Japanese Umeshu · Kurayoshi, Tottori · Whisky Blended
Umeshu is Japan's household liqueur — green ume plums steeped until they give up everything they have. Matsui take that tradition and finish it with a blend of their own Kurayoshi whisky, so the sweet-tart plum arrives with oak and vanilla behind it. Gentle at 14%, and utterly moreish.
Not quite a plum, not quite an apricot. Picked green and hard in early summer, when the fruit is at its most aromatic and most sour.
The Steep
Whole fruit is macerated with rock sugar for months. Japanese households have made their own this way for generations.
Kurayoshi
The Matsui distillery in Tottori prefecture, better known for its single malts and mizunara-cask whiskies.
The Whisky
A blend of their own whisky is added at the end of maceration, laying oak and vanilla underneath the plum.
What Sets It Apart
Real Ume Fruit
Whole Japanese plums, macerated not flavoured
Whisky Blended
Kurayoshi whisky added after maceration
Gold Medal
San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Gentle 14%
Low enough to pour generously after dinner
Tasting Profile
Plum & Apricot
Sweetness
Tartness
Oak & Vanilla
Green PlumApricotAlmond KernelVanillaHoney
How to Serve It
On The Rocks
The standard Japanese serve, and the best one
Umeshu Soda
Long, over ice with soda — a summer highball
Over Ice Cream
Poured over vanilla — an instant Japanese dessert
Pairs Well With
Sushi & Sashimi
The acidity cuts oily fish beautifully
White Chocolate
Creamy sweetness against sharp fruit
Almond Pastries
The kernel note in the ume finds its match
Green Tea
Served cold, side by side
The Finishing Touches
Green Velvet Gift Box
Our signature presentation box, added at checkout.
Hand-Tied Ribbon
Wide cream satin, tied by hand into a full bow.
Signature Gift Bag
Our matching gift bag, so it's ready to hand over on arrival.
Your Message
Add a personal note at checkout — we'll include it with the delivery.
Sending it as a surprise? Enter the recipient's address at checkout and we'll deliver straight to their door, boxed, ribboned and carrying your message — in as little as 30–45 minutes anywhere in London.
How We Deliver
London · 30–45 Minutes
Delivered to your door 24/7, 365 days a year, across Greater London.
UK-Wide Delivery
Express in 1–2 business days, standard in 3–5. Rates shown at checkout.
Tracked & Confirmed
Shipment confirmation with live tracking sent to your email.
Challenge 21
Age verified on delivery — 18+ ID required. Responsible retailing, always.
At a Glance
Origin
Kurayoshi, Tottori, Japan
Style
Umeshu — Japanese plum liqueur
Fruit
Japanese ume plum
Finish
Blended with Kurayoshi whisky
ABV
14%
Bottle Size
70cl
Questions
What exactly is umeshu?
Japan's traditional plum liqueur, made by steeping whole green ume fruit with sugar. It is the drink Japanese families make at home each summer, and it sits somewhere between a dessert wine and a fruit liqueur — sweet, sharp and very easy to drink.
Is ume actually a plum?
Botanically it is closer to an apricot, which is why the flavour is not what a British drinker expects from "plum wine". Think sharp apricot with an almond-kernel edge rather than dark stewed plum.
What does the whisky add?
Depth. The Kurayoshi whisky blend goes in at the end of maceration and puts oak, vanilla and a little weight underneath the fruit — which stops it reading as simply sweet and gives it a proper finish.
Who is this a good gift for?
Anyone who loves Japan, anyone who finds spirits too strong, and any whisky drinker curious about what else Japan makes. At 14% it is also one of the easiest bottles to open on the night it arrives.
Can you deliver it directly to the person I'm gifting?
Yes — enter their address at checkout and add your message. In London it can be at their door within 30–45 minutes, any hour of the day. The recipient must be 18+ with ID for our Challenge 21 check.
Why Buy From Drinks House 247
✔ 100% authentic stock✔ 4.8★ Google · 223 reviews✔ Gift-boxed and ribboned✔ Open 24/7, 365 days✔ London's 24-hour spirits house, based in Battersea
18+ Please enjoy Matsui responsibly. For guidance and support, visit drinkaware.co.uk.
