Straight is the way to purely enjoy this world-recognized taste. A simple mixture is recommended to feel the complexity of the ingredients such as the mild tartness derived from long-term ageing of the flesh, and the bitterness and aroma brought out from the seeds.
CONCEPT
About Ume’s quality, quantity, ageing, and blending
– techniques born from 100 years of experience
Highly selected ume fruit
The most important aspect upon making The CHOYA is the high-quality ume fruit. For more than half a century, CHOYA has worked with local ume farmers researching and developing different solutions such as reducing pesticides, growing of organic fruit, as well as creating optimal soil. As a result, we are able to use ume fruit that is highly selected and particularly suitable for Umeshu production.
To produce The CHOYA, we use 100% Nanko-ume from the Kishu region, carefully selecting only the ripe and richly aromatic fruit.
Rich in natural ume fruit
By using an unusually large number of high quality ume fruit, the rich flavours are fully drawn out along with other ume components such as organic acids which are gentle on the body. To produce a single bottle of The CHOYA Single Year, we use 315g of ume, Aged 3 Years - 340g.
Being the biggest buyer of ume among Umeshu producers in Japan, at CHOYA we can be sure to deliver the best in authentic and delicious Umeshu.
Still ageing process
When it comes to Authentic (“Honkaku”) Umeshu ※, we believe that ageing plays a crucial role in the production process. CHOYA has specially designed Umeshu storage tanks in order to protect against external influences such as light, temperature, and air. This carefully curated environment allows us to age the ume liqueur slowly and deliberately through a process we call Still Ageing (Independent Ageing). This is how CHOYA gives birth to the rich character of Umeshu, made with devotion, to you.
The art of blending
CHOYA has about 450 storage tanks that hold the same number of unblended Umeshu. Not containing any artificial additives, each batch of pure Umeshu has unique characteristics. Only through our pioneering blending techniques, we are able to fuse and enhance these individual liqueur personalities.
Born from traditional Umeshu-making techniques, The CHOYA is a truly authentic ume liqueur made by professionals.
PRODUCTS
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Extra YearsAged for extra years
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Extra ShisoMatured Umeshu with red perilla herb
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Royal HoneyNatural honey with royal jelly
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AGED 3 YEARSAged for 3 years, a complex and pleasant finish
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Aged 3 years Extra fruitAged Umeshu infused with a ripe ume purée
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FROM THE BARRELFrench oak barrel-aged Umeshu
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Golden Ume FruitA luxury sweets
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SINGLE YEARAged for at least 1 year with vibrant tartness
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BLACKRich brandy finish
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CRAFT FRUITBlended with Ripe Ume Purée
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NANKOBAI GENSHUA new kind of Unblended Umeshu, made possible by the blender’s skill.
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Non AlcoholNon-alcoholic Umeshu.
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UME FROM THE BIO FARMJapan's first JONA organic-certified authentic Umeshu.
Extra Years
Aged for extra years
A premium type of Umeshu that is made with only Nanko-ume fruit from Kishu and is aged for several years with white spirits. The elegant aroma and deep, luxurious taste create a blissful moment.
Liqueur / Honkaku (Authentic) Umeshu
Alcohol: 17%
Volume: 700ml
Ingredients: Nanko-ume (Kishu region), sugar, cane spirit
Awarded DoubleGold Award at Singapore World Spirits Competition (SWSC) 2023
Established in 2019, the SWSC is a competition organized by the Tasting Alliance, which is also the organizer of the SFWSC, the largest liquor competition in the world.
Awarded DoubleGold Award at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2023
~ About The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) ~
Started in 2000, SFWSC is one of the most influential liquor fairs in the world. This year, the 23nd edition, we received over 3,300 entries from all over the world.
Tasting Notes
The deep and mellow notes of the Ume are fully extracted in this matured Umeshu.
Extra Shiso
Matured Umeshu with red perilla herb
Made only from Japanese Ume fruit, this unique Umeshu is flavoured with the red perilla herb that imparts a unique & special aroma, and gives its soft pink colour.
