Choya Umeshu with Fruit

Choya Umeshu Co. is based in Osaka, Japan. This version, which Choya calls Choya Wine Umeshu, is made for the US market with a fruit-wine base.

Choya makes its umeshu from Nanko ume grown in Kishu, in Wakayama, and blends it with fruit wine, sugar and cane spirit. Its sell sheet says the fruit is 100% Japanese ume, and whole ume are added to every bottle, about 155 grams on average. It's 14.6% alcohol and sweet, with 21 grams of carbohydrate per 100 mL.

Choya describes a fruity blend with a complex aroma, moderate acidity and a refreshing finish. Whole Foods notes sweet, gently tart ume with almond notes from the pit.

Against Hakutsuru Plum Wine, Choya is the bottle with whole ume fruit inside; for umeshu with the fruit in the glass, choose Choya.

Choya and Whole Foods suggest drinking it straight and slightly chilled, or on the rocks. It works as a sweet aperitif or after dinner with fruit or light desserts. It comes in a 50ml mini and a 750ml bottle.

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