In the bottle: A decent burst of fresh, young sweet potato opens the nose, quickly shifting to prominent floral lavender. The dominant impression leans toward cheap perfume—though this reflects underdeveloped flavors more than any off-note. With swirling and oxygen exposure, subtle sweetness emerges to temper the florals, rounding out the aroma slightly. Overall, the nose remains bright and floral-forward, with potential that feels not fully realized yet.

On the rocks: Hard to pin down precisely. Floral elements dominate heavily, balanced against sweet potato sweetness to create an almost candy-like or very subtle bubblegum quality. The finish turns grainy with toasted oats, vanilla, and a touch of bitter cocoa adding welcome contrast. Not a bad experience—interesting and layered in its own way—but not among the strongest bottles sampled. It offers an unusual ride that rewards curiosity more than pure enjoyment.

Straight: Very interesting profile. A slight spicy quality appears—not hot spice, but a gentle cinnamon-like warmth—paired with lavender and assorted wildflowers for an intensely floral character. Subtle sweetness weaves in and out without ever overpowering, supported by soft vanilla that adds gentle lift. The floral notes linger particularly well on the finish, with vanilla appearing intermittently. Neat service highlights the shōchū’s aromatic intensity and unusual spice-floral interplay, making it contemplative and distinctive.