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  • Top 10 Best Japanese Plum Wines in the UK 2021 (Choya, Takara and More) 1
  • Top 10 Best Japanese Plum Wines in the UK 2021 (Choya, Takara and More) 2
  • Top 10 Best Japanese Plum Wines in the UK 2021 (Choya, Takara and More) 3
  • Top 10 Best Japanese Plum Wines in the UK 2021 (Choya, Takara and More) 4
  • Top 10 Best Japanese Plum Wines in the UK 2021 (Choya, Takara and More) 5

Top 10 Best Japanese Plum Wines in the UK 2021 (Choya, Takara and More)

Is there a better way to unwind after a long day than with a glass of ice-cold Japanese plum wine? This traditional liqueur, also known as umeshu, is made from the flesh of the ume fruit and has a sweet, refreshing taste. Its low alcohol content and distinctive aroma will appeal to even those who don’t usually like wine.

If you’re new to the world of this delicious beverage, allow us to guide you through umeshu essentials like alcohol percentages and the range of tantalising flavours that are available. Then, we’ll give you our top 10 recommendations from brands like Choya, Takara, and Ozeki, which are available to buy from Amazon. So, read on to learn more about our favourite Japanese tipple!
Last updated 14/07/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Japanese Plum Wine in the UK – Buying Guide

Now we’ve got your taste buds tingling, let’s move onto what you should look for when picking out a plum wine. In this section, we’ll cover flavours, ingredients, and alcohol percentage, so you’ll be well equipped to choose the perfect bottle!
1

Do you Have a Sweeter Tooth or Want to Experience New Flavours Profiles?

Whether you prefer a sweeter drink or you’re interested in trying something more unusual, there’s a flavour of umeshu out there for you! Here, we’ll talk you through two of the most popular ones available in the UK.

For Sublime Sweetness, Go for Honey Infused Plum Wines

For Sublime Sweetness, Go for Honey Infused Plum Wines
Honey is sometimes used instead of sugar during the stewing process, infusing the ume fruit with its natural sweetness. If you have a sweet tooth but want to stick to natural ingredients, this is the perfect flavour for you.


Some companies also add royal jelly to honey flavoured umeshu, which not only increases the level of sweetness but has added benefits such as lowering blood pressure and regulating our immune systems.

Choose Shiso for a Unique, Herbaceous Flavour Experience

Choose Shiso for a Unique, Herbaceous Flavour Experience
Umeshu is sometimes infused with the leaves of the shiso plant, which is also known as red perilla. This scarlet coloured herb has a complex flavour that combines hints of mint, citrus, cinnamon and basil. This gives it an almost medicinal taste which, as you can imagine, means you’ll either love it or hate it!
2

Higher Quality Brands Will Contain Whole Ume Fruits

Higher Quality Brands Will Contain Whole Ume Fruits
Many companies use whole ume fruits in their wine-making process, and certain premium brands will have the fruits included inside the bottles. This means you can enjoy eating the fruit after you’ve finished drinking the fragrant liquid. Also note that the pricier the wine, the more likely it is to have real, whole fruits included in the bottle.


It should be fairly easy to spot whether a bottle physically contains pieces of fruit but just in case you want to check if real ume was used in the production, look for the phrase 本格梅酒 (honkaku umeshu) on the Japanese ingredients part of the label. Wines without this phrase on their packaging, however, will have used flavourings and additives to mimic the taste of ume instead.

3

Determining the Strength of the Plum Wine

Determining the Strength of the Plum Wine
Whilst you’ll no doubt only have a glass of umeshu as the occasional treat, it’s still important to be aware of its alcohol content so that you can make sure you drink responsibly. So, how much alcohol does umeshu usually contain?


Whilst the percentage of alcohol in umeshu is typically around 10-15%, it can vary in strength depending on the brand. Some plum wines are as low as 5%, whereas others will contain up to 20%. It’s therefore important to check the labels of different brands, to ensure that you find one with the right level of alcohol for you.

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Top 10 Japanese Plum Wines in the UK

Now that you know what to look out for when choosing a bottle of umeshu, it’s time to check out our list of favourites. From fruity aperitifs to sweet dessert drinks, we’ve picked a variety of plum wines which will suit all tastes and budgets.
Popularity
Products
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Key features
1

