Umeshu Malaysia
Umeshu is a uniquely Japanese liquor recognisable as one of the country’s premier alcoholic beverages. While often labelled as plum wine, it is quite distinct in how it is made and what it tastes like.
What is Umeshu?
Literally translated, Umeshu means ‘plum alcohol’. It is a fruity liquor made by steeping plums and rock sugar in a clear alcohol base like white liquor, brandy, sake, or whisky. Ume plums (Prunus mume) are specifically used because their high acidity makes them unpalatable to consume. By steeping the fruits in alcohol and sugar, however, the juices and nutrients are pulled out of the fruit, creating a balanced flavour.
The umeshu-making process usually takes about six months to complete, as that is the typical amount of time needed to balance out the flavours fully.
How does Umeshu differ from plum wines?
While often called a plum wine, umeshu is not an actual wine. Wines are alcoholic drinks produced by the simple fermentation of the sugars naturally present in fruits. There is generally no fermentation during the process of making umeshu; rather, it is a process of extraction where the fruit is steeped in alcohol to draw out its juices slowly.
Is Umeshu the same as sake?
Yes and no, depending on the ingredients. Sake may be used in the production of umeshu, leading to many considering it as a variation of the famous Japanese rice wine. However, some umeshu labels may use brandy, whiskey or another type of spirit instead. As such, it is not entirely accurate to call umeshu a type of sake as it may not contain sake at all.
What Umeshu brands are on offer?
Here are some of the umeshu brands available for purchase in Malaysia:
- Benichu: Benichu is renowned for making high-quality plum liquors, made using “Benisashiume” in the town of Wakasa, Fukui Prefecture.
- Nakano Shuzho: Nakano Shuzho may be best known for its sake, but it has also spun off into umeshu with its Kunizakari Jasmine Umeshu.
What does Umeshu taste like?
Umeshu has an aroma reminiscent of plums and apricots, and its taste is slightly sweet and sour.
Food pairings
Try out these food pairings with your umeshu:
- Chinese food: The rich flavours of Chinese cuisine pair well with the equally rich taste of a straight umeshu.
- Dry snacks: Because a straight umeshu has little water content, it goes well with dry snacks like cheese, nuts, or dried meats.
- Salad: If you’re drinking umeshu on the rocks, a light appetiser salad will go well with it, especially once the melting ice dilutes the liquor’s intensity.
- Ice cream: A quintessentially Japanese ice cream flavour, such as green tea or black sesame, complements the umeshu’s sourness.
How do people drink Umeshu?
Here are some ways you can enjoy umeshu:
- Straight: Drinking umeshu straight out of the bottle provides a full burst of its sour flavours.
- On the rocks: Pour as much (or as little) umeshu as you want over some ice. Then, let the melting cubes chill and dilute your drink.
- With soda: Mix equal parts umeshu and soda water to create a pleasantly bubbly delight.
- With hot water: To warm the soul, pour equal amounts of umeshu and hot water into a heat-proof mug. Mix well, and drink when it is cool enough.
- In cocktails: The liquor’s sweet and sour flavour makes it a very versatile cocktail mixer. Combine it with different sodas or fruits to create a unique party drink.
Can you drink Umeshu straight?
Yes. Drinking umeshu straight from the bottle will allow you to appreciate the full range of flavours this liquor offers.
Is Umeshu healthy?
Yes. Drinking Umeshu is good for you. Believe it or not, umeshu was created as a health tonic. It is rich in vitamins and minerals from plums, such as vitamins B, C, and E, which promote healthy skin and relieve fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, running nose, and constipation.
A taste of Japan in every bottle of Umeshu
Umeshu is a quintessentially Japanese liquor that carries a true taste of culture and tradition with every drop. One sip will quickly reveal what makes this drink different from any plum wine.
Check out the most affordable Umeshu Malaysia price and purchase a bottle or two today! It is the perfect drink to serve during the festivities or just for your own personal enjoyment.
