Neat, on the rocks, or with soda—these are the usual ways to enjoy umeshu. But the producer of this umeshu strongly recommends mixing it with green tea or barley tea for a truly unique experience. So, what makes this so special?

This umeshu is crafted by Honke Matsuura Shuzo in Tokushima Prefecture, using 100% Oushuku plums grown by Mr. Hitoshi Fujioka—revered as the “Plum Master” of the Shinryo region. Fujioka is a pioneer in cultivating Oushuku plums in the area, renowned for his large, flavorful fruit. To showcase the natural character of these plums, a high-proof vodka is used as the base spirit, maximizing the extraction of plum essence while minimizing unwanted flavors.

First, try it neat: On the nose, you’ll notice the characteristic gentle smokiness of Oushuku plums, underpinned by a deep plum sweetness. The body is fairly full; on the palate, a pronounced tartness comes first, followed by a mild astringency that slowly merges with the sweet and sour flavors of the plum, leaving a long-lasting finish. Overall, the smoky notes and subtle astringency set this apart from lighter “girly drinks.” If you’re seeking an umeshu with complexity and lower sweetness, “Fujioka” is an excellent choice.

Next, try it with tea: Mix it 1:1 with a sugar-free green tea like Jun Tea for a quick “lazy cocktail” that delivers a pleasant surprise! The aroma becomes lighter and sweeter, lifted by a distinct green tea fragrance. Flavor-wise, the harmony between the plum and green tea is seamless. The finish from the tea, enhanced by the alcohol, lingers unexpectedly long—making it hard to resist another glass.