Choya Kokuto Umeshu (72cl, 14%)

Choya Kokuto Umeshu is a Japanese plum liqueur made from Kishu Nanko ume, kokuto (Okinawan black sugar), cane spirit and Jamaican dark rum. Each 720ml bottle contains around 165 grams of ume fruit, and the strength is 14% ABV. The tart fruit is balanced by the deep, molasses-like sweetness of the black sugar, with the dark rum adding a further layer. It can be served neat or over ice, or poured over vanilla ice cream. The aroma has dark rum, caramel, dried apricot and plum, with subtle smoky and honeyed notes. The palate is silky and lush, with dried fruit sweetness, a touch of smoke and a mineral note, ending in a warming finish reminiscent of burnt caramel.