My new favorite drink: Choya Umeshu with honey

As a European, I've always had a soft spot for mead (honey wine), and recently, I stumbled upon a new honeyed drink that has completely won me over: Choya umeshu made with honey! Umeshu is a Japanese plum wine made from ume plums, and Choya is one of the most popular brands out there.

Now, let me tell you about this umeshu which is made with honey instead of sugar cane. It's sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, with a delightful tartness from the ume that keeps things interesting.

But wait—there's more! Choya now also offers a shiso-flavored umeshu. The shiso adds a bold, herbal twist that really sets it apart from the regular umeshu. While the honey version is sweet and smooth, the shiso one has a vibrant, earthy flavor. Personally, I like it even better than the honey version!

Before I discovered umeshu I used to prefer mead, I especially love a Danish brand called “Viking Blod” . I know, I know, I’m more of a Vicky the Viking than a real one, but it’s such a fun name! I prefer drinking mead hot though, so this new umeshu is perfect for the coming hot weather! (And, it was on sale at Mitsuwa supermarket in San Jose!)

Now, don’t forget to drink responsibly! As you can see from the tiny glass, this is a drink for sipping in small quantities not gulping!

What’s your favorite Japanese drink?