Nostalgic Hits 2

Summer means watermelon, clouds, sparklers, and family.

I don't believe in abbreviating everything, and as I get older, I want to be an adult who uses proper language, but this is one word I find too convenient not to use.

“Emo” (emotional).

I wanted to make an “emo” mead, so I’ve crafted a watermelon mead once again.

〈Kumamoto ⇒ Yasu〉

Yusuke’s hometown is Kumamoto. Kumamoto watermelons are delicious. The look on Yusuke’s face when he’s pictured with the Enoki Farm, where he went to pay his respects, says it all. Although the watermelon season had passed, I wanted to use it one more time, so I asked them to harvest more for us, fully aware it was a big request.

The farmers told me the flavor might be fading, but that’s not the case at all—it’s packed with the distinct taste of watermelon. We hand-pressed it into juice, simmered it briefly with hassaku citrus juice and celery, and then moved it to the fermentation tank.

I combined the aroma of melon and celery with the scent of fermented citrus. It has a mineral quality, so please enjoy it with vegetables or seafood.

〈Tasting Note〉
At 8% ABV, the slightly cloudy, pale yellow liquid is already “emo.” It has a marine minerality paired with a lemon-like citrus aroma. A clear, crisp acidity is followed by the green notes of watermelon and celery that drift through the nose. Please serve well-chilled.

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Style: Speciality Summer Mead
ABV: 8％
Carbonation: Yes
Volume: 500ml
Ingredients: Honey (Sunflower from Myanmar), Hassaku, Watermelon, Celery, Salt
Sweetness (10-point scale): 3 (Semi Dry)
Serving Temperature: Well-chilled (4-8℃)
Pairing: Chilled soup, carpaccio, rock oysters

〈Mead making〉
The watermelon was hand-pressed, added to the honey along with the hassaku and celery, and simmered briefly. It was then cooled and moved to the fermentation tank.
After primary fermentation was complete, it was racked, pasteurized, and bottled.

〈Naming&Label〉
A sunset at the end of summer. I hope this drink helps you feel a bit of that “emo” sentiment while lost in your memories.
Just like that one summer surrounded by the people and things you hold dear, this is sure to be an unforgettable glass.