Japanese sake has become increasingly popular overseas in recent years, and as the “gold standard” of sake-based umeshu, “Daishichi Gokujouhin” has seen its demand skyrocket. Even though annual production has increased from 1,600 bottles in 2015 to around 4,000 bottles today, it’s still not enough to meet demand—this umeshu regularly sells out within half a year.

“Daishichi Gokujouhin” is the most premium umeshu from the renowned Daishichi Sake Brewery. It uses their classic Kimoto Junmai Daiginjo “Minowamon” sake as the base, in which meticulously selected, extra-large 4L Nanko plums are macerated. The result is an umeshu with a bold plum character and an exceptional ability to showcase the delicate sweetness of a daiginjo—let’s open a bottle and experience it!

The ideal serving temperature is between 10–13°C. On the nose, you’ll first notice an elegant plum aroma, followed by a hint of sweet peach. The palate is exceptionally smooth and rounded, without any heaviness; instead, it delivers more of the clean, gentle sweetness characteristic of a daiginjo. Then, a sweet-sour plum flavor gradually spreads and blossoms on the palate, with lingering notes of both rice and plum sweetness that persist beautifully.

There’s truly nothing else like the taste of “Gokujouhin.” If you want to try the highest expression of Daishichi’s umeshu, don’t hesitate!