Frequently Asked Questions
Akashi Ume Japanese Plum Flavored Whisky is a masterful fusion of Japanese whisky craftsmanship and the vibrant tang of ume plums. Crafted by the renowned Eigashima Shuzo distillery in Akashi, Japan, this unique spirit combines Akashi Blended Whisky with freshly harvested green sour plums and rock sugar, aged for 6 to 12 months to achieve a harmonious balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors. Brimming with notes of bright plum, honey, raisin, and a hint of apricot, it finishes with a touch of refreshing acidity. At 30.5% ABV, this versatile whisky is perfect served neat, on the rocks, with soda, or as a creative addition to cocktails. Delight in the essence of Japan's artisanal traditions with every sip.
Process & Profile
Akashi Ume Japanese Plum-Flavored Whisky is a unique creation from the historic Eigashima Shuzo distillery, also known as White Oak Distillery, located in Akashi, Japan. This innovative product blends the distillery's signature Akashi Blended Whisky with freshly harvested Japanese *ume* (sour green plums). The plums are macerated in whisky barrels along with rock sugar and aged for six months to a year. The result is a sweet and sour whisky liqueur with a lower ABV of 30.5%, offering a delightful balance of fruity depth and smoothness inspired by traditional *umeshu* (plum wine).Tasting Notes
Akashi Ume captivates the senses with:- Aroma: Vibrant and fruity, featuring plum, vanilla, and a touch of honey.
- Palate: A rich blend of sweet plum, apricot, raisin, and jammy red fruit flavors, complemented by subtle woody and spicy undertones.
- Finish: Clean and slightly tangy, with a hint of acidity lingering on the palate, making it both refreshing and memorable.
What Makes It Special
What sets Akashi Ume apart is its seamless synergy between whisky craftsmanship and Japanese tradition:- Innovative Aging: Infused with sour green plums and aged in matured whisky barrels, creating a one-of-a-kind flavor profile.
- Heritage Distillery: Produced by one of Japan's oldest distilleries, founded in 1888, known for its meticulous production methods and small-batch care.
- Cultural Influence: Pays homage to Japan's *umeshu* tradition, reimagining it with the depth and complexity of whisky, making it a versatile choice for aficionados and newcomers alike.
How to Enjoy
Akashi Ume offers versatility in its enjoyment:- Neat or On the Rocks: Savor its pure, sweet, and fruity qualities.
- Highball: Mix with soda water for a refreshing and light beverage.
- Cocktail Base: A unique substitute for liqueurs or sweet sherry in creative cocktail recipes, enhancing them with a rich plum flavor.
- Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside lighter desserts like fruit tarts or cheesecakes to complement its sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Akashi Ume Japanese Plum Flavored Whisky?
Akashi Ume is a Japanese whisky infused with freshly harvested ume (sour green plums) and rock sugar. It is aged for 6-10 months, retaining the sweet, tangy flavor of the plums while blending harmoniously with the whisky, creating a unique and refreshing profile inspired by traditional Japanese umeshu (plum wine) traditions.
What are the tasting notes of Akashi Ume Whisky?
The whisky boasts a bouquet of enticing aromas, including luscious ume plums, vanilla, and a hint of oak. On the palate, it combines sweet and sour plum notes with a gentle whisky warmth, hints of apricot, raisin, and honey, and finishes with a touch of acidity and oak.
What is the alcohol content and packaging size?
Akashi Ume Japanese Plum Flavored Whisky has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 15.25% and is available in a 750ml bottle.
How should Akashi Ume Whisky be served?
This whisky is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a highball with soda water. It also works well as a cocktail ingredient, especially in recipes that call for fruity liqueurs or fortified wines like sherry.
How does Akashi Ume differ from other Japanese whiskies?
Akashi Ume stands out due to its infusion of ume plums and traditional Japanese umeshu techniques. This process imparts a unique sweet-and-tangy flavor profile that is more approachable and fruit-forward compared to typical Japanese whiskies.
Who produces Akashi Ume Whisky, and what is their history?
This whisky is crafted by Eigashima Shuzo, a family-owned distillery located near Kobe Bay in Akashi, Japan. Established in 1888 and obtaining Japan's first whisky license in 1919, the distillery has a long-standing tradition of crafting premium, small-batch spirits, including sake and umeshu.
What is umeshu, and how does it relate to Akashi Ume Whisky?
Umeshu is a traditional Japanese plum liqueur made by steeping ume plums in alcohol with sugar. Akashi Ume Whisky is inspired by this tradition, blending the flavors of ume with aged whisky to create a sweet, tangy, and aromatic beverage.
Can this whisky be used in cocktails?
Yes, Akashi Ume Whisky is perfect for cocktails. Its bright plum notes and sweet undertones make it a great choice as a modifier in cocktails that require fruit-forward flavors, such as highballs or recipes calling for rich sherries.
What makes Akashi Ume Whisky a unique experience?
This whisky merges the elegance of Japanese whisky with the sweet-tangy allure of ume plums. The result is a harmonious and invigorating spirit that pays homage to Japanese craftsmanship and tradition, perfect for sipping or creative mixology.
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