I will have to try that. Around here, I've had sochu at the korean bbq, but that stuff is weak as water and a waste of money.
Shochu has many different varieties and can taste VERY different. Not like, wine different, but straight up like a different drink.
I can't remember which one I liked (as a sipping drink), I think it was a Sweet Potato one, but it's mostly used for stuff like Grapefruit Sour etc.
I can drink Umeshu over and over.
In fact, I've done that twice.
The best part is when you get unlimited alcohol at Karaoke and you just drink Umeshu until you're full. mmmm
(make sure it's the green asian plum and not the super sweet one that Kikkoman bottles)