Kusaki Lemon Sour (Autumn 2023 Edition)

Crafted in the autumn of 2023, Kusaki Lemon Sour is a seasonal, botanical twist on our signature Real Lemon Sour. This special edition is blended with wild herbs and tea leaves from Amami, offering a refreshingly bitter flavor that’s both unique and addictive.

The base liqueur, Real Lemon Sour, is a bottled version of the lemon sour served at OPEN BOOK. It’s handmade in collaboration with Tomita Shuzojo on Amami Oshima—completely free of preservatives, artificial flavorings, sweeteners, or colorings.

To bring out the feeling of autumn, we added local botanicals such as lemongrass, lemon verbena, and shell ginger (Gettou)—all for a crisp, herbal aroma. We also blended in banjiro-cha, a tea made from guava leaves, to create depth and a smooth, mellow finish. Each bottle reveals slightly different nuances in aroma and taste—part of the charm of this handcrafted product.

Compared to the 2022 edition, which had a stronger guava presence, the 2023 batch is more balanced—allowing the bright, refreshing notes of herbs like shell ginger to shine more clearly.

The bottle is sealed with natural beeswax, gently dyed using leftover leaves from the blend (light in color). The label features Nao handmade washi paper from Saga Prefecture, giving it a beautifully traditional texture.

Enjoy it with soda for a classic lemon sour—or mix it with tonic to highlight its distinctive bitterness.
It’s also great straight, chilled—like a modern herbal tonic (not naming names, but you know the one).
Add your favorite herbs for an extra aromatic touch.
Pairs perfectly with ethnic dishes or Chinese cuisine.

Each bottle makes approximately 12 servings of herbal lemon sour.
Refrigeration is recommended after opening, though it can be stored at room temperature if kept away from heat and humidity.
With an alcohol content of 30%, it’s ideal for long-term enjoyment.

Orders typically ship within 2–3 business days.
(Delivery may take slightly longer for remote islands.)