Umeshu, Japans Traditional Plum Wine, Now in India in Three Unique Flavours

Who doesn&rsquot love a good sundowner More so, if it is of the traditional Japanese variety. Umeshu, a sweet-sour flavoured aperitif made from the finest raw &lsquoume&rsquo plums from Japan is now available in India in three uniquely delicious flavours &mdash Nakano Umeshu, Kishu&rsquos Yuzu plum wine and Kishu Umeshu Beninanko. 

Umeshu, a fruit liqueur comprising 35% white liquor and around 20% alcohol, is among Japan&rsquos most well-known and loved beverages and is slowly building a loyal community of fans across the world. Not only is Umeshu the perfect drink to round-off your evening meals and leisurely afternoons, it also has a host of health-benefits being rich in citric acid and antioxidants.

EIJ Consulting Pvt. Ltd. will market Umeshu in India in partnership with importer Sonarys Brands, spreading the Umeshu culture and familiarising consumers in the country about the refreshingly rich and fruity flavour of the plum wine and its several health benefits. For the first stage, 2000 bottles are imported, with the long-term goal of establishing Umeshu as one of India's premium mainstream alcoholic beverages. Umeshu will first be available in select restaurants in Maharashtra before it expands its presence to Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka in coming year.

&ldquoConsumers across the world are increasingly being drawn to natural, traditionally-made, authentic products which is why Umeshu, a simple traditional plum drink make in Japanese households, has become so popular globally. We are excited to introduce our Indian wine connoisseurs to its very distinctly light and fruity flavour. Since not many people are aware about Umeshu in India, we will first proceed with acquainting them with its taste. This will also stimulate a cultural exchange between the two wonderful countries. We launch in Maharashtra, starting with Mumbai&rsquos popular fine-dining restaurants and then to take Umeshu to Pune and Gurgaon by August 2022&rdquo said Yosuke Shibata, CEO, EIJ Consulting Pvt.Ltd.

This initiative will also focus on creating and managing 'Umeshu Lovers', a community dedicated to savouring one of Japan's most widely known alcoholic beverages. It will operate via online portal and familiarise people with how to make, drink, enjoy, and learn about Umeshu.

Umeshu&rsquos three flavours available in India are

Nakano Umeshu This wine is made using 100% local Nanko-ume fruits grown in Wakayama, a region known for its high-quality ume. The rich, fruity and fragrant plum wine is loved in Japan and across the world for its sweet-sour flavour.

Kishu&rsquos Yuzu plum wine This is made using yuzu juice, a citrus fruit that is a cross between a mandarin and lime. It&rsquos popular among wine connoisseurs for distinct Japanese fruity flavour.

Kishu Umeshu Beninanko This delectable plum wine which has a peach-like fragrance is made from the very rare and precious &lsquoBeni Nanko&rsquo plums that grow only in the sun. This particular blend uses 1.5 times the number of red Nanko plums compared to other regular plum wines. Beninanko has also won the first Grand Prix at Japan's largest Umeshu competition.