In the bottle: Intensely aromatic from the moment the bottle is opened. A deep, honeyed sweetness is immediately present, layered with subtle musty hay and gentle earthy tones. With aeration, notes of dried fruit (fig and raisin), vanilla, and lightly toasted rice emerge. The bouquet is rich, complex, and highly promising, and builds genuine anticipation for the first sip 

On the rocks: The first sip opens with surprising intensity. A pronounced spicy bite—reminiscent of black pepper—appears at the back of the throat, strongly contrasting the lush sweetness suggested by the nose. This sharpness dominates the experience, largely masking the dried-fruit and vanilla notes and lending a somewhat one-dimensional character. As the ice melts, the edge softens marginally, yet the spirit never fully opens or regains the complexity promised on the nose. While by no means unpleasant, and offering a welcome contrast to sweeter styles, Kofukuro ultimately feels restrained and less expressive in the glass than its aroma suggests. 

水割り Diluted with water

3:2 ratio: A modest amount of water tempers the peppery bite and allows a portion of the underlying sweetness to resurface. However, the overall profile remains somewhat muted and lacks vibrancy, resulting in a drink that feels balanced yet rather flat and underwhelming compared to the inviting nose.