True to its name, Hyakunen Umeshu Premium is the flagship, most premium umeshu produced by Meiri Shurui in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture. It has repeatedly won gold at the Tenman Tenjin Umeshu Awards, standing out for its exceptionally rich and concentrated texture. (So thick, in fact, that the liquid clings to the glass, distorting light as if looking through syrup.)

This umeshu is made with brandy as its base, steeped with domestically grown "Shirokaga" green plums, and finished with honey and black sugar, then bottled at 20% ABV. Pour it into a glass and you'll immediately notice its unique, dense consistency, reminiscent of diluted honey, and a deep color so intense it’s nearly opaque. On the nose, it evokes dried black plums, with an overall deep and complex character. The mouthfeel is velvety and smooth, with ripe plum and black sugar combining to create a mature, profoundly rich sweetness that appeals to adult palates.

Hyakunen Umeshu Premium’s packaging is also extraordinary: the rounded bottle bears no paper label, emphasizing the richness within. The bottle is wrapped in a black cloth, adorned with the Tokugawa clan’s triple hollyhock crest, imparting a luxurious and historic feel.

Why the connection to the Tokugawa family? Meiri Shurui’s home, Mito, was once governed by Tokugawa Nariaki, a renowned lord of the Tokugawa clan. In 1842, he created one of Japan’s three great gardens—Kairakuen—famous for its 3,000-plus plum trees. The local tradition of making umeshu from these plums greatly fostered the regional umeshu industry. To honor this heritage, Meiri Shurui features the Tokugawa family crest on its finest product.