March 1st (Friday) marks the nationwide release of 'Centennial Umeboshi Whiskey Barrel-Aged,' a special edition plum wine that has been aged in unique whiskey barrels, boasting the title of Japan's number one for a century.

We have borrowed whiskey barrels aged in Chichibu from the long-time friends at Chichibu Distillery to mature our 'Centennial Umeboshi Whiskey Barrel-Aged.' In celebration of our 70th anniversary in plum wine making in 2022 and the launch of our whiskey business in the same year, Meiri Shurui (Headquarters: Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture) is releasing the 'Centennial Umeboshi Whiskey Barrel-Aged,' which has been matured in whiskey barrels. Priced at 4,500 yen (tax included), this bottle is born out of a strong passion to explore the potential of plum wine and whiskey barrels.

We have obtained whiskey barrels aged in Chichibu from the Chichibu Distillery, with whom we have had a long-standing friendship, and initiated the maturation of the 'Centennial Umeboshi Whiskey Barrel-Aged,' boasting the title of Japan's number one plum wine.

After maturing the original plum wine for 12 months, we added carefully selected malt whiskey to express the vanilla aroma derived from the whiskey barrel and the complex, rich sweetness. This marks the first edition in our exploration of the possibilities that plum wine and whiskey barrels hold.

【Feelings Towards Meiri Shurui's Plum Wine】

Meiri Shurui traces its roots back to Kato Sake Brewery, founded during the Edo period's Ansei era. The founder, who traveled across the country for the art of sake brewing, settled in the current location where the best water springs. For over 160 years, Meiri Shurui has been producing sake. Particularly, being close to one of Japan's three major gardens, Kairakuen, prompted us to embark on the production of plum wine, which was already popular as a household drink at that time. As professionals in the sake industry, we started this venture at a very early stage. Beyond just product creation, we have been promoting the deliciousness of plum wine through activities such as workshops, constantly exploring the potential of plum wine. These efforts continue today, with experiences like "Plum Wine Making Experience" available at our direct sales facility, Besshunkan.

【About the Centennial Umeboshi Brand】

In 1998, the concept of "Plum Wine Loved for a Century" gave birth to the "Centennial Umeboshi" brand. Known for its rich and profound taste resulting from extended aging, it is crafted using Meiri Shurui's blending and formulation techniques. At the Second Temma Tenjin Plum Wine Competition, it was selected as the best among 124 brands nationwide. Since then, it has received numerous awards, earning immense support from customers both domestically and internationally.

【Product Details】

• Product Name: "Centennial Umeboshi Whiskey Barrel-Aged"
• Volume: 700ml
• Category: Liqueur
• Alcohol Content: 18%
• Price: 4,500 yen (tax included)
• Release Date: March 1, 2024 (Friday)

【About Meiri Shurui Co., Ltd.】

The corporate vision is to "contribute to the rich lives of people around the world through Japanese sake and food." As a sake brewery with a history dating back to the Edo period, Meiri Shurui manufactures a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including sake, plum wine, shochu, gin, vodka, liqueurs, and whiskey. These products are distributed and sold both within Japan and internationally.

• Company Name: Meiri Shurui Co., Ltd.
• Location: 338 Motokichida-cho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
• Phone Number: 029-247-6111
• Press Release Contact: Kusano, Kato

For more information, please visit the official website:
Website URL: https://meirishurui.com/