Matsui Umeshu Fruit Liqueur with Japanese Whisky
Matsui Umeshu Fruit Liqueur with Japanese Whisky pairs Japan's beloved plum liqueur with the whisky of its own maker — fine Japanese plums macerated at the Kurayoshi Distillery, with a blend of Kurayoshi whisky added at the end of the maceration, bottled at 14% ABV in a 700mL bottle. Made with the soft underground mineral water of Mount Daisen, it is light and easy to drink while the whisky stays present: rich, refreshing, and luxurious with a lingering aftertaste. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 14% — 700mL
- Distillery: Kurayoshi Distillery (Matsui Shuzo), Tottori, Japan
- Base: Japanese ume plums macerated, then fortified with Kurayoshi whisky
- Water: soft underground mineral water from Mount Daisen
- Awards: Chairman's Trophy + Top 100 Spirits, 2023 Ultimate Spirits Challenge
When Plum Liqueur Meets Japanese Whisky
The whisky's role here is seasoning, not dominance: added at the end of the plum maceration, the Kurayoshi blend lifts the umeshu with dried plum, raisin, honey, and oak aromatics, then hands the palate a bright, faintly acidic core with a spicy, distinctly whisky-forward finish of vanilla, black tea, and apricot. The 2023 Ultimate Spirits Challenge named it a Chairman's Trophy and Top 100 Spirits winner — the second Matsui umeshu to earn the double. Shop more Japanese fruit liqueurs or browse everything from Matsui at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Light amber; fresh plum and dried fruit with honey and oak spice. The palate is bright and juicy — plum, apricot, vanilla — with a spicy whisky warmth and a long, fruity finish.
How to Enjoy
Well chilled, over ice, or lengthened with soda water or tonic; a natural bridge into whisky-based cocktails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the brandy and whisky umeshu?
The brandy version is rounder and lower-toned; the whisky version is brighter and spicier, with a distinctly whisky-forward finish — both at 14% ABV in 700mL.
Is umeshu sweet?
Yes — umeshu is a sweet-tart plum liqueur; the whisky adds structure and spice that balance the sweetness.
Who makes Matsui whisky?
Matsui Shuzo's Kurayoshi Distillery in Tottori Prefecture — operating since 1910, distilling whisky since 2017, known for Japanese-oak cask whiskies.
Plum liqueur with a whisky edge — get Matsui Umeshu with Japanese Whisky at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.