Tonight let’s toast with “umeshu”♪ Introducing the most popular brand!

The world is buzzing about CHOYA

Greetings everyone, fancy some of the famous Japanese liquor made from ume fruit, umeshu? Umeshu’s popularity has dramatically increased over the past few years starting in Asia and spreading through Europe as well as America. In fact this drink has gotten so popular that there are some making their own around the world and many others waiting for some as a present from Japan. Here we’ll be talking about this popular drink focusing on Japan’s very own Choya brand which boasts of having a great variety of quality umeshu products♪

Did you know there are two types of umeshu: “umeshu” and “honkaku (genuine) umeshu”!?

There is a great difference between the two types of umeshu on the market, “umeshu” and “honkaku (genuine) umeshu.” ◆“Umeshu” “Umeshu” is made from ume fruit, sugar, and alcohol as well as acidulant and aromatic additives. ◆“Honkaku (Genuine) Umeshu” “Honkaku Umeshu” is the original umeshu and made only from ume fruit, sugar, and alcohol. Over 90% of Choya’s products are “honkaku umeshu.” This is the real umeshu with delicious flavor just the way it is using natural ingredients that bring out the true refreshing taste and fragrance of ume♪

We tried Choya’s most popular products for ourselves

Our staff went ahead and taste-tested three of Choya’s most popular umeshu to check the flavor, aroma, and drinkability from a foreigner’s perspective!

Ananda, 31-yr-old Indian (1) Sarari Umeshu (plum wine) As the name "Sarari," this plum wine is just the right amount of sweet and is very easy to drink. I prefer it on the rocks or straight but tastes great with soda too! Smooth and soft, it is ideal for someone who gets drunk easily.

Kim, 27-yr-old Korean (2) Kishu I have been drinking Kishu often. I love the fact that there are ume (plums) in the drink and love nibbling on them as sip. Irresistible for someone who loves plum wine. It's good with soda or water but I prefer sipping it straight little by little.

Chen, 35-yr-old Taiwanese (3) Choya Soda (Non-alcohol Umeshu) Although this drink is non-alcoholic, you can get a lovely flavor of plums. I could drink this till the end without getting tired of the natural taste and sweetness. The fizz gives it a real edge and I highly recommend it to those who don't like feeling invigorated after a drink!

But wait, there’s more! Best 3 recommendations from the Japanese staff

No. 1: The Choya Aged 3 Years “The Choya Aged 3 Years” was the first honkaku umeshu to win a gold medal on the international stage in 2016 at the International Spirits Challenge. This is the highest quality of balance between flavor and aroma available made by Choya’s signature cultivation methods and soil condition, using long-time-matured nanko-ume fruit grown in the Kishu region and produced by the utmost sensitivity of Japanese precision!

No. 2: Koi Torori This is an unrefined “honkaku umeshu” that has been ripened for about 1 year. Puree is added giving the drink a thick and rich flavor along with the fresh and fruity sensations of umeshu. The package is also adorable and super popular among the ladies♪

No. 3: Umesshu This is a honkaku umeshu soda with an excellent flavor and offering a quenching sensation making it an unshakably popular item on the Choya menu. The reason this drink has been loved by so many for so long is that it maintains the classic taste of ume fruit while also having the perfect level of sweetness making it easy to drink. You won’t get tired of this umeshu no matter how many times you enjoy it!

Delicious variations for your umeshu

Here we’ll introduce some variations that will satisfy both umeshu-lovers and haters alike. They’re all cheap and easy! Use some of the items in your kitchen to enjoy changing the flavor of your umeshu♪ ★Chilled variation! Refresh with mint: Ume Mojito Perfect for summer! Make your own “ume mojito” with a refreshing flavor and appearance that will keep you wanting for more. This is a great drink for those looking for something refreshing while watching their calories♪

(Ingredients) Umeshu, soda water, mint leaves (100 ml for 8 - 10 drinks) (Instructions) Put the mint leaves into a glass and crush them lightly and add ice. Add 1 part “sarari umeshu” and 2 parts soda water and mix lightly. ★Hot variation♪ Choya “Hot Resort” The “Hot Resort” is a sangria-like cocktail made with umeshu and fruit juice in which you can add cut pineapples and apples to increase the freshness factor♪ This hot variation is great for those times when you’re tired or need a little break♪ We especially recommend this warming drink for the ladies!

(Ingredients) Kishu Umeshu, grapefruit juice, pineapple juice (45ml each) (Instructions) Mix the Kishu Umeshu, grapefruit juice, and pineapple juice together and microwave for 2 minutes. ※Please be careful not to heat the drink too much because the alcohol will lose its effect and the flavor will deteriorate.

Enjoy Choya in various ways

So what do you think? Umeshu is a delicious Japanese liquor that comes in various genres and flavors which you can also enjoy by modifying it to your liking! You can purchase Choya umeshu casually at various locations like convenience stores, supermarkets, and liquor stores, so please go ahead and give it a try for yourself♪ Details Choya Umeshu Co., Ltd. Address: 160-1 Komagatani, Habikino-shi, Osaka, Japan 583-0841 Official Website: http://www.choya.co.jp/