Umeshu is an alcoholic drink in which Japanese plums are macerated for a long time. It is a very common alcohol in Japan. Presentation :
- The umeshu, a Japanese plum alcohol
- The tasting of umeshu, refreshing and sweet
- Where to find umeshu in France and in Japan?
The umeshu, a Japanese plum alcohol
The umeshu “梅酒” is an alcoholic drink made from neutral alcohol, shochu or sake in which Japanese plums, ume “梅”, are macerated for a very long time. It is served in a dry glass, or with ice cubes, or diluted in water, or even in soda.
Umeshu is a popular alcohol and can be drunk as an aperitif, with dessert, or as a light digestive. It is very appreciated, especially by women, because of its sweet and fruity taste.
The tasting of umeshu, refreshing and sweet
The alcohol content ofumeshu is low, between 10% and 20%, that is why this alcohol is pleasant as an aperitif. In Japanese cuisine, it is not uncommon to associateumeshu with a dish, which of course is skillfully chosen.
You can surprise your guests by associating umeshu, plum alcohol, with foie gras. Moreover, umeshu is a very fresh alcohol and very close to fruits, it will make an excellent base for cocktails.
In Japan, it is a fruit liqueur which is usually drunk in summer, its flavor is refreshing and sweet. The production ofumeshu traditionally starts in June and will be macerated for 6 months to 1 year. Many Japanese people make their own umeshu.
Before bottling, the plums are either removed or left whole and sometimes transformed into a puree which will be reintroduced in the liqueur, it will then be a“nigori” liqueur, i.e. unfiltered.
The higher the fruit content, the longer the maceration and the darker the alcohol.
You will notice in the store the different shades of alcohol. This does not mean that the dark umeshu are very strong. They are simply more fruity.
The umeshu can easily be kept for 5 to 10 years but should be kept in a cool place after opening. We remind you that the abuse of alcohol is dangerous for your health, so consume with moderation.
Where to find umeshu in France and in Japan?
In France, you can easily find it in Japanese restaurants or in Asian grocery stores. In Japan, summer is the best season to taste it in izakaya (Japanese bars), in Japanese restaurants, or in kawayuka, the kyoto terraces on stilts.
For the amateurs, you can even visit the Asahara distillery of fruit liqueurs in Okumusashi, in Saitama prefecture north of Tokyo. It is located in the Chichibu Mountains, where the climate and vegetation are perfect for fruit harvesting. They make“nigori” fruit liqueurs, unfiltered.
You will be able to taste these umeshu in the famous Japanese chawan bowls with a very particular charm in a very relaxing environment.