In recent years, many Japanese whisky distilleries have released umeshu matured in whisky barrels—we’ve tried almost all of them. Honestly, most fall short: they’re either too sweet, too dominated by cask character, or end up overly dry. Truly outstanding examples are few and far between. To be frank, our expectations weren’t high for this umeshu from Sakurao Distillery… but after one sip, our eyes lit up—“Delicious!” This one’s a real find!

Sakurao Distillery in Hiroshima launched their first single malt, “Togouchi 1st Release,” in 2021. Rather than leaving those high-quality first-fill bourbon casks idle, Sakurao filled them with batches of umeshu made from Nanko plums that had already been soaked for over six years. The plum wine was further matured in these barrels and finally bottled at a robust 20% ABV, undiluted. In terms of process and sincerity, this gets top marks. The packaging, with its metallic-brushed label, is also worthy of praise. But does the liquid inside live up to the rest?

Pouring into the glass, you’ll see a beautiful deep amber color. The aroma reveals a profound ume bouquet with subtle dried apricot notes. On the palate, it’s exceptionally smooth and full-bodied, with a slightly higher sweetness. After a wave of sweet-tart plum, the bold cask flavors surge forth, resonating throughout the mouth and nose. A hint of spice appears before swallowing, with lingering woody aromas that are a true pleasure. The structure is solid and the balance is remarkable—this is a truly high-quality whisky cask umeshu, and absolutely worth a try!

This Sakurao umeshu is a limited edition and quickly sold out after its release in Japan. If you miss it now, you may have to wait another year. For those seeking a sophisticated umeshu to enjoy slowly with friends and family, don’t hesitate—order now!