Choya Golden Ume is a traditional Japanese umeshu — a plum liqueur made by steeping ripened Nanko-ume fruit in alcohol and sugar for at least 12 months, producing a richly aromatic, sweet-and-tangy liqueur with whole ume fruit visible in the bottle.
Umeshu has been part of Japanese daily life for centuries, traditionally enjoyed as a reviving tonic made by steeping ume in spirit. Choya has specialized in umeshu for over half a century, working with expert ume growers in Japan to source the prized Nanko-ume variety. The long maceration draws out the fruit's signature balance of sweetness and bright acidity, with the golden bottle showing whole fruit suspended inside — a hallmark of quality umeshu.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Ripe plum with floral and honeyed notes.
Palate: Sweet and tangy — juicy ume fruit with bright acidity and a smooth, syrupy body.
Finish: Clean, fruity, and lightly tart.
Specs
Producer: Choya, Japan
Style: Umeshu (Japanese plum liqueur)
Fruit: Nanko-ume
Maceration: Minimum 12 months
Browse more liqueurs at Wooden Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is umeshu?
Umeshu is a traditional Japanese liqueur made by steeping ume fruit (a Japanese plum-apricot) in spirit and sugar. The result is sweet, tangy, and aromatic — enjoyed in Japan for centuries, often as a reviving tonic.
How do you drink Choya Golden Ume?
Enjoy it chilled and neat, on the rocks, or with soda or tonic for a lighter highball. It also works beautifully over ice with a splash of sparkling water, or as a sweet-tart cocktail ingredient. Many people eat the preserved ume fruit from the bottle as well.
What is Nanko-ume?
Nanko-ume is one of the most prized varieties of Japanese ume, known for its thick flesh and fine balance of sweetness and acidity — which is why Choya uses it for this liqueur.
