On a recent trip to Kyoto, I noticed a particular brand of umeshu (spoiler alert: it wasn't Choya) was often listed on the menu of many local restaurants. The label itself was fairly unassuming, with the words "梅酒" (or "plum wine") written straightforwardly on the label. Intrigued by its ubiquity, I did some searching and found the name of this umeshu: Umenoyado Aragoshi Umeshu. 

This umeshu is produced by Umenoyado Brewery, which is actually a sake brewery. The sake produced by the brewery is also the spirit base that is used in this umeshu. The term "Aragoshi" means "mashed" in Japanese, and is a reference to the fact that the brewery mashes its ume fruit into a pulp to produce this particular line of umeshu.

Umenoyado Aragoshi Umeshu - Tasting Notes

Colour: Amber with deep-reddish flecks of plum puree.

Nose: Mild fragrance of preserved salted prunes, with lashing of sweet, mellow honey. 

Palate: There's slightly-thick texture to this umeshu, with a certain chewy mouthfeel thanks to a gummy candy-like sweetness. There's bold, sweet notes of sour plums at the forefront, and slowly, you'll also notice a mild honeyed flavour thats slightly herbal in nature - reminding me of the popular Pei Pa Koa syrup.

Finish: Short, with notes of plum juice and green apples, fading to a mild bitterness. 

Overall Thoughts: 

Sweet and approachable! This umeshu is easy-to-drink with a nice weightiness and honeyed overtones. I had a glass of this umeshu alongside some sashimi and mackerel sushi - which is a combination I thoroughly enjoyed! The umami seafood complimented the sweetness of this umeshu well, and accentuated its honeyed flavours. 

Some more experienced umeshu drinkers might want more tartness for a bolder umeshu, but overall, I would think this is still by and large an enjoyable liqueur that everyone can get behind! It's almost too easy to drink! I suppose, this approachability accounts for the fact that it's such a ubiquitous drink option offered by many restaurants in Japan. 

Until next time!

@lotusroot518