The Umeshu Guide: How to Choose and Buy Japanese Plum Wine

The world of Japanese beverages is gaining immense popularity, and among its treasures is umeshu. Often called "Japanese plum wine," this sweet and fruity liqueur is captivating more and more palates. But with an ever-growing selection, it can be tricky to navigate. This guide is here to demystify umeshu and help you find the perfect bottle, whether you're a curious newcomer or a connoisseur looking for something new.

What is Umeshu?

Despite its "plum wine" nickname, umeshu is not a wine in the strictest sense. It is a Japanese plum liqueur. It's made by steeping whole, unripe Japanese plums (the famous ume) in alcohol (usually shochu, sake, or a neutral spirit) and sugar. The result? A drink with a subtle balance of sweetness, acidity, and almond notes from the fruit's pit. Excellent as a Japanese apéritif, its versatility also makes it an outstanding base for many cocktails.

Buying Guide: 3 Criteria for Choosing the Right Umeshu

To find the umeshu that's perfect for you, here are a few things to look for.

1. Flavour Profile and Alcohol Content

The alcohol content of umeshu typically ranges from 10% to 15%. A lighter umeshu (around 10%) will often be smoother and more approachable, ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks. Higher-alcohol versions, on the other hand, can reveal a more pronounced aromatic complexity, perfect for more elaborate cocktails or a more contemplative tasting experience.

2. The Alcohol Base and Creative Twists

The base alcohol used for steeping plays a key role in the final profile. A sake-based umeshu will have rounder, more umami-rich notes, while a neutral spirit base will highlight the fruit more. Some brands, like Choya, are not afraid to innovate, for example by blending umeshu with red wine or adding citrus fruits like yuzu for a zesty kick.

3. With or Without Plums (Ume) in the Bottle?

Some bottles of umeshu contain the whole plums used in the maceration process. These fruits, saturated with alcohol and sugar, are not only edible but are a delicacy in their own right. Their presence can also continue to subtly enrich the liqueur's flavours over time.

Recommended Umeshu Picks

To get you started or to broaden your horizons, here are a few gems that showcase the full diversity of this Japanese spirit.

Choya Original Plum Wine 10% 750ml

Why it stands out: This is the undisputed classic and an excellent entry point into the world of umeshu. Its recipe, made from sun-ripened Japanese plums, offers a masterful balance of sweetness and acidity.

Highlights:

• Alcohol content: 10% vol., making it very approachable.
• Profile: Sweet and fruity, with a clean finish.
• Versatility: Perfect served chilled, on the rocks, or topped with sparkling water for a refreshing spritzer.

Who is it for?: Ideal for beginners who want to discover the classic taste of umeshu, as well as for those looking for a reliable base for simple cocktails.

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Ozeki Yuzu Umeshu 12.5% 500ml

Why it stands out: This version puts a twist on the traditional recipe with yuzu, a highly popular Japanese citrus fruit. The combination of plum and yuzu creates a vibrant and particularly refreshing flavour profile.

Highlights:

• Alcohol content: 12.5% vol.
• Profile: Sweet and tart notes of plum, enhanced by the aromatic zest and freshness of yuzu.
• Serving suggestion: Excellent served very cold or on ice to fully appreciate its citrus aromas.

Who is it for?: Fans of citrus flavours and those looking for an original, summery variation of plum liqueur.

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Ozeki Kanjyuku Umeshu with Plum 14.5% 700ml

Why it stands out: This more premium bottling contains whole steeped plums, which intensifies the flavours and offers a more complete experience. Its higher alcohol content gives it more body and depth.

Highlights:

• Alcohol content: 14.5% vol.
• Ingredients: Contains 18% plums, including the whole fruits in the bottle.
• Profile: Rich, sweet, and velvety, with beautiful complexity.

Who is it for?: Connoisseurs who appreciate a more full-bodied umeshu and the authenticity of whole fruit. It also makes an excellent base for a more sophisticated umeshu cocktail.

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Choya Umeshu Silver Red 500ml

Why it stands out: A bold and inventive creation that marries the character of red wine with the juice of ume plums. This fusion results in a surprising and refreshing drink.

Highlights:

• Alcohol content: 10% vol.
• Profile: Combines the robust notes of red wine with the sweet and tart flavour of ume.
• Originality: A different approach that will appeal to those who enjoy both wine and fruit liqueurs.

Who is it for?: The curious and the adventurous of palate who are looking for a drink that's off the beaten path, a hybrid of wine and liqueur.

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Craving a Touch of Plum in Your Decor?

If this rich and soothing hue inspires you beyond the glass, why not bring it into your bedroom? Discover our selection of plum-coloured bedding for a touch of warmth and elegance.

Umeshu Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exactly is umeshu?

Umeshu is a Japanese liqueur made by steeping ume plums (a variety similar to apricots) in alcohol and sugar. It is not a fermented product like wine, but rather an infusion.

How do you drink umeshu?

It can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Neat and chilled: Simply straight from the fridge.
• On the rocks: With ice cubes, which slightly dilutes its sweetness.
• Mizuwari: Topped with cold still water.
• Sodawari: Topped with sparkling water, for a very refreshing long drink.
• In cocktails: It's an excellent substitute for other sweet liqueurs in many recipes.

Is umeshu very sweet?

Yes, as a liqueur, umeshu has a characteristic sweetness. However, this sweetness is almost always counterbalanced by the natural acidity of the ume plum, giving it a beautiful balance without ever being cloying. The sugar level can vary from one brand to another.

Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health. Please drink responsibly. The consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, even in small amounts, can have serious consequences for the child's health.