Hakutsuru Sho-Une Junmai Dai Ginjō

Nose: Full, with lots of melon and great complexity. Hints of licorice. Faint vegetal notes appear sometimes, but they aren't bothersome. Palate: Less full than the nose. Clean, some ethanol, melon, then spice. It almost seems like it's trying to be harsh, but it can't due to the low proof. It's interesting how it works. A bit of rice sweetness is present throughout. It's not quite creamy, but the mouthfeel is reasonably full. The spiciness is what makes this unique, similar to mustard powder with a slight prickliness. There's still a clean water aspect. It's quite smooth, and I think I detect some white pepper. Finish: Spice, clean water, ethanol, and some hints of (unsweetened) rice. Conclusion: The alcohol is a bit too prominent, and it's not as rich as the nose suggested. I really enjoy it, but it's not mind-blowing. It's mostly smooth and easy to drink. I wouldn't rate it below a 14, but a 17 seems too high. After a few days in the bottle, the alcohol and spice lessen, making it more balanced and enjoyable. I'm leaning towards a 15. In fact, a little cinnamon starts to emerge from the spice. Quite pleasant.