Choya

1. Choya Umeshu Mini Multipack

Choya 1. Choya Umeshu Mini Multipack 1枚目

Miniatures That Are Perfect for Trying out New Flavours

2

Takara

2. Takara Plum Wine

Takara 2. Takara Plum Wine 1枚目

Smooth and Not Too Sweet

3

Nakatashokuhin

3. Nakatashokuhin Kishu Miyabi Umeshu

Nakatashokuhin 3. Nakatashokuhin Kishu Miyabi Umeshu 1枚目

Strong and Fruity, With a Hint of Almond

4

Kishu Monogatari

4. Kishu Monogatari Plum Wine

Kishu Monogatari 4. Kishu Monogatari Plum Wine 1枚目

Made With Top Quality Ume From the Wakayama Prefecture

5

Akashi-Tai

5. Akashi-Tai Shiraume Umeshu

Akashi-Tai 5. Akashi-Tai Shiraume Umeshu 1枚目

A Plum Liqueur With a Sake Twist

6

Nakata

6. Nakata Plum White Umeshu

Nakata 6. Nakata Plum White Umeshu 1枚目

Ripe Fruit Gives This Umeshu a Lighter Flavour

7

Choya

7. Choya Royal Honey Umeshu

Choya 7. Choya Royal Honey Umeshu 1枚目

Naturally Sweet and Full of Flavour

8

Kagura Shuzo

8. Kagura Shuzo Takachiho Plum Wine Umeshu

Kagura Shuzo 8. Kagura Shuzo Takachiho Plum Wine Umeshu 1枚目

Delicate and Beautifully Designed

9

Hakutsuru

9. Hakutsuru Plum Wine

Hakutsuru 9. Hakutsuru Plum Wine 1枚目

An Affordable Introduction to Umeshu

10

Ozeki

10. Ozeki Kanjuku Umeshu

Ozeki 10. Ozeki Kanjuku Umeshu 1枚目

Ideal for the Umeshu Connoisseur

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Choya 1. Choya Umeshu Mini Multipack

1. Choya Umeshu Mini Multipack Image 1
Source：amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£16.98
    • Reference price
    £16.98

    Miniatures That Are Perfect for Trying out New Flavours

    This multipack by popular Japanese brand Choya is a great way to try out some of the different flavours of umeshu, including honey and shiso. Each can contains 50ml and has edible ume fruits, making them ideal for a quick pick-me-up after work. With 17% alcohol, these are also the most potent beverages on our list.

    We love the fact that this multipack allows you to try out flavoured umeshu as well as an “extra years” recipe, in which the ume fruit was stewed for an extra-long period of time! Whether as a treat for yourself or a gift for a friend, this multipack is great value for money. For all of these reasons, it’s our top pick!
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    No.2

    Takara 2. Takara Plum Wine

    2. Takara Plum Wine Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £17.50
    • Reference price
    £17.50

    Smooth and Not Too Sweet

    This refreshing beverage by Takara is one of the top-selling plum wines on Amazon, and we can see why! Dry and smooth, it has a subtle flavour with just the right amount of sweetness. With 10% alcohol, it’s not too overpowering either.

    It’s a very reasonable price too, so it’s perfect if you’re new to the world of umeshu and don’t want to splash out too much, or if you’d like to drink plum wine regularly without draining your bank account!
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    No.3

    Nakatashokuhin 3. Nakatashokuhin Kishu Miyabi Umeshu

    3. Nakatashokuhin Kishu Miyabi Umeshu Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £31.10
    • Reference price
    £31.10

    Strong and Fruity, With a Hint of Almond

    This potent wine by Nakatashokuhin contains high quality ume from the Wakayama region. With a smooth, fruity flavour featuring just a hint of almond, it makes a great aperitif or a fitting companion to any meal.

    This umeshu is a bit more expensive than some of our other picks, but we think the delicious flavour makes it worth the price. As it contains 17% alcohol, however, we recommend it for those who prefer a stronger wine.
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    No.4

    Kishu Monogatari 4. Kishu Monogatari Plum Wine

    4. Kishu Monogatari Plum Wine Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £76.83
    • Reference price
    £76.83

    Made With Top Quality Ume From the Wakayama Prefecture

    This delicious umeshu by Kishu Monogatari is named after the famous Kishu Nanko tree in Wakayama prefecture, where the ume fruits used in the drink are grown.

    Left to mature for up to a year, the nanko ume are full of flavour and produce a sweet, aromatic wine. Sour yet smooth, the flavour of this umeshu tastes even better when chilled, so serve with ice for optimum flavour.
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    No.5

    Akashi-Tai 5. Akashi-Tai Shiraume Umeshu

    5. Akashi-Tai Shiraume Umeshu Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £23.78
    • Reference price
    £23.78

    A Plum Liqueur With a Sake Twist

    This plum liqueur by Akashi-Tai is different to our other recommendations as it’s combined with ginjo sake, made from premium Yamada Nishiki rice. This gives it a much softer and richer taste than other wines, rather than the sharp tang that you’d typically expect in a glass of umeshu.

    Whilst it’s a little on the small side for the price and has rather plain packaging, it has a wonderfully fruity flavour thanks to the top quality ingredients.
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    No.6

    Nakata 6. Nakata Plum White Umeshu

    6. Nakata Plum White Umeshu Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £14.52
    • Reference price
    £14.52

    Ripe Fruit Gives This Umeshu a Lighter Flavour

    This umeshu by Nakata comes in a very attractive bottle that really catches the eye. Made using ripe plums rather than unripe ume, it has a distinctly lighter flavour than most wines. It’s also free from additives and unnatural flavourings.

    Sweet and smooth, it’s not a bad choice for newcomers to Japanese plum wine. In comparison to our other recommendations, however, it’s unfortunately very small for the price.
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    No.7

    Choya 7. Choya Royal Honey Umeshu

    7. Choya Royal Honey Umeshu Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £29.99
    • Reference price
    £29.99

    Naturally Sweet and Full of Flavour

    This flavourful umeshu by Choya contains 100% natural honey and royal jelly, with no added sugar. It also includes several whole nanko ume fruits for you to enjoy once you’ve savoured the delicious liquid.

