Nanbu Bijin Umeshu 300ml

Nanbu Bijin umeshu (plum liqueur) is brewed by Nanbu Bijin Brewery in Ninohe, Iwate Prefecture, founded in 1902 by the Kuji family, who originally produced soy sauce. This umeshu is made from junmai (lit. ‘pure rice’, a type of sake brewed without added alcohol) and ume (Japanese plums). The natural fruity acidity of the ume and the gentle umami of the junmai complement one another, creating a flavour that is less sweet than typical umeshu.

Tōhoku

Tōhoku consists of six prefectures located in the north-east of Honshu island. This region is known for its hot spring (onsen) resorts, colourful festivals, remote sacred mountains and harsh winters. In 2011, the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit the region hard; however, the massive efforts in reconstruction are proof of the people’s resilience. Urushi (lacquer) ware, ironware and the crafting of kokeshi dolls make up but a few of the local industries in this lesser-visited region of Japan.