LIQUEUR-CHOYA-001 Choya Umeshu

Introduction to Choya Umeshu Co., Ltd.

Company Background
Founded in 1924 in Osaka, Japan, Choya Umeshu Co., Ltd. initially started as a grape grower before expanding into wine and brandy production. In 1959, the company began producing umeshu (plum wine) and became the first brand to commercialize this plum-based liqueur in Japan.

Today, Choya is Japan’s leading umeshu brand, with its products distributed widely across dozens of countries, including Vietnam.

🧪 Production Process & Quality

• Choya uses high-quality Nanko ume plums from the Kishu region in Wakayama Prefecture – known as the ideal ume for umeshu due to their thick flesh and rich organic acid content.

• Each bottle contains hundreds of grams of ume, such as 335 g in the “Umeshu Kishu” line or 410 g in the Premium Umeshu line, contributing to a rich and intense plum flavor.

• The company applies a Still Ageing process, where the liquor is aged independently in sealed tanks away from light and air for 1 to 3 years, ensuring maximum extraction of plum essence without additives.

• Fully complies with Honkaku Umeshu (Authentic Umeshu) standards — using only ume, sugar, and alcohol, with no artificial colors, flavors, or acids added.

🥂 Featured Product Lines

• Choya Umeshu Kishu
  The standard umeshu with 14% ABV, containing approximately 335 g ume per bottle.
  Flavor profile: Mildly sweet, balanced between fresh plum, honey, and fresh fruit notes.

• Choya Premium Umeshu
  With 17% ABV and up to 410 g ume per bottle, aged for at least 3 years.
  Flavor: Richer, deeper, and more complex compared to other lines.

• The CHOYA Series (Premium)
  Includes variants such as Extra Years (longer aging), Royal Honey, Aged 3 Years Extra Fruit, and From the Barrel (aged in French oak barrels). All offer refined, distinctive, and more complex flavors.

• Non-Alcohol Umeshu
  A non-alcoholic option that allows enjoyment of pure ume flavor without ethanol — made using ume seed powder, juice, and sugar; still meeting Honkaku standards.

👃 Flavor & Serving Suggestions

• Flavor: A delicate balance of sweetness from the ume, gentle acidity, and a refreshing finish. Premium and aged versions provide deeper notes with hints of honey and subtle oak (in barrel-aged editions).

• Serving: Best enjoyed chilled (on the rocks), mixed with soda, tonic, or cold tea. Can also be served at room temperature or warmed in winter, following traditional Japanese style.

📊 Quick Summary Table

🎯 Conclusion

Choya Umeshu is an authentic symbol of Japanese plum wine, with over half a century of experience in production and global export.

The products stand out for their carefully selected ume, strict production processes, and commitment to no artificial additives.

With a wide range from light to premium, Choya suits both newcomers and connoisseurs alike.