A Long-Established Tamba Brewery’s Approach to Experience
An Inspiration Rooted in Italian Antiquity Nestled within the quiet, mountainous landscape of Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture, Nishiyama Shuzo has been brewing sake since 1849. While it is not unusual for a sake brewery to produce umeshu, the product this brewery released in 2006 departed significantly from conventional paradigms of what umeshu should be. The inspiration was found in Italy. During a visit, the brewery owner was captivated by the silhouette of the amphora, a vessel historically used in ancient Greece and Rome. This classical form was thoughtfully reimagined in a glass bottle, with whole, large Nanko plums sealed inside. Accompanied by a transparent custom ladle, it created a mindful serving ritual rather than a simple pour. Named “Plum Tonic Umeshin,” the creation was envisioned as more than just a beverage; it was designed as an experience that unfolds the moment it is served.
An Intersection of East and West: Sake and White Brandy Its production method also distinguishes it from standard umeshu. Traditionally, umeshu is crafted by steeping plums in distilled alcohol or neutral shochu. This product, however, employs a technique known as a “two-stage infusion.” First, domestically grown Nanko plums are steeped in white brandy with an alcohol content of 40 percent. This infusion is then blended with an umeshu made on a base of sake brewed in-house. The rich aroma and structure imparted by the brandy are seamlessly layered with the smooth texture and umami derived from the sake. Japanese brewing craftsmanship and European distillation technique intersect beautifully inside a single vessel. This process is inherently labor-intensive. Involving two distinct rounds of infusion, it is far more complex and time-consuming than standard production. Even so, the brewery chose this path to cultivate a flavor with profound depth—one where natural acidity and sweetness harmonize perfectly, rather than a simple, singular sweetness.
Generations of Craftsmanship Since 1849 Nishiyama Shuzo carries over 175 years of history as a dedicated sake brewery. Utilizing soft spring water from the mountains of Tamba, it produces not only refined sake but also shochu, grappa, liqueurs, and a diverse portfolio of other beverages. Today, their sake graces the tables of luxury hotels in Bangkok. The expertise cultivated through generations of sake-making clearly informs the intricate design of their umeshu, demonstrating the remarkable breadth of the brewery’s technical repertoire.
International Acclaim at Kura Master Paris In 2025, Plum Tonic Umeshin was entered into the umeshu category at Kura Master in Paris. Kura Master is a prestigious international competition judged entirely through blind tasting by 135 of France’s top sommeliers, with the head judge holding the MOF distinction—France’s highest honor for master craftsmen. In a testament to its enduring craftsmanship, Plum Tonic Umeshin was awarded a gold medal on its very first entry. It is a quiet affirmation of a vision realized nearly two decades ago in 2006.
A Vessel That Invites Cultural Dialogue Within Bangkok’s sophisticated dining scene, the very act of serving this umeshu gently invites dialogue. The elegant motion of ladling the liquid from the glass amphora naturally draws the eye at a counter or tableside. Why this shape? How is it crafted? As these curiosities arise, the underlying philosophy of the maker begins to unfold. A historic Tamba brewery, inspired by an ancient Italian vessel, uniting the traditions of sake and brandy. It is a narrative that resonates deeply, offering a moment of cultural appreciation alongside a glass of carefully crafted umeshu. (Mr. Bacchus)
This article is intended solely to explore the blending craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Nishiyama Shuzoujou and the Kotsuzumi Plumtonic Baishin brand, and does not aim to promote or encourage the consumption of alcohol. / บทความนี้จัดทำขึ้นเพื่อนำเสนอข้อมูลเกี่ยวกับศิลปะการผสมผสานและมรดกทางวัฒนธรรมของ Nishiyama Shuzoujou และแบรนด์ Kotsuzumi Plumtonic Baishin เท่านั้น มิได้มีเจตนาเพื่อส่งเสริมหรือโฆษณาเครื่องดื่มแอลกอฮอล์ สำหรับผู้มีอายุ 20 ปีขึ้นไป โปรดดื่มอย่างรับผิดชอบ