Daishinshu is one of Nagano Prefecture’s finest sake breweries, and their apple pulp umeshu has long been a favorite at our shop. Today, we’re featuring their most premium umeshu: Junmai Ginjo Umeshu, made by blending top-grade Nanko plums into a Junmai Ginjo sake base. As the brewery’s flagship, you can expect nothing less than excellence—let’s give it a try!

As soon as you uncork the bottle, waves of ripe plum sweetness fill the air. Pouring it into a glass, you’ll notice a richer, oilier texture than most sake-based umeshu, leaving distinct legs on the side of the glass. Sure enough, the mouthfeel is impressively full-bodied—unlike any ordinary umeshu. The liquid glides smoothly down the throat, while the intense plum flavor and honeyed finish linger in the mouth, with virtually no sense of alcohol burn. Absolutely delicious!

Chilled, this umeshu’s sweetness and richness put it in the dessert wine category, but served over ice, it takes on a refreshing character that pairs beautifully with light meals, both Western and Asian. Whether it’s your sweet-toothed partner or a family member sensitive to alcohol, everyone will love it. It’s truly a must-have for holidays and gatherings.