Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo
Sake approaches art in a bottle of Dassai 23. Produced in the Chuoguku region of Yamaguchi Prefecture, Dassai 23 is a premium junmai daiginjo sake. The claim to fame of this world-class sake is its near-impossible rice polishing ratio. Its premium Yamadanishiki rice is milled down to a painstaking 23% of its original rice grains. The feat is unmatched by any other commercial sake brewery in Japan.
And the extra effort is well-worth it. Today, Dassai 23 is known as one of the absolute best sakes in the world. The extensive rice milling process opens up a world of possibilites in aroma & flavor profiles in this ultimate junmai daiginjo sake.
Upon opening this high-grade sake, a flurry of floral aromatics slip into the nostrils. You may also catch hints of melon and honey in the nose.
The fragrant aromas open up to a smooth, rich body. As it cascades over the palate, Dassai 23 releases subtle juicy stone fruit flavors like peach and plum. At the fringes, soft brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutty notes linger. The finish is long and dry with a slightly crisp minerality.
Serve chilled to let the flavors of this complex sake shine. Although it's best to enjoy Dassai 23 on its own, this elegant sake also pairs wonderfully with food. Light fish & seafood dishes and appetizers are a good match.
- Producer: Asahi Shuzo
- Prefecture: Yamaguchi
- Category: Junmai Daiginjo
- Rice Polishing (Seimaibuai): 23%
- Rice: Yamada-Nishiki
- ABV: 16%
- Sake Meter Value (SMV): +4
- Acidity: 1.3
Frequently asked questions
Dassai 23 has a sake meter value (SMV) of +4 and an acidity of about 1.3. This well-balanced sake leans more towards rich & sweet than light & dry.
Dassai 23 is best served chilled between 40ºF and 60ºF. To bring out the full flavors in this sublime sake, you want want to use a wine glass instead of a traditional ochoko vessel.
Common flavors & tastes noted include peach, plum, melon, and pear.
Dassai 23 is brewed in the Chuoguku region of Yamaguchi Prefecture by Asahi Shuzo. After retooling their table sake brewery to craft high-quality premium sake, Dassai has become one of Japan's top sake brands for sake lovers.
Dassai 23 is brewed with premium-quality Yamada-Nishiki rice polished down to 23% of its original rice kernel.