Stand" Horo Bitter Orange Sour |
| Category | Liqueur (sparkling) |
| Alcohol Content | 4% |
| Pure Alcohol | 11g per 350ml |
| Fruit Juice Content | 17% |
| Volume / Container | 350ml / Aluminum can |
| Packaging | 24-can cardboard box |
| Suggested Retail Price | ¥181 (excl. tax) |
| Region | Nationwide |
| Release Date | Tuesday, May 19, 2026 |
