In the bottle: Toji Junpei initially presents as fairly neutral on the nose right after pouring. With a little time and oxygenation, however, it opens beautifully to reveal a soft, subtle sweet potato character—evocative of lifting the lid on a pot of steaming sweet potatoes just as they finish cooking. Further swirling brings out earthy undertones of wet hay and damp clay, adding welcome depth and complexity. This combination provides a clear, intriguing preview of the quality and profile waiting in the glass.

On the rocks: The first sip is striking—almost a “wow” moment. It delivers a punchy, vibrant sweet potato flavor that spreads evenly across the palate with ideal intensity, never tipping into harshness. This quickly transitions into a gorgeous, rounded sweetness layered with candied vanilla and delicate custard notes. As the ice melts and the drink opens further, the more intense front-end flavors soften, allowing the subtler, creamier elements to come forward and create a wide, enjoyable spectrum of taste. Perfect for slow, contemplative sipping.​

Straight: Toji Junpei is beautifully balanced when enjoyed neat—truly impressive for its strength and style. The entry brings a bright, bold burst of sweet potato that fills the palate with confidence yet remains controlled and never overwhelming. As that initial wave recedes, a luxurious wash of vanilla and custard-like sweetness takes over, leading into a refined cocoa finish: gently bitter, richly chocolatey, and elegantly supported by the lingering sweeter tones. Overall, this stands out as one of the strongest and most enjoyable bottles I’ve opened this year.