There’s something almost magical about the pattern and color scheme of this bottle’s label—it always manages to stand out among a sea of other drinks. The elegant design actually features peony flowers, supervised by the renowned Kyoto paper artisan “Karachiya Chouemon” (commonly known as Karacho). Karacho’s craft is the printing of intricate patterns on paper, a tradition once reserved for nobility and samurai. Most of their patterns date back 400 years to the Edo period, giving every design an air of grandeur and historic prestige. The name “ITO” (“Silk”) was calligraphed by Sougen Hirano, a master who once designed posters for the FIFA World Cup. Finished in a luminous blend of silver and purple, the entire bottle gleams as light dances across its surface. Unforgettable at first sight, this is a bottle where every detail counts.

But the artistry isn’t limited to the packaging—the umeshu itself is crafted with equal care. The base is a sake that has been matured for an extended period in sherry casks. Only the highest grade Nanko plums are used, and the final umeshu is bottled at a higher-than-usual 18% ABV.

On the nose, vibrant plum aroma mingles with deep, gentle notes of vanilla from the barrel aging. The palate is smooth and luscious, bursting with plum character followed by a hint of sherry sweetness, vanilla, wood, and a subtle accent of sake rice aroma—all harmoniously balanced. The finish is long and pleasantly comforting, leaving a sweet impression.

ITO Umeshu is made by Koyama Honke Shuzo, a historic sake brewery founded in 1808 in Kobe and best known for their “Fukutsuru” label. After launching their “ITO Sherry Cask Aged Sake” (which serves as the base for this umeshu), they became a sensation—both for the beautiful bottle and its luxurious taste.

Whether you’re curious about what a sherry cask sake-based umeshu tastes like, you’re a fan of the ITO brand, or you simply want a stunning bottle for display, this umeshu is the perfect choice.