The Kirin Afternoon Tea series, including Straight Tea, Milk Tea, and Lemon Tea, has undergone its first revamp in six years. Released nationwide on June 18, 2024, these popular beverages have received updates intended to enhance their flavors and presentation.
Packaging Changes
The new packaging features a diamond-cut pattern, which Kirin claims gives the liquid a clearer appearance, making it more visually appealing. The label’s design and shape have also been updated.
Straight Tea
Ingredients: Both the old and new versions contain the same ingredients: sugars (fructose glucose liquid), sugar, black tea (20% Dimbula, Sri Lanka), flavoring, and vitamin C. The caloric content remains at 16 kcal per 100 ml.
Taste Comparison:
Old Version: The initial taste is sweet, followed by a bitter, spicy note from the tea leaves.
New Version: Offers a more direct tea leaf flavor, with less bitterness lingering after drinking, making it feel lighter.
Milk Tea
Ingredients: The order and type of ingredients (milk, sugar, tea) are unchanged.
Taste Comparison:
Old Version: Emphasizes sugar.
New Version: Has a stronger milk flavor, blending sugar and black tea more smoothly, resulting in a less pronounced sweetness.
Lemon Tea
Ingredients: Both versions have the same ingredients: sugar and black tea (15% Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka).
Taste Comparison:
Old Version: Balanced tea and lemon flavor.
New Version: The lemon’s sourness is more pronounced, though some staff noted a stronger tea flavor with lemon as a subtle undertone.
Overall Impressions
Black Tea Flavor: The new versions generally emphasize the black tea flavor more.
Milk Tea: The difference is minimal, with some staff noting no change.
Lemon Tea: Opinions vary, but many appreciate the lingering lemon flavor in the new version.
Despite the nuanced changes, some long-term fans felt the difference was minimal, especially for the Milk Tea. The updated products aim to offer a refined taste while maintaining the beloved essence of the original Kirin Afternoon Tea series. The revamped drinks are available for 160 yen (excluding tax).
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