Sanwa Brewery Garyubai Umeshu

Umeshu comes iunder different guises in Japan, but if you buy one instead of making it yourself make sure you buy one brewed by a reputable Brewery!
In Shizuoka Prefecture, umeshu is an extravagant affair when made by the local breweries.
Sanwa Brewery in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City is no exception!

Sanwa Brewery Garyubai Umeshu

Alcohol: 12 degrees (fairly low for Shizuoka but still high when compared with cheap stuff!)
Ingredients: Japanese Plum (“Ume”), Sake. Sugar.

Claarity: Very clear at rest. Smoky if stirred beforehand
Colour: Orange/sepia
Aroma: Ver fragrant and sweet plums.
Body: Velvety~fluid
Taste: Dry attack, turns sweet later. Shortish tail. Very pleasant impression. Elegant.

Overall: Very enjoyable and easy to drink.
Fine at room temperature.
Makes for a great aperitif when chilled.
Great with cheese at room temperature.
Elegant beverage. Should please both ladies and gentlemen!
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“Denjiro” Umeshu by Masu Ichi Brewery

Every year more local breweries are offering “umeshu” eminently popular in summer when it is most appreciated poured over a few ice cubes!

Masu-Ichi Brewery　in Shizuoka City has just entered the fray with concoction called “Denjiro”, which actually is the master brewer/toji’s trade name as he is the second apprentice of Denbei Kawamura, the man who created the Shizuoka Yeast.

It contains less alcohol, 7~8 degrees, as compared to the more usual 15 degrees, making it very easy to drink by ladies and younger people in particular.

Masu Ichi Brewery: “Denjiro”, “Tsuka/Plum Aroma” Umeshu

Alcohol: 7~8 degrees
Plums, sake, sugar.
Bottled: July 11th, 2008

Clarity: very clear
Colour: light red/pink
Aroma: light, dry, plums
Body: velvety
Taste: Shortish tail. Plum taste discreet, not overwhelming. Elegant. Dry.

Overall: Makes for a great light aperitif in hot summers!
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Red Plum Liqueur/Ribaishu

This is a fairly extraordinary liqueur that Gaijin Tonic is going to scream about when he learnss that it can be bought only at Hamamatsu Brewery shop as they only make very small amounts of it!
It is made from red plums growing in the vicinity and contains no colouring or taste additives whatsoever. Though it is fairly sweet, the fair amount of alcohol (14~15 %) makes it a solid liqueur which can be appreciated on the rocks or, like the Missus did, mixed with a dry white wine to be called “Hamamatu Kir”!
You had better reserve the next batch!

“Ribaishu”/Red Plum Liqueur
Alcohol: 14~15%
Red plums extract, Japanese plums extract, kome/rice sshochu. Natural sugars.

Tenjingura/Hamamatsu Brewery Co. Ltd.
430-463-3851 Hamamatsu City, Naka Ku, Tenjin Machi, 3-57
Tel.: 053-4616145
Fax: 053-463-3851
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Business hours: 10:30~21:00
Closed on Tuesdays

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Hananomai Brewery Umeshu

Umeshu is a liqueur made with Japanese plum added to spirits or sake.

Hananomai Brewery, Hamamatsu City has had a long habit (and a good one at that!) of producing liqueurs of all kinds as well as some excellent shochu!

This particular Umeshu was made with Junmai sake (seishu), Japanese plums grown in Shizuka Prefecture and sugar.
All the ingredients are 100% Shizuoka Prefecture ingredients. Knowing that Brewery’ toji is also from Shizuoka Prefecture, it will difficult to find a more authentic Shizuoka product!
Alcohol content: 13 degrees
Ume-plum essence: 15%
Size: 500ml
Price: 1,260 yen (a bit pricey, but deserves it!)

A great aperitif, with a strong but discreet character. Great drink served chilled in hot summers!