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Strong Zero, the ‘Goon’ of Japan is Officially Launching in Australia


Pepper your angus, Strong Zero is officially launching in Australia. The iconic canned beverage that Japan fans crawl to the back of weird independent servo fridges for is finally making its way to our shores, armed with a fresh name and a zesty new take. Welcome, Minus 196 Double Lemon, Beam Suntory’s jewel in the crown.

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Image: Beam Suntory

If you haven’t found yourself dabbling in the devil’s juice before, you’re in for a treat. Forget chill-filtered beers, no preservative ciders and whatever a seltzer is, -196 brings premix flavours to the extreme, using science! Through the magic of liquid nitrogen, Beam Suntory takes a whole lemon, freezes it at a temperature of -196°C, then pulverises and soaks it in alcohol to create an extreme lemon drink.

Best of all, this Japanese rocket fuel is surprisingly not that bad for you. Made from a blend of shochu, vodka, soda and lemon, the 6.0% ABV ultra- sour but oddly sweet concoction comes with only 0.3 grams of sugar and 122 calories per can, meaning it’s officially time to drop passion pop from your pre-drinks rotation.

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Image: Beam Suntory

“Aussies who’ve travelled to Japan show a genuine love for one of the country’s biggest and fastest- growing brands -196 ֯C Strong Zero, and we’re excited to launch our very own -196 Double Lemon in Australia,” Beam Suntory director of innovation, Kay Oh said. “We want Aussies to feel like they’re enjoying the real deal straight from the fridge of a convenience store in Tokyo. Unmistakably Japanese, we can’t wait for this next-level refreshment to hit Aussie shelves.”

You can grab some for yourself at leading liquor stores in the coming months, and in some independent retailers now. A four-pack will set you back an RRP of $22, and a 10-pack for RRP $47.

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