Yamada Juro Umeshu is a Junmai Daiginjo plum sake produced by Izumibashi Shuzo, a Kanagawa-based brewery founded in 1857. Known for its focus on estate-grown rice, Izumibashi cultivates Yamada Nishiki on approximately 25 hectares, emphasizing organic and sustainable farming. This umeshu is made by steeping Nanko plums in their Junmai Daiginjo (50% rice polishing ratio), brewed using natural yeast fermentation and low-temperature aging. Unlike mass-produced umeshu with added sugar or neutral alcohol, this version relies on the sake’s inherent sweetness and acidity to balance the plum’s tartness. The Nanko plums contribute a deep, natural fruitiness with layered notes of dried apricot, almond, and a touch of citrus zest, enhancing the sake’s floral and umami-rich character. The result is a complex, slightly viscous texture with a refined balance of acidity and sweetness, finishing with a clean, lingering finish. This is an exceptional example that favors a balance of acidity and purity, and it is a fantastic look at this style of sake that has existed for over 1,000 years.