Vodka in umeshu? Not exactly. This drink uses Japanese-made Okuhida vodka as its base, with aged umeshu made from fully-ripened Nanko plums from Wakayama. With an impressive 29% ABV and only half the sweetness of traditional umeshu, the makers themselves say it’s better described as “plum-flavored vodka!” Thanks to the high-quality vodka, both the smoothness and aftertaste reach a whole new level for umeshu, while the elevated alcohol content beautifully amplifies the sweet-tart notes of the plums. Freeze it and drink straight from the freezer—the experience is nothing short of magical. While there are other high-strength umeshu out there, this one stands out and will win you over at first sip!

Unlike most umeshu, this isn’t meant for big, casual gulps—instead, it should be sipped and savored like a fine spirit, perfect after meals or for relaxed moments. There are two recommended ways to enjoy it: at room temperature, or—mind-blowing—straight from the freezer. Each style offers its own pleasures, so let’s try both!

First, at room temperature:
On the nose, you get a fresh plum aroma, layered with vodka’s clean, crisp scent. The palate begins with the pure, silky smoothness of vodka, quickly expanding into a low-sugar yet distinct plum flavor. Despite the 29% ABV, the heat is exceptionally gentle, while the aftertaste of plum lingers long and luxuriously. The interplay of spirit and fruit is masterful, bringing complexity and depth—it’s the kind of umeshu that’s a true pleasure to sip quietly, 30ml at a time.

Next, frozen:
Take the bottle from the freezer and it’s frosted over—but thanks to vodka’s low freezing point, the liquid inside remains pourable. Pouring from the ice-cold, frosted glass feels exhilarating. The aroma is more subdued, but on the palate it’s refreshingly cold, with the liquid turning even silkier and more viscous. The chilled plum sweetness glides across your palate, and the alcohol feels even more elegant. After swallowing, a pleasant warmth spreads from your core—an enchanting drinking experience, especially in the coolness of early autumn.

Umeboys, the creator of this spirit, is based in Wakayama, Japan’s premier Nanko ume region. Founder Masashiro Yamamoto is a fifth-generation plum farmer who studied pharmaceutical sciences and approaches plum product development with a scientific, almost pharmaceutical rigor. After graduation, he launched the youthful Umeboys brand and produced a wealth of high-quality YouTube videos about ume, rapidly gaining over 35,000 subscribers and earning fame within the pickled plum world. This is Umeboys’ debut umeshu release: after testing six different bases, they concluded that vodka’s smooth texture and neutrality best showcased the natural flavor of ume. They partnered with Okuhida Shuzo, one of Japan’s few vodka distilleries, and the result is this exceptional bottle.