This is the Suntory Marude Umeshu Non-Alcohol. Crafted to replicate the flavour profile of umeshu, an alcoholic beverage, it is created using 10% juice from nankō ume harvested in the mountains of Kishū in Wakayama Prefecture, known as Japan’s largest producer of ume. Nankō ume, distinguished by its thin skin, small seed, and tender flesh, stands as the premium variety among ume fruits.

The drink displayed a translucent golden-yellow hue, accompanied by a sweet-tart fragrance of ume. In its standalone form, the beverage had a viscous, syrupy consistency with an intensely rich blend of sweetness and sourness from the ume. Served over ice, it maintained a somewhat syrupy mouthfeel that lingered on the palate, dispersing the fragrant apricot notes of the ume. The initial sweetness at the beginning of each sip evolved into an intense sourness in the body as the ume flavour reached its refreshing peak. In the finish, a subtle astringency and a hint of bitterness reminiscent of the alcoholic aspect of umeshu emerged but dissipated in the lingering aftertaste, where the pleasant notes of umeshu endured. In summary, this was a highly enjoyable beverage, skillfully encapsulating the luscious apricot essence of ume with remarkable depth. It is ideal for individuals who appreciate the flavour of umeshu but are indifferent to its alcohol content.

This Suntory Marude Umeshu Non-Alcohol contained 280 mL. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2023.