Japanese alcohol, perfectly crafted and perfectly delicious. You already know the big faves: Japanese whisky, Japanese gin and the mouthwatering rice wine that is sake. However, there’s another Japanese drink lurking in the shadows. Mysterious, secretive, an indulgent treat: umeshu is here and she’s here to stay. Oh, you don’t know her? You’re about to find out...
Is umeshu wine?
Whilst commonly referred to as plum ‘wine’, umeshu is not in fact wine at all! Instead, it’s a liqueur made by stewing ume plums in sugar and alcohol over the course of a year (which is FAR too long to have to wait to drink it!). It’s pretty sweet due to the large amounts of sugar added, but it’s also a slightly sour drink that comes from the unripe plums. Sweet and sour is always a great combo, so umeshu really gets it right here! Enjoy it straight, on the rocks, or, as is becoming increasingly popular, in a cocktail.
Can I make my own umeshu?
Whilst it won’t have the same taste as true umeshu due to the difficulty of finding ume plums outside of Japan, you can easily make your own variation of umeshu! There’s just one downside... you have to wait a year to reap the rewards of your labour! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
roughly 30 green plums*
1.5l white spirit**
700g rock sugar
a large sterilised Kilner jar or equivalent
1kg of self-control
Method
Wash and dry the plums then remove any stalks. Next, layer the plums and sugar up in the Kilner jar, pour the vodka over everything, seal, give a little shake each day until all the sugar has dissolved and then leave in a cool, dark place for 12 months shaking every couple of months.
* The true plum variety is ‘ume’ but this can be difficult to find outside of Japan. However, you might get lucky at your local Asian supermarket - just ask!
**(shochu is best but sake or vodka can be used too)
Not sure you can wait 12 months to get your hands on some? Fear not, we’ve found 5 delicious bottles you can get your hands on right now waiting for you below.
Ooiri Nigori Umeshu Dakudaku Kiwami
Aside from the fact that this is the cutest bottle we’ve ever seen - Ooiri Nigori Umeshu Dakudaku Kiwami is a stunning umeshu with some really delicious flavours. This bottle is made by infusing the plums into sake. There’s a rich, intense aroma of plum to this umeshu, with savoury notes coming through from the sake. Though it is viscous, the flavours are fresh and clean - exactly what you’re looking for in a good quality umeshu.
ABV: 10%
Size: 720ml
Find here: £34
Bishamon Fuku Ume
This umeshu is made with the plum being infused into brandy, which gives it much stronger notes of red fruit than another umeshu may have. These red fruit notes work alongside the plum excellently. The finish on this umeshu is long and elegant, leaving a fresh taste on your palate. For a cleaner flavour profile, try this with ice. It gives a more persistent finish and gives a brilliant balance to the umeshu.
ABV: 12%
Size: 720ml
Find here: £37
Kyoto Umeshu
Kyoto Umeshu is another umeshu made by infusing the ume plums in sake and is noticeably more savoury, spicy and complex than many other types of umeshu. On the palate you’ll find bitter plums, cooked lime, mushroom, truffle, stewed tomato and bready notes, giving it a savoury flavour that makes this umeshu work so well with food. The unique taste means you can pair Kyoto Umeshu with almost any food and not be disappointed!
ABV: 10%
Size: 720ml
Find here: £43
Jurou Fuku Ume
Another brandy umeshu, Jurou Fuku Ume has wonderful aromas of spiced rum, molasses, red plum and oak. On the palate, the umeshu is rich and spicy with notes of nuts, smoke, oak and cooked greengage and an intense finish that gives notes of smooth plums and oak. As for a food pairing, red meat is definitely the way to go with this bottle!
ABV: 19%
Size: 720ml
Find here: £43
Matsunituru Whisky Umeshu
This umeshu is made with ume plums from the Japanese city of Nara, infusing them into a mix of whisky, sake and shochu! It’s got quite a high alcohol content for an umeshu, coming in at 25%, but this gives it an intensity that only amplifies the smoky whisky flavours. This umeshu works really well with salty food and can be drunk as a digestif. Try it over ice for a cleaner taste and an even more intense experience.
ABV: 25%
Size: 720ml
Find here: £46
Looking for more to read? Why not check out What is Vermouth? Or, The Best Rum for Under £30.