Choya 23°
April 22, 2025
TL;DR: Choya 23 is a Canadian market exclusive umeshu that stands out for its unusually high 23% ABV — a rarity in the category. Made with premium Nanko ume fruit and crafted for a richer, more concentrated flavor experience, this liqueur delivers deep plum notes and a silky mouthfeel. Its higher proof makes it an excellent substitute for vermouths or liqueurs in cocktails, offering sweetness and structure with a distinctly Japanese twist.
Choya 23 is a premium umeshu liqueur made exclusively for the Canadian market — and it stands out right away for its relatively high ABV of 23%, which is much stronger than the typical 10–15% range most umeshu falls into.
Umeshu is a traditional Japanese liqueur made by steeping ume fruit (a tart Japanese plum) in alcohol, often shochu or neutral spirit, with sugar to balance the fruit’s natural acidity. The result is usually a sweet, low-alcohol liqueur known for its mellow plum flavor and soft acidity. Rich and velvety, this umeshu is less of a casual aperitif and more of a sipping liqueur — perfect for after-dinner pours or even as a dessert in a glass.
Flavor Camp Taste Profile
Overall Review
- Overall Assessment: 90/100
- Distinctiveness: 6.5/10
- Bottle Appeal: 9/10
- Value for Price: 9/10
- Sippable
- Cocktail Worthy
- Weird & Wonderful
- Skip It
Tasting Notes
This golden-hued umeshu made from Japanese ume fruit delivers layered flavors of tangy plum, zesty lime, and dried stone fruit. With just the right touch of sweetness and a bright, clean acidity, it finishes smooth and mellow. Sip it chilled, pour it over ice, or shake it into something special.
Product Details
- Distiller: Masahiro Distillery
- Type: Blended Whisky Made in Japan
- Age: NAS
- Origin: Habikino, Osaka, Japan
- Composition: Umeshu Plum Liqueur
- ABV: 23%
- Price: $30-$40 (CAD)
Food Pairing Recommendations:
Aged gouda or brie with plum preserves
Duck breast with cherry glaze or hoisin sauce
Dark chocolate, pecan pie, or almond cake
Miso-roasted eggplant or glazed pork belly
Ume Old Fashioned – Choya 23, Japanese whisky, dash of bitters, orange peel
Plum Negroni – Choya 23, gin, and a splash of dry vermouth
Tokyo Sidecar – Choya 23, brandy, lemon juice, dash of yuzu or orange bitters
Highball Twist – Choya 23 and soda water over ice with a lemon wheel
