Although it was introduced as dry at the izakaya, it also has a rather sweet taste. The aroma is also very sake-like, but I don't know what to compare it to. It is my favorite, but it does not go well with sashimi or grilled fish. 4
The first time I ordered hire-shu at a ryokan, I found it very easy to drink and delicious. I asked about it and was told that it was "ne-no-hi" (hot sake).