Suntory Umeshu Plum Liqueur Yamazaki Cask 750ml

Suntory revisits the well-known Japanese plum liqueur, this time with an aged version matured in whiskey barrels from Yamazaki, Japan’s first malt distillery. Suntory Umeshu Yamazaki Cask is made on-site at the distillery from local plums without the use of any colorings or other additions and is packaged in a cute container with a shape reminiscent of Suntory whisky bottles.

The mouthfeel is rather surprising, with a finer and less syrupy liquor than most other umeshu, but with all the fruity sweetness of the plums and scents of almonds, apricots, and dried fruits. The impression left by ex-whisky barrels during maturing appears timidly at the conclusion of the tasting, bringing some vanilla and woody notes. The white oak hogshead barrels used to age Yamazaki whisky were roasted before being utilized for umeshu maturation.