About the product
IWA 5 Junmai Daiginjo Assemblage 4 represents a refined expression of Japanese sake craftsmanship. This junmai daiginjo showcases the precision of polishing premium rice to reveal delicate, complex flavors. The assemblage of select batches creates a harmonious balance of floral aromatics, subtle fruit notes, and a clean, crisp finish.
Best enjoyed chilled, this sake pairs beautifully with light appetizers, sushi, and seafood dishes. Its elegant profile makes it ideal for those seeking a sophisticated, premium sake experience that honors traditional brewing methods while delivering contemporary refinement.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairings
Taste Notes
- Nose: An evolving bouquet that opens with marzipan, lotus root, and white peach, followed by more complex layers of hazelnut, shiitake mushroom, and a surprising floral finish of violets.
- Palate: Fluid and sophisticated. It dances between creamy citrus and maritime saltiness, with a silky texture that feels "weightless" on the tongue.
- Finish: Long and resonant, marked by IWA’s signature touch of white and Sansho peppers, providing a clean, spicy snap.
Food Pairings & Serving
- Temperature Versatility: This sake is designed to be explored at multiple temperatures. Chilled (5°C) highlights the floral fruitiness, while warming it to "Hitohadakan" (35-37°C) brings out candied almond and anise notes.
- Savory Pairing: The umami-rich profile makes it a perfect match for Grilled Seafood (Scallops or Lobster), Mushroom Risotto, or Roast Chicken with herbs.
- Asian Cuisine: Pairs brilliantly with Sushi and Sashimi, but has the weight to stand up to Chilli Crab or Chicken Bulgogi.
- Wine Fare: Because of its high acidity (2.6), it pairs well with foods traditionally served with white wine, such as Creamy Cheeses (Brie or Camembert) and vinegar-based appetizers.
About the brand
IWA 5 is a revolutionary sake brand founded by Richard Geoffroy, who served as the Chef de Cave of Dom Pérignon for 28 years. Bringing a Champagne-maker’s philosophy to Japan, Geoffroy uses the art of "Assemblage" (blending) to create a complex, multi-layered spirit. Assemblage 4 is particularly special as it is the first release produced entirely at IWA’s own state-of-the-art brewery, Shiraiwa Kura, designed by architect Kengo Kuma. It is engineered to be "weightless yet bodied," shifting away from the traditional linear profile of sake toward a more three-dimensional, wine-like experience.
