Kaga Umeshu | Japanese Ume Liqueur

The plums used are exclusively of the Benisashi variety and are grown in the city of Kanazawa in the prefecture of Ishikawa, and in the prefecture of Fukui.‘Beni’ means ‘red’ and sashi means ‘reflects’. The Umeshu made from Benisashi ume is considered to be a high quality ume liqueur and is produced in the district of Hokuriku. The name Benisashi comes from the red colour of a ripened plum. It contains more amino acids than a normal good quality Nankoubai ume plum.The large amount of amino acids gives Benisashi plums their rich umami flavour and smooth finish.This variety is also used to make high quality plum umeboshi (pickled ume fruit).It is a difficult variety to grow and its harvest is smaller than other plum varieties as the branches only bear fruit once every three years. The Benisashi variety is a rare species.The umeshu is made from a traditional recipe using non-ripened green umes, sugar crystals, alcohol and water for brewing.The whole process from production to brewing, including bottling, takes place in Hokuriku, so this is a true Hokuriko product.Manzairaku Kaga Umeshu has been served on first class flights to the United States and Europe by All Nippon Airways.Try it on the rocks, with still or sparkling water, with hot water or in cocktails.