Imagine a drink that dances on your palate with a harmonious blend of sweet and tart, a beverage steeped in centuries of tradition yet endlessly adaptable to modern tastes. That’s umeshu, Japan’s beloved plum wine, a liqueur with roots stretching back to the Heian period (794-1185). Crafted in early summer from unripe ume plums soaked in alcohol and sugar, this versatile drink has evolved into a cultural icon, offering everything from smoky sophistication to fizzy refreshment.
Umeshu begins with the humble ume, a fruit often translated as “plum” but closer to an apricot in its tart, green youth. Harvested in June, these unripe gems are steeped in a base liquor—typically shochu or sake—alongside sugar, then left to mature for at least three months. The result is a golden or amber-hued elixir, usually hovering between 8-20% alcohol, that captures the essence of the fruit in every sip.
What sets umeshu apart is its flexibility. Artisans and home brewers alike experiment with aging techniques, sweeteners like black sugar or honey, and even barrel maturation, creating a spectrum of flavors from crisp and floral to rich and robust. Recent years have seen a surge in creative twists—think carbonation or infusions with matcha—reflecting a broader trend of blending tradition with innovation in Japan’s beverage scene.
1. Suntory Umeshu Smoky 2023
Picture yourself by a crackling fire, the faint scent of smoked wood in the air. Suntory’s Umeshu Smoky 2023, released in October 2023, brings that imagery to life. Aged in barrels once used for Yamazaki Distillery’s smoked whisky, this 16% ABV creation marries the tartness of ume with deep, woody notes. It’s a chameleon of a drink—mix it with soda for a refreshing highball or enjoy it straight to savor its complexity.
2. Kumo wo Tsukamu Youna Umeshu
Launched in 2021 as a Tokyo Tower souvenir, this umeshu comes in a petite bottle adorned with whimsical cityscape illustrations by artist Chaykov. Choose between the golden “Tasogare ni Tokeru Kajitsu,” made from ripe plums for a mellow sweetness, or the cyan “Sora ni Kakeru Aoume,” bursting with the tender vibrancy of young plums. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.
3. Mume Pink
If umeshu were a color, Mume Pink would be its prettiest shade. Crafted from tsuyu-akane plums, this rose-hued liqueur offers a transparent texture and a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with desserts like cheesecake or fruit tarts. Its freshness shines through, making it a go-to for those who prefer lighter, more refined flavors.
4. Kokutou Umeshu Yamanishi
Hailing from Minabe, Japan’s plum capital in Wakayama Prefecture, this umeshu is a labor of love by local farmers. Brown sugar enhances the natural tartness of three plum varieties, creating a robust, additive-free profile. It’s a taste of terroir in a glass—earthy, aromatic, and utterly authentic.
Born from a collaboration between a 19th-century confectionery and a brewery in Yamagata Prefecture, this umeshu blends subtly sweet Ohyama Tokubetsu Junmai sake with fragrant plums. The result is a refreshing, balanced drink that feels like a nod to Japan’s past, perfect for sipping on a quiet evening.
6. Suntory Umeshu Taru Shiage
Another Suntory gem, Taru Shiage takes umeshu to new heights with its 20% ABV and whisky-barrel aging. Infused with brandy and a medley of spirits, it boasts a complex, woody depth that holds its own even when diluted with sparkling water. Think of it as umeshu with a sophisticated edge.
7. Choya Kokuto Umeshu
Choya’s Kokuto Umeshu keeps it simple yet sublime, using Nanko plums, black sugar, and a touch of black rum. Free of artificial additives, it’s a crowd-pleaser—drizzle it over ice cream for a decadent treat or mix it with soda for a casual refresher.
8. Dassai Umeshu
From the makers of the renowned Dassai sake, this limited-edition umeshu fuses Junmai Daiginjo sake with Wakayama’s Nanko plums. Available only at Asahi Shuzo’s stores or the National Plum Wine Festival, it’s a rare treat that showcases the elegance of premium ingredients.
9. Kaldi Torori Umeshu
Sold at Kaldi stores, this low-alcohol (8%) umeshu stands out with its thick, pulpy texture. Made from Nanko plums, it’s like drinking a plum smoothie with a boozy twist—ideal for those who love a richer mouthfeel.
10. Kanjuku Nanaore Koume Umeshu
Beyond the Bottle: Experiencing Umeshu in Japan
Ready to dive into the world of plum wine? Japan offers plenty of ways to explore. Swing by supermarkets or specialty liquor stores for bottles to take home, or visit a sake brewery to witness the craft firsthand—many offer tastings that include umeshu alongside their sake lineup. For the ultimate experience, mark your calendar for the Umeshu Festival, held annually across cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Ibaraki. The 2025 event, set for early March at Kairakuen Tokiwa Shrine in Mito, will feature up to 180 varieties, plus fusion cocktails and food pairings.
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