Have you ever wondered what is the best
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For lovers of typical Japanese alcoholic beverages such as sake, get ready for a treat of sweetness!
When you understand sake, you open up a whole new world when exploring the refreshing flavour and delicious tang of umeshu (kanji: 梅酒 hiragana: うめしゅ).
Umeshu (Japanese plum sweet wine) marries sweet and sour in a way that no other drink does.
While this
The sweet, slightly effervescent drink has a way of sneaking up on you with its rich plum flavor, and if you're really paying attention, you'll notice an odd almond aftertaste that seems to be the secret ingredient behind umeshu's unrepentant deliciousness.
However, the pleasure of drinking umeshu doesn't just come from the taste.
This long-established traditional drink crafted by generations of
Umeshu can also be found in cocktails and is delicious with soda.
For those imbibing in umeshu, it is best experienced with small sips — not guzzling straight from the bottle in secret — to appreciate its spectrum of flavors, as well as its beauty, steeped in ritual and tradition.
No matter whether you're tacking umeshu onto your
And if you're really itching for an adventure, consider planning a trip to Japan, where you can sample umeshu straight from the source, staying in a bee hotel, or visiting an urban bee colony.
Eager to learn more?
Pour yourself a glass of umeshu and enjoy this blog post!
P.S.: If you enjoy to learn about great
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Introduction To The Best Japanese Plum Wine: Umeshu
What Is Umeshu?
Many people might think of umeshu as something akin to a sweet fruit liqueur—closely related to the "fruit wines" of the Western world—when in fact the umeshu of Japan is an entirely different animal.
The drink does carry some sweetness, but its umami-rich flavor comes direct from the source: the plum itself.
By using a method of infusion that is much like making a standard Western tincture, umeshu achieves a flavor profile that is layered, complex, and rich with the kind of peach gin that doesn't have any peach in it.
To produce umeshu, one must first choose high-quality plums, frequently the fresh
These contribute a delightful medley of flavors and nuances to the final liqueur.
The whole fruit is then steeped in alcohol and sugar. "Steeping" is actually too mild of a term in this case.
The varieties of plums and their copious umeshu flavoring compounds make for a dangerously potent umeshu that may well be safer to drink than to even think about drinking.
Umeshu can be served in many ways—chilled, on the rocks, or even warm with a splash of hot water.
Its flavor profile is impressively wide, and even dessert-like sweet umeshu is far from monotonous, offering variations that seem almost limitless, from tangy to rich with lots of plum essences.
Umesshu's long history hasn't made it any less appealing to an audience of all ages; if anything, it's only enhanced its next-level cool factor.
Pairing it with vanilla ice cream gives modernist dessert umeshu a not-too-shabby way to go either; savoring it straight gives a plum-tastic end to a long day.
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Brief History Of Umeshu
The umeshu liquor that we enjoy today has a rich and lengthy history in Japan—a history that dates back hundreds of years to when umeshu was created as a means to preserve and enjoy the somewhat elusive taste of ume plums.
The making of umeshu was a much simpler and more straightforward process than was involved in the ancient method of sake brewing, with its quite unsanitary chewing of rice, and has also remained a lot healthier over the years because it has involved only clean ingredients—plums, pure alcohol, and sugar.
During the Edo period (1603–1868), umeshu became increasingly popular in Japan, not just in households but also in the settings of traditional midnight diners and special occasions. Umeshu evolved over the years, particularly because different types of plums—like the Santa Rosa and green plums—were used, along with a greater variety of umeshu-making techniques.
Not any one kind of umeshu is standard, so today's umeshu actually reflects a remarkable number of variants in flavor and appearance.
Umeshu is very much a part of Japan's drinking culture. It has the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and floral notes, and it represents the very essence of flavor and hospitality in Japan.
Pickled sushi ginger or Gari (ガリ) is a Japanese pickle made by bringing thin slices of young ginger in vinegar, water, and salt. It has a refreshing sweet and sour taste with a hint of spiciness, making it a popular side dish to serve with sushi.
Different Types Of Umeshu
Umeshu, like other traditional drinks, presents a vast variety of flavors, depending on its preparation.
Here are some of the more frequent types brewed:
- Nigori umeshu: In terms of appearance and texture, nigori umeshu most resembles nigori sake. Coarsely filtered and somewhat effervescent, nigori umeshu has a more pronounced umeshu flavor than any of the other types. Served chilled, it is a delicious drink unlike any other on this list in that it carries more of a dessert wine vibe.
