Eigashima Shuzo Shin White Oak Aged Whisky Umeshu - 720 ml

Eigashima Shuzo Shin White Oak Aged Whisky Umeshu is a plum liqueur from the country of Japan, specifically the region of Hyōgo Prefecture, in the city of Akashi. The producer, Eigashima Shuzo, is one of Japan's oldest family-run distilleries, with a history of making traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages such as sake for over three centuries. Founded in 1888, the company holds Japan's first whisky license, issued in 1919. The distillery is also known as the White Oak Distillery, which overlooks the Seto Inland Sea.

Spirit Description

This product is a sophisticated plum liqueur, an umeshu, which is made using 100% Japanese plums. The process involves brewing the plums with shochu (a Japanese distilled rice beverage) and then maturing the liqueur over time in white oak casks. It is then finished with Akashi whisky. On the nose, it offers rich notes of raisins, plums, and toffee. The palate is described as soft, rich, and sweet with notes of plums, a well-balanced flavour of citrus, and vanilla. The aftertaste features a lingering wooden aroma and distinctive notes of whisky, leading to a short, sweet finish. The Shin White Oak Aged Whisky Umeshu has an ABV of 20.0%.

Food Pairing

This sweet and fruity liqueur, which is a playful twist on a Japanese classic, is versatile for serving. It can be enjoyed neat, served on the rocks, mixed with soda, or used as a modifier in cocktail recipes that call for fruit liqueurs or rich sherry. The rich, well-balanced flavour of citrus and vanilla also suggests a pairing with desserts, as the sweetness and fruit notes would complement a variety of lighter sweets.