Tastes

The aroma is light, dominated by pear, melon, candy green apple, and rice, with a subtle minerality; it's slightly reminicent of a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The palette is light (unsurprising with the low proof), and represents a slight departure from nose. The same fruit notes present themselves, but take the backseat to freshly steamed rice with a slight brininess, undertoned by subtle lemon peels. In the finish, those peels take the forefront alongside the fresh rice, but fade away quickly to a very subtle, barely noticable sweet pear. Delicious neat, and I suspect would be lovely in the other traditional shochu drinking methods, though I haven't tried them. At this price (I paid $18 with a free membership), I highly recommend.

The nose presents a strong licorice note undertoned by citrus, herbs, and a touch of that sherry oak. The palate presents much of the same, but with a noticeable and pleasant rye bread, caraway body, with a slight orange peel note as well. The finish is pleasing and subtle, with licorice and a very slight sherry savouriness that complements the licorice very well. Having had it out of the freezer and at room temp, it is a much better drink neat at room temperature.

Lightly floral and fruity on the nose, slightly savory notes of orange peel and lime peel, with hints of melon and peaches. The palette is simple, with a difficult to place sweetness that gives way to a bitter, astringent finish. The palette almost reads like a banana flavoured candy. Much better drank in a highball with fresh fruit juice

Intense blueberry and pepper on the nose. The palette is sweet, with pleasant, funky acidity and notes of blueberries, licorice and green apple. Intense licorice on the finish, like you've eaten a handful of licorice allsorts! Very pleasant spirit with great drinking and mixing potential.