Suiryu Umeshu is best enjoyed as a digestif or aperitif. Its complexity and depth of flavor make it a versatile choice for various occasions. Whether served after a meal to cleanse the palate or as a refreshing beverage to start an evening, Suiryu Umeshu adds a touch of elegance to any gathering.

The taste of Choya Plum Wine Kishu is smooth and well-rounded. It offers a harmonious blend of sweetness and acidity, with a subtle tartness that adds complexity to the overall flavor. Many people don’t realize that Umeshu is made from two words. “Ume” stands for fruit, while “Shu” is a Japanese word for liquor. In most cases, Umeshu is translated as plum wine. But that is not the most proper translation as Ume is a particular fruit tree known as Prunus Mume. It is related to both plum and apricot, but it is not the same. Therefore, the best translation is Ume liquor. #6 Umeshu is more than just a beverage As mentioned previously, wine refers to an alcoholic beverage produced by simple fermentation of the sugars that are present. There is generally no fermentation happening in the production of umeshu; it is rather a process of extraction. The steeping of the sour ume in alcohol and sugar pulls juices and nutrients out into the liquid, which, over time, develops into the balanced liquid that we know as umeshu. Typically, the plums are left to steep for around six months or until the flavors come into balance. How to make homemade plum wine/umeshu Plums are highly enriched with calcium, minerals, iron, and many other features that keep you in good health. Have a look at this bottle of Japanese famous plum wine from Choya.Takara is a known company that makes different kinds of wines, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. With flavors and sugar infused in the alcohol, they make plum wines with absolute richness. Umeshu strictly translated is “ume alcohol.” The “shu” part of umeshu can refer to any type of alcohol, from whisky to sake to wine, so importers and marketers settled on the use of “wine” in its place — perhaps to convey the fruity flavor that is so much a part of what makes it enjoyable. The reason that umeshu is not plum wine is that wine is fermented, and umeshu is not strictly a fermented beverage. It has the most in common with liqueurs, in that it is flavored with fruit (ume) and has an alcohol base, as well as prominent sweetness as part of its flavor profile. Umeshu is made in Japan from various alcohol bases, unripened ume (Prunus mume) and, usually, sugar. Very few are made through the fermentation of ume juice, however one example is Hakutsuru “Plum Wine.”

For the last 300 years, the people of Japan have been enjoying the delicacy of fruit wine, which has now become one of the top-notch drinks worldwide. One of the standout features of Suntory Plum Wine is its rich and natural plum flavor. Made from carefully selected plums, the wine exudes a distinct and authentic fruity profile. They make one of the top-most popular plum wines with plums used from Wakayama Prefecture. They also follow the process of extracting the essence and juice of plums by soaking them in different types of liquors, such as brandy, whiskey, Japanese sake, etc. Antioxidant properties: Plum wine, particularly if made from high-quality plums, may contain antioxidants. These compounds can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and potentially reduce oxidative stress.The plums used in its production provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, resulting in a well-rounded and enjoyable taste. It has rich, sweet, and aromatic taste and is suitably served as an aperitif. This taste is acquired from its fruit Ume, which is very tart in flavor, especially in the types traditionally grown in Japan. Ume thrives in Asian countries including China and Japan, and they are loved for their pinkish blossom during late winter and early springs. In fact, some scientific texts refer to Prunus mume as Japanese apricot even though the tree originated in southern China. Various forms of ume-based drinks exist in many countries where the fruit grows. Korea has maesil ju, with a soju base and added honey instead of sugar. In Taiwan, wumeijiu adds oolong tea and smoked plum into the mix. In many ways, the question “What is plum wine?” is similar to the often-asked question “What is rice wine?” Is plum wine sweet? Suiryu Umeshu (睡龍梅酒) is made by Kubo Honke Shuzo (久保本家酒造) which is a brewery established in Nara prefecture in 1702. Type of plum: Different plum varieties can result in varying flavor profiles. Some plums are sweeter, while others have a more tart or tangy taste. Consider your personal preference and select a plum wine that aligns with your desired flavor profile.