Description

Tasting Notes

Aroma – light, floral, and reminiscent of premium sake, thanks to its rice base. You might notice hints of lily or jasmine rice on the nose. Palate – delicately sweet and smooth. The five-year aging has imbued subtle notes of vanilla and sweet rice, with a touch of creamy oak in the background. The texture is soft (no harsh alcohol burn), and the finish is ultra-clean and graceful. A mild vanilla-oak sweetness lingers briefly, then leaves a refreshing, mellow aftertaste. Overall, this shochu is gentle and refined – no heavy earthy or funky notes – emphasizing elegance and a clear rice flavor.

Food Pairings

Silent Dragon 5-Year is wonderful neat or on the rocks. Pour it over a large ice cube to slow-sip and unlock even more aroma as the ice melts. Its lighter profile also makes it a superb base for cocktails – it’s highlighted as ideal for crisp, Japanese-inspired cocktails where its floral rice notes can shine (think shochu highballs with soda and a twist of citrus, or a shochu-tini with cucumber). In cuisine pairing, it’s very flexible: the gentle taste won’t overpower delicate foods, and the hint of sweetness can complement spice. Enjoy it with sushi and sashimi, grilled fish, or lightly seasoned chicken. It also pairs surprisingly well with spicy dishes – for example, spicy tuna rolls, Sichuan chili dishes, or even Tex-Mex spiced appetizers – as its clean softness calms heat while its light sweetness balances bold flavors. This balance of being mild yet flavorful means you can toast with Silent Dragon 5-Year during appetizer hour or even pair it with a hearty Texan BBQ spread if you’re adventurous (it will cleanse the palate between smoky bites!).