26.9.2025_How Umeshu

The plum wine class will be held through HOW (House of Wisdom), exclusively for members.

■　ROSE & PLUM Sparkling
-Elegance in Sparkle, Where Rose Meets Plum-

ROSE & PLUM Sparkling is an award-winning creation that blends the elegance of rose essence with the sweet-sour charm of umeshu, further enhanced by lively effervescence. Recognized at the Tenman Tenjin Umeshu Competition, it has earned acclaim for both quality and originality. In the glass, fine bubbles rise delicately, carrying a bouquet where fragrant roses mingle seamlessly with ripe plum, delivering an impression of vibrancy and sophistication. On the palate, refreshing acidity greets first, followed by the mellow sweetness of plum layered with subtle floral nuances that add refinement and depth. The texture is light and crisp from its sparkling character, yet retains the satisfying fruit presence of plum, offering freshness with substance. The finish is graceful, leaving a lingering harmony of plum brightness and floral elegance that invite another sip. Best enjoyed well-chilled, it also pairs beautifully with light appetizers or fruit-based desserts, making it versatile for celebratory occasions. With its balance of freshness, fragrance, and award-winning pedigree, this sparkling liqueur elevates any toast into a refined experience.

■　TOROTORO no UMESHU
-Silky Indulgence, Nigori-Style Plum Liqueur with Luscious Depth-

TOROTORO no UMESHU is a rich and indulgent nigori-style plum liqueur, crafted with generous amounts of plum pulp to achieve an impressive 20% extract content. This unique composition gives it a luscious, velvety texture true to its name. On the nose, it opens with expressive aromas of ripe Japanese plums, accented by gentle sweetness and a subtle tartness. The palate reveals layers of natural plum sweetness, balanced acidity, and a soft umami depth that creates a sense of richness without heaviness. The texture is particularly memorable—dense yet smooth, with a pleasant viscosity that envelops the tongue. The finish is refreshing, leaving behind a lingering impression of bright plum acidity that provides balance and clarity. Best enjoyed well-chilled on its own, TOROTORO no UMESHU also pairs beautifully with desserts such as fruit tarts or creamy custards, where its dense fruit character complements sweetness while its acidity refreshes the palate. It offers a modern and playful interpretation of umeshu, appealing to both seasoned connoisseurs and those discovering plum liqueur for the first time.

■　FUKUUME EBISU
-Refined Maturity, Long-Aged Expression of Japanese Plum–

FUKUUME EBISU is a long-aged plum liqueur meticulously crafted by Kawachi Wine in Osaka, blending umeshu aged for over 20 years in a secret, closely guarded recipe. This unique approach yields an extraordinary depth of character that immediately sets it apart. The aroma reveals layers of ripe Japanese plums, accented by notes of honey, dried fruit, and a mellow richness born of extended maturation. On the palate, a rounded, velvety sweetness unfolds first, gradually giving way to a refreshing acidity that preserves clarity and balance. The texture is full yet graceful, with a smooth viscosity that reflects both the long aging and the masterful blending. Subtle umami undertones provide complexity, while the harmony of sweet and tart elements ensures drinkability without heaviness. The finish is long and elegant, leaving behind a lingering impression of refined maturity and a gentle lift of plum-driven freshness. Best enjoyed well-chilled, it shines as an after-dinner drink or as a distinguished gift, carrying with it the craftsmanship and legacy of one of Japan’s most respected producers. With its over two decades of aging and an undisclosed blend perfected by tradition, FUKUUME EBISU offers a rare opportunity to experience umeshu at its most sophisticated and timeless form.

■　SORABOSHI UMESHU
-Milky Softness, Playful Blend of Plum and Lactic Brightness-

SORABOSHI UMESHU is a unique plum liqueur that combines a shochu-based umeshu with a lactic acid beverage, resulting in a distinctive, milky-white style. In the glass, its smooth, cloudy appearance is matched by a gentle fragrance where the sweet-tart notes of plum harmonize with the refreshing brightness of lactic acidity. On the palate, a lively burst of acidity comes first, followed by mellow plum sweetness that unfolds with balance and clarity. The lactic element adds a creamy roundness, softening the edges and giving the liqueur a comforting yet refreshing character. Its texture is velvety and lightly creamy, while still retaining a clean and approachable drinkability. The interplay of sweet and sour is well-calibrated, evoking both nostalgia and novelty. The finish is refreshing and smooth, leaving a lingering impression of plum fragrance accented by gentle acidity. Best enjoyed well-chilled on its own, it also shines on the rocks or with soda, offering versatility for after-dinner enjoyment or light food pairings. A liqueur that captures both warmth and freshness, it provides a memorable and modern take on the umeshu tradition.

■　RED WINE UMESHU
-Fusion of Plum and Wine, Bold Interpretation of Japanese Liqueur-

RED WINE UMESHU, produced by Katashimo Winery in Osaka, offers a unique fusion of fruit-forward red wine and traditional umeshu. On the nose, it reveals a captivating bouquet where the sweet-sour fragrance of ripe plums is enriched by layers of berry, cassis, and subtle spice from the wine. The palate opens with the mellow sweetness and refreshing acidity of umeshu, soon joined by the structure and gentle tannins of red wine, which add depth and dimension. Its texture is smooth yet firm, with a sense of balance that keeps the sweetness in check and highlights the interplay of fruit and wine elements. As the flavors evolve, soft notes of red fruit mingle seamlessly with plum, creating a layered and complex expression that is both approachable and refined. The finish lingers gracefully, carrying a refreshing plum brightness alongside the lingering echoes of red wine, leaving a memorable impression of harmony and sophistication. Best enjoyed well-chilled, it pairs particularly well with cheese or dark chocolate, where the contrast of savory or bitter elements enhances the liqueur’s layered character. This innovative creation exemplifies how tradition and winemaking craftsmanship can intersect to open a new dimension for umeshu lovers.

■　JELLY UMESHU
-Ikekame Shuzo’s Playful Plum Liqueur with Silky Jelly Texture-

JELLY UMESHU, crafted by Ikekame Shuzo in Fukuoka, is a playful yet refined reimagining of traditional plum liqueur. Once the bottle is lightly shaken, the jelly texture gently breaks apart, releasing a vibrant fragrance of ripe Japanese plums with subtle floral undertones. On the palate, it balances sweet and tart plum notes with a soft umami depth, while the silky, jelly-like consistency creates a distinctive melting sensation. The finish is clean and refreshing, lifted by crisp acidity that prevents any heaviness. Best enjoyed well-chilled, it shines as a dessert-style drink or paired with light dishes such as fruit-based desserts and soft cheeses. A fun trivia: JELLY UMESHU was among the first plum liqueurs in Japan to be presented in a gelled form, developed to appeal not only as a drink but also as a playful, spoonable treat, making it popular at summer festivals and as a gift item. This inventive approach invites both casual drinkers and connoisseurs to rediscover umeshu in a modern and memorable style.