Conventional umeshu, or plum liqueur, is made by preserving Japanese ume plums in distilled spirits. However, Shiraume is a luxurious plum liqueur made by preserving plums in the finest of Japanese sakes - premium ginjo sake made from Yamada Nishiki rice. In Shiraume, the mild flavour of brewed sake nurtured to perfection blends harmoniously with the fruity flavour of ume plums. No sharp tang of alcohol mars the finish to the palate, as sometimes happens with conventional plum liqueurs. Since ancient times and even in Japan today, plum liqueur has long been considered a therapeutic drink. Shiraume can be enjoyed in many ways - it is equally pleasant on ice or blended with either cold or hot water.