Dassai Umeshu is a rare and exclusive example of the Japanese plum drink, made from the highest quality plums grown in Nanko, Wakayama Prefecture, and Dassai 23. Only 4000 bottles have been produced every year An exceptionally rare treat from the world's greatest sake producer. Only around 12- 24 bottles of the limited-edition Dassai 23 Umeshu Plum Liqueur were exported to the UK every year. Dassai 23 Umeshu Plum Liqueur is the most exclusive expression of Japan's much-loved plum drink. To create it, Dassai collaborated with the Umeshu Research Group, a passionate team that promotes the ancient Japanese plum culture around the world. It contains just three ingredients… The first is the highest quality plums grown in Nanko, Wakayama Prefecture. Wakayama is known as "The Fruit Kingdom" because it produces the finest fruit in all of Japan. People come from all over the country to see the arrival of the blossoms in spring. Most producers use green Nanko Ume (Japanese plums) for making umeshu, but Dassai selected ripe plums, giving their version a gorgeous pinkish hue. Those plums are steeped in the second ingredient - the world-famous Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Sake. This exquisite sake is exceedingly rare because 77% of each rice grain used to make it is gently milled away. This rigorous and skilled polishing unlocks all the sweet fruity nuances that can often be overwhelmed by some of the more umami and funky notes of less refined rice. The result is a velvet-textured and ethereal sake that's delicately floral with notes reminiscent of honey, melon, peach, pear sorbet, dried pineapple and candied chestnut. So, imagine the complexity when ripe Japanese plums are layered over the top. The final ingredient is sugar for balancing sweetness. There's no flavouring, colouring or any other addition. Sometimes we'd recommend mixing umeshu with sparkling wine, soda or tonic water to create a refreshing summery drink. However, this is too special to dilute. Sip it neat and chilled, maybe over a little ice, and just revel in the mastery of Dassai. Dassai is made at Asahi Shuzo, located in Yamaguchi prefecture in the southwest of Japan. The name means 'otter festival', as apparently the otters in the local river appeared to lay out the fish they had caught as if they were having a party. The brewery's motto is every bit as endearing as their name: "there is no reason for us to craft sake unless it's super delicious." As a result, they produce only super premium sake of Junmai Daiginjo level, the most refined sake grade there is. Using only the best Yamada Nishiki (considered the king of sake rice) polished up to incredible levels, Dassai's beautifully crafted sakes regularly win prizes at international competitions. They are to sake what the First Growths are to the fine wine world.£34.72 per 100.00ml * Every Buyer takes responsibility of any possible applicable duties and taxes charged by your local custom. * All merchandises are not only non-returnable but also non-refundable once shipped. * Please kindly and carefully examine all the attached pictures and details before placing the bid. * Based on the issue of custom clearance and local post delivery system, we didn't ship to Israel, Portugal and Italy.