In Japan’s first year of Reiwa (2020), renowned umeboshi maker Godaian released a limited-edition brandy-based umeshu named Shoya Zenpachi—just 2,020 bottles. Its quality impressed many customers, who all praised its great value. After selling out, there was significant demand in both Hong Kong and Japan for a re-release. Recently, the brewery finally answered, introducing a mass-production version of Shoya Zenpachi. While the new bottles no longer have individual serial numbers, the flavor remains just as excellent—and the price is nearly 20% lower! This is truly great news for umeshu lovers.

This umeshu perfectly showcases the strengths of brandy-macerated plum wine. On opening, a gentle, elegant plum aroma emerges. The palate is exceptionally smooth, the liquid gliding down the throat with no harsh alcohol sensation at all—just pure silkiness! The flavor is a beautifully balanced blend of tartness and sweetness; it’s never overly sweet, allowing the rich taste of plum to shine through. An outstanding drink!

The name “Shoya Zenpachi” may sound odd at first. In Japan’s Edo period, most commoners had only given names, but “Shoya” referred to a class of village headmen allowed to take a surname—a symbol of status. “Zenpachi” was the name of Godaian’s ancestor who first developed their plum orchard and was granted the surname “Azuma” (which is why Godaian’s plum farm is called “Azuma Farm”). While the name might seem old-fashioned, in a society where heritage is so respected, naming the sake after one’s ancestor is a powerful vote of confidence in its quality.

If you want to try a top-quality brandy-based umeshu, Shoya Zenpachi is the perfect choice.