Hokkaido is a wine region currently garnering tremendous attention.
In fact, appealing ciders are also being produced there.
Starting in December 2024, the third edition of the Okhotsk cider "Gravitation"—an alcoholic apple beverage crafted using Shiretoko yeast and the rare "Asahi" apple variety from Kitami City, Hokkaido—has been newly released.
It is reportedly a limited release of just 300 bottles.
Let us take a look at the details.
The Third Release in the "Gravitation" Series
The "Gravitation" series is a regional revitalization project aimed at continuing, developing, and passing down apple cultivation in Okhotsk and the near-extinct Okhotsk-grown "Asahi" apple, as well as creating jobs in the Okhotsk area, by continually producing and sharing truly delicious cider made with this rare apple.
It is an extremely rare cider planned and produced by Maruya, the creator behind the brand "emo w/i are nu".
2023 Harudonari no Shirushi
The cider newly released this time is "2023 Harudonari no Shirushi".
This ice cider is made by fermenting the juice of the rare "Asahi" variety—concentrated through repeated freezing and thawing amid Okhotsk's harsh cold—with yeast native to Shiretoko. Through low-temperature fermentation, aging, and in-bottle maturation, it expresses the sweet, peach-like aroma unique to Asahi alongside a refreshing, crisp acidity with a touch of greenness.
It uses 100% "Asahi" apples harvested in 2023.
Limited to 300 bottles, it will reportedly be sold sequentially exclusively through restaurants and select commercial retailers.
Why not pick up a bottle of this rare cider?
Reference
"2023 Harudonari no Shirushi"
Ingredients: Apples (grown in Kitami City, Hokkaido), antioxidant (sulfites)
Volume: 200ml / Alcohol content: 4.5% / Storage: Keep refrigerated
Manufacturer: Hideaki Fukada, Representative of Boss Agri winery
Distributor: Katsunori Shinone, Representative of Okhotsk Orchard Co., Ltd.
Research & Development: Junko Takeuchi, Head of Research Division (at the time), Okhotsk Foundation
Supervisor: Tatsuro Fujii
Planning & Production: Maruya