Akashi Ume (Plum) Whisky (75cl, 14%)

This is a plum-infused whisky liqueur from Eigashima Shuzo in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Akashi single malt whisky is combined with ume, the Japanese plum, and the result is bottled at about 14% ABV. Eigashima has operated since 1679, first as a sake and shochu producer before adding whisky. The ume is a fruit closer to an apricot than a European plum, and the drink sits between straight whisky and umeshu. The nose brings ume fruit, floral notes, sea air and light malt. On the palate it is sweet-tart plum with whisky grain, and it finishes clean and fruit-led.