Liqueur / Honkaku (Authentic) Umeshu
Alcohol: 17%
Volume: 700ml
Ingredients: Nanko-ume (Kishu region), sugar, cane spirit, perilla extract, vegetable colouring
Tasting Notes
This matured Umeshu is characterised by a refreshing aroma of the red perilla herb followed by a rich aftertaste.
Royal Honey
Natural honey with royal jelly
Made only from Japanese Ume fruit with no sugar added, this product uses only 100% natural honey and royal jelly. Enjoy the delicate acidity of the Ume fruit and natural sweetness of honey in this unique Umeshu.
Liqueur / Honkaku (Authentic) Umeshu
Alcohol: 17%
Volume: 700ml
Ingredients: honey, Nanko-ume (Kishu region), cane spirit, royal jelly
Tasting Notes
By blending Ume fruit, royal jelly, and honey, we achieve an elegant aroma of the honey-steeped Ume fruit followed by a delicate and mild finish.
AGED 3 YEARS
Aged for 3 years, a complex and pleasant finish
An original taste carefully matured for 3 years under optimum conditions.Mellow flavour with a pleasant aftertaste of ageing notes and a mild tartness.To have a relaxing time, enjoy this premium Umeshu as an after-dinner drink.
Liqueur / Honkaku (Authentic) Umeshu
Alcohol: 15%
Volume: 700ml
Ingredients: Nanko-ume (Kishu region), sugar, cane spirit
International Spirits Challenge (ISC) is one of the world's most influential spirits competitions organized annually by Drinks International - a British magazine publisher devoted to global drinks.In 2016, Aged 3 Years was the first Umeshu in the world to achieve a gold award; in 2017, it won the gold medal for the second consecutive year.
London Sake Challenge (LSC) is a sake competition organized by the Sake Sommelier Association. Professional sake sommelier from around the world comprehensively judge sake in different categories such as quality, food pairing, as well as the label, bottle and box designs. In 2018, we won the highest Platinum Award in the Umeshu category.
Awarded Gold Award in Liqueur Category at the 15th edition of The Concours Mondial des Vins FEMINALISE 2021
~ About FEMINALISE ~ This is a world-famous competition that ranks among the top 5 in France, the home of wine. In the 2021 edition, the total of 5,246 products from all over the world were tasted including 312 entries of wines, liqueurs, and sake from Japan.
Tasting Notes
Rich aroma suggestive of fine brandy. Complex and pleasant finish.
The CHOYA Aged 3 years Extra fruit
Aged Umeshu infused with a ripe ume purée
Aged for at least 3 years, the rich Nanko-ume liqueur is blended with the ripe Nanko-ume purée. The extra fruitiness with a luscious sweetness complement the long lingering aging notes of this authentic Japanese liqueur.
Liqueur / Honkaku (Authentic) Umeshu
Alcohol: 15%
Volume: 720ml
Ingredients: Nanko-ume (Kishu region), sugar, cane spirit, ume puree
Awarded Gold Award at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2022
~ About The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) ~
Started in 2000, SFWSC is one of the most influential liquor fairs in the world. This year’s 22nd edition was another record-breaking year with more than 5,000 entries from all corners of the world.
Tasting Notes
This Umeshu is characterised by the notes of a matured Umeshu beautifully balanced with the fruitiness of the Ume purée that literally melts in your mouth, followed by a rich and deep finish.
FROM THE BARREL
French oak barrel-aged Umeshu.
We mature this unique Umeshu for 3 years before aging in French oak casks for another 2 years. Rich and complex flavors, with notes of almond from the pit and flesh of the Ume fruit, and a smoky and luxurious bouquet from the cask.
Liqueur, authentic Umeshu
Alcohol content: 15%
Volume: 700ml
Ingredients: Nanko-ume (Kishu region), sugar, cane spirit
Awarded Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) in 2023
International Spirits Challenge (ISC) is one of the world's most influential spirits competitions organized annually by Drinks International (UK)
Awarded Gold Award at Singapore World Spirits Competition (SWSC) 2023
Established in 2019, the SWSC is a competition organized by the Tasting Alliance, which is also the organizer of the SFWSC, the largest liquor competition in the world.
Awarded Gold Award at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2023
~ About The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) ~
Started in 2000, SFWSC is one of the most influential liquor fairs in the world.This year, the 23nd edition, we received over 3,300 entries from all over the world.
