Volume：720ml
ABV：8%

The flavor of this umeshu is said to be like the excitement you’d feel if the handsome guy next door invited you for a drink—a thrill you’ll never forget... That’s how the official description goes. But how can “Nanko-ume” plums possibly capture the essence of such a forbidden romance? As a man, I took the plunge and tried it myself…

When you pour it into a glass, you’ll notice the liquid is very opaque and thick—this is because finely crushed plum pulp is added to the umeshu. Thanks to the ultra-fine texture, there’s none of the usual graininess found in other cloudy umeshu; it’s incredibly smooth and velvety on the palate. The plum flavor stands out beautifully, with the sweetness and tartness in perfect balance—not too sweet, not too sour. The alcohol is almost undetectable, making this an easy-drinking umeshu that everyone will enjoy and want to keep refilling.

This umeshu is crafted by Yamamoto Shuzo in Kagoshima, a distillery famous for its sweet potato shochu. They’ve boldly packaged their flagship umeshu under the quirky theme of “Neighbor’s Little Handsome.” While the concept might seem whimsical, after tasting this delicious drink and glancing at the cute, flower-boy label, even I had to admit it was a bit heart-fluttering. The branding is clever, but more importantly, this is genuinely a great-tasting umeshu.

Whether you’re searching for a delicious umeshu or just hoping for a charming encounter with a “little handsome,” this bottle will definitely satisfy you!