In the bottle: Nebatama opens with nice earthy notes before unfolding into rich, layered aromas: vanilla, caramel, lavender, and prominent sweet potato. A candy-like sweetness lingers at the end—reminiscent of Smarties or Necco wafers—adding a playful, nostalgic touch. The nose is packed with appealing complexity and contributes significantly to its drinkability. As I write this, the bottle is nearly empty—a clear sign of how enjoyable and sessionable it proved to be.

On the rocks: Sweet with a pleasant bite that provides welcome balance to the initial sweetness rush—nothing off-putting, just enough edge to keep things lively. Sweet potato flavors take full command, supported by classic notes of vanilla, subtle burnt caramel, and core potato character. Most interesting is the black pepper on the finish, which ties everything together beautifully and prevents the sweetness from dominating. The mouthfeel remains smooth and soft, though the sweetness arrives noticeably strong (not heavy-handed, but definite). Fortunately, the peppery finish evens the experience, making it highly drinkable and inviting multiple pours.

水割り Diluted with water

4:1 ratio: A little water opens Nebatama further, softening the bigger impact notes (sweetness and pepper) and allowing subtler flavors—vanilla, caramel, lavender, and earthy undertones—to emerge more clearly. The profile becomes lighter and more refined without losing core character, making this a solid choice for extended sessions or when a gentler pour is desired.