Awarded Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) in 2017
International Spirits Challenge (ISC) is one of the world's most influential spirits competitions organized annually by Drinks International (UK)
Tasting Notes
Elegantly aged umeshu in toasted French oak casks with a smoky and luxurious bouquet. Enjoy its slight bitterness and refreshing aftertaste.
Golden Ume Fruit
A luxury sweets
Large and thick Nanko-ume fruit are slowly steeped in cane spirit with sugar for about one year. With a very soft flesh, the macerated fruit are placed inside the bottle for you to enjoy, whether on its own as sweets or for cooking.This is a truly golden standard in authentic Umeshu with delicious ume fruit inside.
Liqueur / Honkaku (Authentic) Umeshu
Alcohol: 15%
Volume: 650ml + ume fruit 100ml
Ingredients: Nanko-ume (Kishu region), sugar, cane spirit
Awarded Gold Award at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2021
~About The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC)~
Started in 2000, SFWSC is one of the most influential liquor fairs in the world.The 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition was held at One Market Restaurant in San Francisco from April 1st through April 20th. The 2021 Competition was another record-breaking year with more than 3,800 entries from all corners of the world.
Tasting Notes
Mellow aroma and strong tartness produced by the combination of ume liqueur and ume fruit.
SINGLE YEAR
Aged for at least 1 year with vibrant tartness
By balancing out the sweetness while giving way to the natural tart notes and a gorgeous aroma of the ume, we achieve a distinguished taste that will impress even the most experienced connoisseur.A new generation of Umeshu that pairs beautifully with different meals in general but also with delicately seasoned dishes such as Japanese food.
Liqueur / Honkaku (Authentic) Umeshu
Alcohol: 15%
Volume: 700ml
Ingredients: Nanko-ume (Kishu region), sugar, cane spirit
Awarded Gold Award at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2022
~ About The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) ~
Started in 2000, SFWSC is one of the most influential liquor fairs in the world. This year’s 22nd edition was another record-breaking year with more than 5,000 entries from all corners of the world.
Tasting Notes
Elegant aroma of Nanko-ume fills your mouth. Rich taste and crispy tartness.
BLACK
Rich brandy finish
Umeshu is aged for at least 1 year and later infused with brandy from the Cognac region of France.Rich and aromatic notes with a fruity finish. The full-bodiness and the elegant sweetness create a truly unforgettable experience.
Liqueur / Honkaku (Authentic) Umeshu
Alcohol: 14%
Volume: 700ml
Ingredients: Nanko-ume (Kishu region), sugar, cane spirit, brandy
Tasting Notes
A fragrance of a brandy spreading in a moment. Powerful flavor of umeshu, solid aftertaste.
CRAFT FRUIT
Blended with Ripe Ume Purée
A refreshing Umeshu infused with ripe ume purée.To preserve extra freshness, ripe-to-the-last-minute ume are instantly frozen. After finely processing the fruit into a purée, it is blended with one-year-old Umeshu.Enjoy its fruity and rich taste.
Liqueur / Honkaku (Authentic) Umeshu
Alcohol: 15%
Volume: 700ml
Ingredients: Nanko-ume (Kishu region), sugar, cane spirit, Nanko-ume purée (Kishu region)
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Best in Show
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Best of Class
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Double Gold
Awarded "Best in Show Liqueur” title at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2021 ( the First Asian product to win this award).In addition, it received the "Best of Class" and "Double Gold" at the same time.
- "Double Gold"
- An award given to products that received a perfect score from all judges
- "Best of Class"
- An award given to the best products in each class
- "Best in Show"
- The Highest Honor Award given to products with the highest score in each category selected from the Best of Class group of products
~About The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC)~
Started in 2000, SFWSC is one of the most influential liquor fairs in the world. The 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition was held at One Market Restaurant in San Francisco from April 1st through April 20th. The 2021 Competition was another record-breaking year with more than 3,800 entries from all corners of the world.
Official site: https://www.sfspiritscomp.com/
Tasting Notes
This Umeshu is characterized by a smooth mouthfeel from the ume puree, moderate sweetness, and a refreshing, pleasantly tart finish.
