When it comes to umeshu bases, brandy is always the most tempting for customers. No surprise—it’s luxurious, complex, and its fruity aroma is a perfect match for the sweet and tart flavors of plum. The only drawback? Good brandy umeshu is usually quite expensive—every sip reminds you of its price! Luckily, we’ve finally found this brandy umeshu from Hayashi Farm that’s not only delicious and elegant but also a real bargain. Let’s taste it!

Pouring a glass, you’re greeted by a refined brandy aroma blended with plum fragrance—refreshing and delightful. The liquid glides smoothly over your palate with no harshness at all. The initial notes bring gentle, elegant plum, and the sweetness is on the low side. Mid-palate, the plum acidity is perfectly tuned, mouthwatering without being sharp. The finish has a subtle brandy sweetness and a touch of grape skin-like astringency. Overall, it’s elegant, low in alcohol sensation, easy to drink, and even offers a bit of complexity… At this price, it’s truly more than you could ask for!

This umeshu is made by Hayashi Farm using their own recipe, with an 8-year French oak-aged brandy base. Into this, they steep rare Sanouben and Shirokaga plums. Quality ingredients and minimalist packaging make it feel like sipping a homemade umeshu crafted with care.

Hayashi Farm is located in Kikyogahara, Nagano—famous for Merlot production. Established in 1911, the winery has over a century of experience. Founder Goichi Hayashi was the first to introduce the Merlot grape to the region, and their “Goichi Wine” brand has a stellar reputation. Their Kikyogahara Merlot has won numerous international awards, and in 2011, the vineyard doubled in size. They now produce around 800,000 bottles of wine a year—a testament to their skill and legacy.