Last Updated: 7 November, 2026
Maruko Cider is made from natural-farming principles under the concept of onko chishin (learning from the past to create the new). They practice hubukuro (unbagged) and hatorazu (non-leaf-picking) cultivation, allowing the apples to fully ripen on the tree to maximize natural sugar content and umami. Maruko Cider has won silver two years consecutively at the Japan Cider Cup.
| ABOUT THE CIDER | |
|---|---|
| Domain | Nakano-shi, Nagano Prefecture |
| Maker | Hasumi Farm (Now operating as Noranora Farm) for Maruko Cider |
| Apples Used | 100% Sun Fuji |
| ABV | 8.0% |
| Style | Secondary fermentation in bottle |
| Category | Modern Dry |
| Awards | Japan Cider Cup 2026 : Silver |
Ciders evaluated at Japan Cider Guide follow the American Cider Association‘s Certified Cider Professional Programme‘s Structured Sensory Analysis (below). Leave a comment if you have any questions about the Structured Sensory Analysis, or if you’re interested in learning how to become a Certified Cider Professional, contact me.
| APPEARANCE | |
|---|---|
| Clarity | Clear |
| Intensity (Appearance) | Medium |
| Colour | Yellow |
| Carbonation | Sparkling |
| AROMA | |
|---|---|
| Intensity (Aroma) | Medium – |
| Aroma Characteristics | Green Apple, Tangerine, Mandarin, Sweet Pea, White Flower |
| PALATE | |
|---|---|
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Acidity | Low |
| Tannin | Low |
| Intensity (Palate) | Low |
| Flavour Characteristics | Apple, Tangerine Skin, Grape Skin, Shale, Wood, Bread, Lemongrass |
| Complexity | Low |
| Body | Low |
| Finish | Short |
| FINAL ASSESSMENT | |
|---|---|
| Summary of above considering balance, integration, and character | This sparkling cider pours a bold yellow with a medium aromatic intensity of green apple, tangerine, and white flower. Semi-dry sweetness, low in tannins and acidity; tastes of apple fruit skins, with a bit of wood and bread notes. It is a well-balanced, low finish cider with low levels of complexity and body. |
Honest thoughts before moving on…
Maruko Cider is robust, savoury, with a bit of astringency that might surprise first time or new cider drinkers. But it’s a very decent drink, satisfying, and well represents a Fuji-based Japanese cider.
RATING: 75/100