UME was founded by two NYC women, Jenn Toyzer and Katharine Brandes, who left successful careers in finance and fashion to develop and introduce UME to the world. There was something seriously missing from the alcohol space for them – liquor that actually tastes good on its own. Vodka, tequila, and rum taste unpleasant to the uninitiated palate, and require a fair amount of additional ingredients to mask their intense alcoholic flavors. Where was the easy, sippable, mild-flavored spirit, they wondered, that could still elicit a pleasant, effervescent buzz? Inspired by the traditional plum spirits of Japan and their mother-countries in Eastern Europe, Jenn & Katy realized that the plum flavor profile, so rare in American spirits, could be the answer. They set out to create a sublime and otherworldly plum spirit, one that pleased their palates, that burst from the confines of staid, old-guard liquor categories and heralded a new era of drinking.

Scouring the world for the exact flavors, aromas, mouth feel and je-ne-sais-quoi they wanted their spirit to exhibit, Jenn & Katy partnered with renowned mixologists and sensory scientists. Together they identified ingredients that would give UME its heavenly characteristics and earthly form. Plum, dark cherry, grape, green apple, and citrus form the fruit-forward flavor base of UME, which is combined with a six-times distilled grain neutral spirit made from corn. With an alcohol content of 17%, UME strikes a perfect balance between mixer and sipper. UME is half of the sugar of traditional liqueurs and apéritifs, giving UME its distinctively light mouthfeel without sacrificing any of its unique and delightful flavor.

Unlike traditionally aged spirits, UME was not an act of nature but designed with intention and meticulous thought. Jenn & Katy created UME based on what they believed to be the perfect drink – a versatile beverage, light and delicious on its own, but powerful enough to mix in cocktails. Most importantly, UME was created with a vision of bringing to market a drink that is an experience in and of itself, an odyssey for the mind and senses.