NANKOBAI GENSHU
A new kind of Unblended Umeshu, made possible by the blender’s skill.
This authentic “Genshu” (unblended) type Umeshu is made by carefully selecting several types of unblended Umeshu from about 450 storage tanks by our Master Blender. With a well-pronounced acidity and deep aftertaste that are unique to unblended Umeshu.
Liqueur, authentic Umeshu
Alcohol content: 18%
Volume: 720ml
Ingredients: Nanko-ume (Kishu region), sugar, cane spirit
Tasting Notes
This undiluted Umeshu has a good acidity with a full-bodied rich finish.
Non Alcohol
Non-alcoholic Umeshu.
When creating the non-alcoholic version of our authentic Umeshu, we focused on the components such as the Ume pit. By making micro powder out of the real seed of the Nanko-Ume fruit and blending it with the same ingredients except alcohol.
Alcohol content: 0%
Volume: 700ml
Ingredients: Nanko-ume (Kishu region), sugar, powdered ume seed, cane spirit, ume juice, ume extract
Tasting Notes
Bringing out the aroma of fruit flesh and seed and the rich umeshu taste by our unique producing method, enjoy the crispy tartness that fills your mouth.
UME FROM THE BIO FARM
Japan's first JONA organic-certified authentic Umeshu.
We macerate high-quality organic Ume fruit from Wakayama prefecture in organic wheat spirit and organic sugar. This is the first authentic Umeshu in Japan that has been certified “fully organic Umeshu” by the Japan Organic & Natural Foods Association (JONA).
Liqueur / Honkaku (Authentic) Umeshu
Alcohol: 15%
Volume: 700ml
Ingredients: organic ume, organic sugar, organic cane spirit
Tasting Notes
Enjoy the natural aroma of the organic Ume fruit followed by a sweet and rich finish.
RECIPE
Your style. Your cocktail. For every occasion.
on the ROCKS
with SODA
- ICE
- AGED 3 YEARS … 1
- SODA … 2
Trying it with SODA will surely leave you with all smiles. Fragrant and refreshing, this drink will instantly become one of your favorites. Whether it’s before, during or after the meal, it pairs brilliantly with any food. Discovering your favorite style is what makes it even more exciting!
with SODA
- ICE
- SINGLE YEAR … 1
- SODA … 2
on the ROCKS
with GIN
- ICE
- SINGLE YEAR … 4
- PREMIUM GIN … 1
with CHAMPAGNE
- SINGLE YEAR … 1
- CHAMPAGNE … 4
- (or SPARKLING WINE)
HOT of The CHOYA
- SINGLE YEAR … 1
- HOT WATER … 1
The elegant scent of Kishu Nanko-ume really stands out; a rich lingering finish will surely make you feel relaxed and wanting more. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding honey or ume fruit inside!
- * Make sure to use heat-resistant glasses and be careful not to get burned.
- * Instead of mixing with hot water, it is possible to add room temperature water and heat it in the microwave. (Using microwavable glasses is recommended)
VIDEOS
TVCM
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The CHOYA "A silent dialogue" ep.
Koji Seto profile
- Koji Seto
Born May 18, 1988 in Fukuoka Prefecture. In recent years, he appeared in dramas such as “A psychic medium detective Hisui Jyozuka" and "The 13 Lords of the Shogun”; the movies "The Confidence Man JP Hero Edition" and "Love Nonetheless”; the stage play "History of Japan" (directed by Koki Mitani), and "Even if someone laughs at her” (directed by Tamiya Kuriyama), “The world laughs” (written and directed by Keralino Sandorovich).
Last year, he won the Best Actor Award at the 44th Yokohama Film Festival for the movie "Love Nonetheless", and appeared in the NHK historical drama "The 13 Lords of the Shogun" as Hojo Tokifusa (Tokyusa). In February of this year, he collaborated with his hometown of Kama city in Fukuoka Prefecture launching a regional revitalization project called the "SETO x KAMA Project”, as well as appearing in a promotional video. The stage play “University of Laughs” (written and directed by Koki Mitani) started on February 8, 2023.
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