    Although it’s rather pricey, this product is made with the finest ingredients, so it’ll be sure to meet your expectations and impress your guests. The acidity of the ume combined with the natural sweetness of the honey make it a real treat!
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    No.8

    Kagura Shuzo 8. Kagura Shuzo Takachiho Plum Wine Umeshu

    8. Kagura Shuzo Takachiho Plum Wine Umeshu Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £24.00
    • Reference price
    £24.00

    Delicate and Beautifully Designed

    This elegant umeshu by Kagura Shuzo is made from carefully selected top quality ume fruits, giving it a delicate yet delicious flavour.

    As this beverage is light enough to be enjoyed as either an aperitif or an after-dinner wine, it’s good for those who are new to umeshu. It also has beautiful packaging, so would make a lovely gift for a friend.
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    No.9

    Hakutsuru9. Hakutsuru Plum Wine

    9. Hakutsuru Plum Wine Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £22.28
    • Reference price
    £22.28

    An Affordable Introduction to Umeshu

    This plum wine by Hakutsuru contains natural extracts of prune, vanilla, and apricot, giving it a mild yet refreshing semi-sweet aroma. However, the use of flavourings means that it lacks the taste that an umeshu made with whole fruits would deliver.

    Despite this, it’s an affordable choice which is a good introduction to umeshu for those on a lower budget. Plus, the lovely plum blossom design means this bottle will look great in your drinks cabinet!
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    No.10

    Ozeki 10. Ozeki Kanjuku Umeshu

    10. Ozeki Kanjuku Umeshu Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £45.81
    • Reference price
    £45.81

    Ideal for the Umeshu Connoisseur

    This luxury umeshu by Ozeki contains nanko ume, one of the highest grade ume fruits. As this type of ume is slowly ripened on the tree, it has a mellow and naturally sweet flavour. This bottle also contains whole fruits, which you can eat after you’ve finished drinking.

    Although this is a high-quality plum wine, it has a higher price point so isn’t recommended for those who are new to umeshu. However, for experienced umeshu drinkers or dinner hosts who want to impress their guests, it’s well worth the price.
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    How Is Japanese Plum Wine Made?

    How Is Japanese Plum Wine Made?
    Japanese plum wine is typically made with green or unripe ume fruit which contains 4-5% acid - giving it a slightly sharp or sour taste. The fruit is then stewed in sugar and alcohol for at least 6 months to create a deliciously tangy wine. This process of immersing the whole fruit, including the stone, in potent alcohol ensures that the final product tastes like plum perfection.


    The alcohol added to the fruit is usually brandy or shochu (a Japanese white liquor), although some brands may use vodka, gin, or white rum. The type of alcohol used during the process can therefore determine whether the flavour of an umeshu product is delicate or has a bit of a kick to it!

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    How to Serve Japanese Plum Wine

    How to Serve Japanese Plum Wine
    As umeshu is already so full of flavour, many people like to drink it straight and at room temperature, so they can enjoy its pure, sweet taste without any dilution. However, when served on the rocks, it makes the perfect summer cooler – nothing’s better in hot weather than adding a bit of ice to your wine!


    If you like a milder tasting beverage, why not try blending umeshu with chilled water (in the warmer months) or hot water (in the winter)? These methods of preparation are popular in Japan, as is mixing umeshu with soda water for a lightly sparkling drink.


    Lastly, umeshu can be used to jazz up your favourite cocktails. Add to mint leaves, club soda, and ice for a tasty mojito, or combine with white curacao, mint, ice and salt to make a refreshing frozen margarita. These recipes are ideal if you’re hosting a party or want to impress your friends!

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    Let Us Mix-Up Your Drinks Cabinet With Some New Tipples

    Let Us Mix-Up Your Drinks Cabinet With Some New Tipples

    Are you bored of drinking your usual beer from the supermarket, or are you a creature of habit trying to break out? Whatever the reason, we have some great drinks for you to try! If you're looking for a weekend treat or dinnertime tipple we have something especially for you. Take a look at our other articles for our other top recommendations. 

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    Summary

    Whether you fancy a pre-sushi aperitif or a post-dinner treat, we hope that one of our recommended Japanese plum wines has sparked your interest. With so many delicious types of umeshu out there, we’re sure you’ll find your new favourite beverage in no time. Cheers!


    Author: Nicola McClements

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    Top 5 Japanese Plum Wines

    No. 1: Choya ｜1. Choya Umeshu Mini Multipack

    No. 2: Takara ｜2. Takara Plum Wine

    No. 3: Nakatashokuhin ｜3. Nakatashokuhin Kishu Miyabi Umeshu

    No. 4: Kishu Monogatari ｜4. Kishu Monogatari Plum Wine

    No. 5: Akashi-Tai ｜5. Akashi-Tai Shiraume Umeshu

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    When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
    The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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