- Whisky Barrel Aged Umeshu: Umeshu aged in whisky barrels is a relatively new and modern variety, but it has seen some popularity in recent years. It adds complexity and development to the traditional
Japanese fruit liqueur. This umeshu memories notes of smoke and a strong expression of umeshu fruits. - Green Plum Umeshu: Made from fresh
Japanese plums, especially unripe green ume, this umeshu offers a more tangy, vibrant flavor. It’s lighter and refreshing, perfect for summer or pairing with light dishes. - Dark Purple Umeshu: This kind is produced from a deeper-hued variety of ume and has a pronounced, almost decadent flavor that leans toward the umami end of the palate spectrum. It’s very good on its own, but try it with a piece of dark chocolate or mixed into cocktails with bold-flavored spirits.
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Exploring Japanese Plum Wine
What Makes Plum Wine Unique?
Umeshu, or plum wine, garners accolades for its exquisite blend of sweetness and tartness.
The choice of ume plums—rich in organic acids, especially citric acid—which are steeped in rock sugar or brown sugar and shochu (Japanese white liquor), licenses the umeshu maker to fashion a wine that has a truer balance of flavors than many other fruit wines.
Light and slightly effervescent when served chilled, umeshu is also bewitching when served warm or at room temperature.
With both tasting notes and serving notes, umeshu's emerging popularity in the United States seems to ride on an image of healthfulness.
Choya Umeshu Non-Alcoholic Plum-Wine Soda 350ml offers the delightful taste of authentic Umeshu without the alcohol content. It's crafted with traditional ingredients like ume (plum), sugar, and ume extract to achieve the distinct flavor of Umeshu.
Popular Plum Wine Brands
- Wakayama prefecture Plum wine has a number of very good, unique, and distinctly flavored brands.
- The most popularly known is Choya umeshu japanese plum wine, which has a classic offering,
- the Choya "regular umeshu" with whole plums,
- and a club soda version called Choya "Sparkling Plum Wine."
- Another celebrated brand is Tozai, with their "Blossom of Peace," a types of plums wine that's exceptionally well-balanced and rich-tasting.
- Sawanotsuru has a traditional offering called "Plum Sake," which is something often enjoyed as a choice during special events.
- Ginkobai, however, offers something different with their "Hannya Tou," which has a sweet and spicy fragrance.
- Nanbu Bijin has a "Plum Sake" that really showcases the natural sweetness of Ume fruit. Each of these brands has something special to offer.
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Buying Best Japanese Plum Wine as Souvenirs
Best Places to Buy Umeshu
When it comes to buying umeshu as souvenirs, Japan offers numerous excellent options.
Department stores like Isetan, Mitsukoshi, and Takashimaya have extensive sake sections, featuring a wide range of brands and types, from affordable options to premium selections. Specialty sake shops, such as Hasegawa Saketen in Tokyo, provide curated collections and knowledgeable staff to help you choose the perfect bottle.
For a more immersive experience, visiting sake breweries like Gekkeikan in Kyoto or Hakutsuru in Kobe allows you to sample different sakes and learn about the brewing process.
Airports like Narita and Kansai also have duty-free shops with a good selection of sake, making it convenient to pick up a bottle before your flight home.
Whether you’re in a bustling city or a serene countryside, these places ensure you can find high-quality sake to bring back as a memorable and delicious souvenir.
Japanese Decorative barrels are made in Japan.This is a genuine decorative barrel.
Japanese Decorative Barrels are handmade products so it may take a few days to ship.
Tips for Bringing Umeshu Home
Bringing umeshu home from Japan can be a delightful way to extend your travel experience, but there are a few tips to ensure it arrives safely.
First, check the customs regulations of your home country regarding the import of alcoholic beverages; some countries have limits on the amount you can bring in duty-free.
When packing, use bubble wrap or specialized wine sleeves to protect the bottles from breaking.
Position the bottles in the center of your suitcase surrounded by soft clothing for added cushioning.
If you’re purchasing sake at the airport, consider buying it after you pass through security to avoid carrying it around.
Remember to store your umeshu and sake in a cool, dark place upon returning home to maintain its quality.
Lastly, if you’re unsure about the best ways to pack or store sake, don’t hesitate to ask for advice from the shop or brewery staff.
These steps will help ensure your sake makes it home safely and ready to enjoy.
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A Final Thought On The Best Japanese Plum Wine
And there you have it—you're probably ready to dive into a glass of the best
Whether it's your first time tasting the dessert-like brew or you're already a seasoned fan, the beauty of umeshu lies in its versatility.
You can savor it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or after a long day as you wind down with your favorite Tokyo Stories episode.
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So, what are you waiting for?
Grab a bottle today, and make your own unforgettable umeshu experience.
Whether it's for a special occasion or simply to enjoy the ume flavour in a cozy moment, this type of plum wine is sure to delight.
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Cheers!
