Description

Umeshu is a category of flavored sake unto itself and a celebrated national drink in Japan. Umeshu is “plum sake” made from Japanese plums, or “ume,” which are the fruit of Japan and known as a good-luck charm. “Ume” are famously used to make “umeboshi,” pickled salted plums, which since ancient times, has been a revered delicacy of Japanese cuisine. Umeshu is such an integral part of Japanese culture that many Japanese make their own by steeping the fresh plums in alcohol. Umeshu should not be confused with “plum wine,” which is not made with sake and usually uses flavorings instead of fresh, whole, ume fruit. Joto Umeshu is crafted by the Fuji Brewery in Shimane, Japan, using the traditional and highest quality method. First, local and hand-harvested ume are carefully selected, then soaked and matured in sake. After months of maceration this plum-sake concentrate is blended with sake again to achieve the perfect balance.