Kumahei (Japanese plum liqueur), a craft ume liqueur produced by Inoue Umeboshi Foods (trade name: Kumahei no Ume, headquartered in Minabe-cho, Hidaka-gun, Wakayama), has claimed top honors at two major international spirits competitions in 2026.
At the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2026, held in the United Kingdom, the liqueur received a score of 98 out of 100, earning the highest award category, the Gold Outstanding. It also took home a Double Gold — the top medal — at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2026, scoring 99 out of 100.
Award Details and Competition Overviews
International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC 2026)
Award: Gold Outstanding (Top Gold) / Score: 98 points
Founded in London in 1969, the IWSC is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious international wine and spirits competitions. Awards are tiered by score: Gold Outstanding (98–100 points), Gold (95–97 points), Silver (90–94 points), and Bronze (85–89 points). Judging is conducted blind by leading experts from around the world, with a consensus-based evaluation process. Medal candidates also undergo mandatory chemical analysis by specialized laboratories, combining subjective tasting with scientific quality verification.
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC 2026)
Award: Double Gold (Top Gold) / Score: 99 points
Established in the United States in 2000, the SFWSC is one of the world's largest spirits competitions by entry volume and among the most influential in today's global market. Judges include top bartenders, buyers, and journalists, who evaluate all entries in fully blind tastings. Products receiving the highest rating from every panel judge earn the Double Gold designation — from which the Best of Class and the competition's top honor, Best in Show, are then selected.
What Makes Kumahei (Japanese Plum Liqueur) Stand Out
Premium Large-Size Kishu Nanko Plums
Kumahei uses Kishu Nanko plums well beyond the quantity typical for ume liqueurs. The plums are limited to extra-large 3L size or above, grown entirely in the producer's own orchards. Only plums that meet strict ripeness criteria are used in the brewing process, resulting in a richly fruity aroma that fills the glass from the first pour.
Deep, Rich Flavor Without Relying on Added Sweetness
Through a slow extraction process that draws out the full essence of the plum, the liqueur achieves a flavor profile that balances the ume's natural tartness with deep, complex body — without depending on sugar for sweetness. The result is a drink with a refined, wine- or brandy-like quality meant to be savored slowly.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Ume Character
The ingredient list is simple: alcohol, rock sugar, and ume. No additional flavoring agents are used. This straightforward approach allows the true fragrance and taste of Kishu Nanko plums to shine through.
IWSC Tasting Note (translated)
"A vivid floral bouquet evoking cherry blossoms and fresh blooms rises on the nose. On the palate, juicy ume fruit meets a delicate, almond-like richness from the pit, leading to a lively and fruity character. The finish unfolds as a sweet, moist apricot-like nuance — deep, refreshing, and lingering pleasantly."
Product Information
| Product Name | Kumahei |
| Category | Liqueur |
| Ingredients | Nanko ume (Wakayama Prefecture), rock sugar, brewing alcohol |
| Volume | 720 ml |
| Alcohol Content | 16% |
| Suggested Retail Price | ¥3,300 (tax included) |
| Availability | Online store and select retail locations |
