Eigashima Shuzo Akashi Ume Plum Japanese Whisky
Eigashima Shuzo Akashi Ume Plum Japanese Whisky is a whisky-based ume (plum) liqueur at 30.5% ABV in a 750mL bottle — matured Akashi blended whisky steeped with freshly harvested Japanese ume plums and rock sugar, then rested 6–12 months in whisky barrels — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 30.5% vol (61 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Composition: matured Akashi Blended Whisky + ume plums + rock sugar; umeshu-style
- Aging: 6–12 months in whisky barrels after blending
- Style: sweet and tart — plum compote and stone fruit with lively acidity, golden-syrup depth
- Origin: Eigashima Shuzo (White Oak Distillery), Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan — whisky license 1919
Umeshu, Built on Whisky Instead of Shochu
Umeshu — Japan's beloved plum wine — is usually built on shochu or neutral spirit. Akashi does it differently: the base is matured Akashi blended whisky, steeped with whole ume plums and rock sugar at Eigashima Shuzo's White Oak Distillery on the Seto Inland Sea, then returned to whisky barrels for 6–12 months so the fruit and spirit fully integrate. Discover more from Eigashima Shuzo, or explore the store's Japanese whisky collection.
Tasting Notes
Plum compote and ripe stone fruit over golden syrup, with a whisky warmth underneath and bright acidity keeping it fresh. Sweet and tart in the classic umeshu balance — dessert-like but never heavy.
How to Enjoy
Over ice with a splash of soda or tonic for a highball-style serve, neat after dinner, or in a plum sour. The 30.5% ABV sits between wine and whisky — treat it like a rich liqueur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Akashi Ume a whisky or a liqueur?
It is a whisky-based liqueur: matured Akashi blended whisky infused with ume plums and rock sugar, at 30.5% ABV — sweet, not a straight whisky.
What is umeshu?
Umeshu is Japan's traditional plum wine — tart ume plums steeped in spirit with sugar. This version uses whisky as the base instead of shochu.
What is the alcohol content?
30.5% ABV — verified across US retailers (some list a rounded 30%).
Has it won awards?
Retailer listings cite multiple competition medals (2024 Michelangelo Double Gold, 2023 London Spirits Gold, 2022 SFWSC Gold), but these are not independently confirmed.
Plum meets whisky: order Eigashima Shuzo Akashi Ume Plum Japanese Whisky online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.