Asahi Shuzo Dassai ’45’ Junmai Daiginjo Sake – 1.8 Litre Bottle

Introduction

The world-famous Asahi Shuzo brewery took a gamble when it restructured to focus solely on Junmai Daiginjo sake, but the gamble paid off and brought us this delightful sake.Thanks to them you can now try high-quality sake at a reasonable price.Dassai 45 is the better version of the popular Dassai 50 whichused to be known for its premium quality. The fragrance puts a smile on your face, but the flavour will have you beaming from ear to ear.

The ’45’ is graceful and elegant with rice polished to 45%. This well-balanced sake offers a light sweetness and vibrant acidity. Notes of ripe cantaloupe, fennel, and cotton candy lead to a palate of apricot, anise, and pear. This is wrapped up by a dry, wistfully clean finish. Wonderful pairings for the ’45’ include fatty tuna sashimi, mushroom risotto, and prosciutto ham.

91 Points – Decanter Dassai 50 used to be the producer’s most widely available Sake, and the Asahi Shuzo decided to push the polishing a bit further to 45 after a brand renewal in 2019. The aim, said the producer, was to provide better drinking experience with the ‘most accessible’ Dassai. It’s leaner and milder in style than the more premium ’23’, although sharing a similar flavour profile of fresh pear, steamed rice, cinnamon and ripe melon on the nose, followed by a sweet, soft, slightly spiced palate, providing simple pleasure with a clean finish.

Origin: Yamaguchi Prefecture | Rice: Yamada-Nishiki | Rice Polished to: 45 % | Alcohol: 16%