Deven Kinney
4.5
The bouquet is subtle, primarily featuring pear, melon, green apple candy, and rice, with a faint minerality; it vaguely recalls a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The palate is light (as expected with the low proof) and differs slightly from the aroma. The same fruit notes appear but are secondary to steamed rice with a hint of salinity, underscored by faint lemon zest. On the finish, the lemon zest and fresh rice come forward but quickly recede to a very subtle, almost imperceptible sweet pear. It's delightful served straight, and I imagine it would also be excellent prepared using other traditional shochu methods, although I haven't sampled them. Given its price point (I paid $18 with a complimentary membership), I strongly endorse it.
