In the bottle: Right from the start, brandy dominates the nose—sharp initially but quickly softening into slightly sweet notes of cream soda and/or cherry cola (for some reason, Crystal Pepsi comes to mind). It’s almost hard to believe there’s shōchū in the bottle at all. The overall impression is unmistakably special: rich, layered, and far removed from a typical rice shōchū pour. The intrigue builds immediately—this is clearly something different, mature, and worth savoring. 

On the rocks: Once it hits the tongue, an explosion of sherry and brandy emerges, amplified by long aging and delivering an amazingly unique range of intense yet smooth flavors. The wood influence—Japanese oak, cherry, and chestnut—integrates beautifully with the rice base, adding remarkable complexity and depth. While all three woods are stated, oak feels most prevalent, lending a structured backbone. The result is powerful but easy-drinking—intense without harshness, layered without confusion. A standout way to experience this rare, wood-aged shochu.

水割り Diluted with water

4:1 ratio: The heaviness of the brandy smooths out noticeably, allowing the woody notes to open up and come forward more clearly. The oak in particular feels young and fresh at this dilution—vibrant rather than overly tannic. No strong cherry or chestnut notes stood out here, but the overall profile becomes lighter and more approachable while retaining maturity. (Note: neat in the glass not tried this time—another reason to pick up a second bottle in the future.)