One of the popular places for people to drink something different than coffee at the Tokyo Coffee Festival is Iyoshi Cola.
The popular craft cola is courtesy of Kobayashi Cola, a “cola maniac” who has traveled the world to try varieties and flavors of cola and create his own unique brand.
In fact, Iyoshi Cola is the world’s first craft cola specialty maker.
And Iyoshi Cola could be seen at the weekend Farmer’s Market at United Nations University.
Go to 3:31 of my video…
Kobayashi creates the cola base a day before and then when served, adds carbonation and spices to a plastic bag. The person stirs the cola and it’s time to drink it down!
Kobayashi’s cola base is a secret concoction but he also is making adjustments as time goes on.
Iyoshi Cola was no doubt one of the most popular places visited during the Tokyo Coffee Festival and I had to give it a try for myself!
What is known is that “Iyoshi Cola” is a raw craft cola made from an original recipe from more than 100 years ago. It is made with Kola nuts, many spices, vanilla, cinnamon and citrus fruits.
Another thing that is known is that Kobayashi Kola’s grandfather was a traditional herbal medicine artisan and had a business and had a factory called Iyoshi Yakko. And from his grandfather, Kobayashi Kola inherited the spirit of his grandfather in craftmanship, experimenting and blending.
And it’s said that the blended spices in Iyoshi Cola promotes metabolism and helps relieve fatigue.
Tasting Iyoshi Cola, as I mixed it, the first taste is the spice, cinnamon and carbonation but then the more you taste it, you can start to see everything come together.
The drink is very delicious and I was quite impressed.
Also, it was a bit new for me to drink soda in a plastic bag but it was delicious and wouldn’t mind trying it again! It’s quite refreshing!
If you are at the weekend Farmer’s Market or the Tokyo Coffee Festival, then definitely give Iyoshi Cola a try!
