In the bottle: Right from the crack of the bottle you get an intense wave of big cherry, dried fruit, and chocolate notes that pour out and give you a clear idea of what to expect in the glass. Banryoku starts out rich and decadent—really inviting on a cold winter night after a nice warming dinner. As it develops with some oxygen, the chocolate fragrance really steps forward (which could be influenced by the piece of chocolate waiting to be enjoyed with this shōchū). The nose is bold, warm, and full of mature sweetness.

On the rocks: Surprisingly not as heavy as expected. There’s a nice bit of freshness that holds on the first sip before the deeper flavors settle in. Just like the nose, you get the cherry and dried fruits; however, in the glass Banryoku is more cocoa-forward, which gives it a nice little bit of bitterness that balances out the sweeter notes. As the ice melts, the sharper flavors mellow out and what you’re left with is a cherry cola without the cola—if that makes sense. Actually thinking a bit more, this has a bit of a Dr Pepper vibe or a cherry DP. Overall really enjoyable.

Straight: Beautifully smooth, with everything right out in front and perfectly balanced. Banryoku works really well neat in the glass, especially at the end of a long day. The cherry, chocolate, and dried fruit come through cleanly, supported by a gentle warmth and maturity that makes it feel like a comforting nightcap.

Paired with Chocolate: Paired with a 70% cocoa chocolate from Kaldi, this is another one of those matches made in heaven. The chocolate becomes so smooth with the cocoa becoming much more intensified. Another rice shōchū that would make a perfect dessert pairing—the shōchū’s cherry and chocolate notes blend seamlessly with the cocoa, adding richness and depth without clashing. A very enjoyable combination that elevates both.