Volume： 720ml
ABV：13%

“ELION” is an original brand created by Japanese alcohol merchant Kawasaki, and is sold exclusively in select retailers and restaurants in Japan—so it’s a rare find, even in Japanese liquor shops. I first tasted it before the pandemic at a yakiniku restaurant in Kobe, and it left a lasting impression, so I had to share it here.

What does “ELION” mean? Honestly, don’t overthink it. The brand simply chose this name to give the sake a more Western feel. And what about “No173”? Again, don’t take it too seriously. Look closely—if you flip “No173” upside down, doesn’t it look just like “ELION”…?

Although I have my own thoughts about this whimsical naming style, I get it—this sake is good enough to pull it off. It’s made entirely from plums grown in the famous Ogose Plum Grove, a renowned sightseeing spot in Saitama Prefecture. On the nose, you get a powerful plum acidity, and the sake is filled with tiny flecks of plum pulp, giving it a rich, dense mouthfeel that almost makes you want to chew (though there’s nothing to bite down on!). The first sip brings a refreshing sweetness, immediately followed by a bold tartness that makes your mouth water and your appetite grow. It’s a perfect match for fatty or rich meats!

This umeshu achieves an excellent balance between a robust body and a refreshing finish—an outstanding example of premium plum wine.