Dassai 23: The Finest Sake of Japan
The Dassai 23 is a premium sake from the renowned Asahi Shuzo brewery, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. It has earned a reputation as one of the finest sakes available, with its smooth taste and high-quality ingredients. In addition, its unique rice polishing ratio of only 23% makes this sake incredibly smooth and exquisite.
What Is Rice Polishing?
Rice polishing is a process used to remove the outer layers of each grain of rice used in brewing sake. The more polished the rice is, the better its flavor and quality will be. The higher the polishing ratio, the fewer impurities remain in the sake and thus produces a smoother taste. In general, it takes longer to polish each grain of rice and therefore increases production costs; however, Dassai 23 uses only the highest-quality rice in order to achieve a perfect balance between flavor and texture.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, Dassai 23 has fruity and confectionary aromas with a touch of minerality. Scents of green pear, pineapple, vanilla and angel food cake mingle together in perfect harmony. On the palate, thee are flavors of muscat grape and marshmallow that linger on long after each sip. The wet stone minerality extends into the taste as well for an added layer of complexity. All these flavors combine to create an incredibly smooth experience that is sure to delight any connoisseur's palate!
Serving Suggestions
Dassai 23 should be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature depending on personal preference. Its lovely sweet aroma pairs perfectly with any type of seafood dish or even grilled meats such as steak or chicken. For dessert pairings we suggest light desserts such as fruit tarts or custards which will bring out more of the delicate fruity notes found in this sake.
Overall Impression
Dassai 23 is truly a remarkable sake that should be savored whenever possible! Its silky smooth texture combined with its complex flavors make it one of Japan's finest sakes that can be enjoyed on special occasions or even just for everyday enjoyment!
Understanding the Sweetness and Dryness of Dassai 23
Dassai 23 is a dry sake. It has a lush and tropical flavor, but it finishes dry on the palate with subtle notes of stone fruits. It is smooth and silky, making it an excellent choice for special occasions.
Tasting Notes for Dassai 23
The Dassai 23 has a complex flavor profile with notes of green pear, pineapple, vanilla and angel food cake. On the palate, it balances its fruity sweetness with a touch of minerality, giving the sake a unique depth. The minerality lingers on the tongue and allows flavors of muscat grape and marshmallow to come through. It is an enjoyable sake that is both light and smooth.
The Meaning of Dassai 23
Dassai 23 is a type of sake brewed by the Asahi Shuzo Brewery in Hiroshima, Japan. It has a unique name because its rice polishing ratio is 23%, which means that only 23% of the original grain remains after it is milled. This gives the sake a very smooth texture and a complex flavor profile that includes melon, banana, and peach. Additionally, it has an alcohol content of 15-16%. This sake pairs well with lighter dishes such as sushi and sashimi, as its light body complements these dishes perfectly.
Storing Dassai 23: How Long Can It Last?
Dassai 23 can be kept chilled for up to one week, however, for best results and to ensure the highest quality of flavor and aroma, we recommend enjoying it as soon as possible. To preserve the quality of Dassai 23, store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat. Additionally, be sure to seal the bottle tightly after each use and try not to shake or agitate the sake too much. Doing so will help prevent oxidation which can negatively affect its flavor.
The Popularity of Dassai Sake
Dassai is a Japanese sake brewery that has gained international recognition for its premium junmai daiginjo sake. Dassai's rise to fame is largely attributed to its unique marketing strategy, which has led to an exponential growth in sales over the past three decades. The brewery's success can also be attributed to its commitment to quality and innovation.
Dassai places a heavy emphasis on quality control measures, such as usng only the highest grade of rice and using traditional brewing methods. This attention to detail has resulted in a high-quality product that is prized by sake connoisseurs around the world. The brewery also innovates by developing new products, such as their popular 23% junmai daiginjo sake, which is made with only the finest ingredients and aged for two years in cedar barrels.
The brewery's marketing strategy has also been instrumental in their success. Dassai emphasizes brand recognition by actively participating in events such as the International Wine Challenge, where it won several medals for its high-quality sake. In addition, Dassai employs social media campaigns and sponsorships of Japanese celebrities to increase brand awareness among consumers worldwide.
Ultimately, Dassai's commitment to quality, innovation and clever branding have made it one of the most famous premium sake brands in the world today.
Source: onecellar.com
The Most Expensive Dassai Sake
The Dassai Beyond, part of Asahi Shuzo's sake offerings on the market, is the most expensive in the collection. It is brewed with Yamada Nishiki rice milled to a 10-percent level of its original size and has a price tag of 33,000 yen per bottle.
Drinking Dassai 23 Sake
Dassai 23 sake is best enjoyed chilled, in a wine glass to help bring out its distinct aroma. To achieve the ideal drinking temperature of 10-12°C, keep the bottle in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours prior to serving. Alternatively, you can also enjoy it at room temperature.
Pairing Dassai 23 sake with food can truly enhance your experience. It goes well with seasonal vegetables, fish, cheese or tofu dishes. It also pairs nicely with dashi stock or miso based dishes. Enjoy!
The Meaning of ‘Dassai' in Japanese
Dassai is a Japanese word that literally translates to “otter festival”. It originates from Yamaguchi Prefecture, where otters used to be frequently spotted in the rivers. The term was often used by locals to describe the natural scenes of otters playing in the waters. Nowadays, it is mainly used to refer to a festival that celebrates and honors these animals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dassai 23 is a luxurious and smooth sake with a unique flavor profile. Its rice polishing ratio of 23%, making it one of the most finely polished sakes on the market, gives it a silky texture and delightful fruity aromas. The notes of green pear, pineapple, vanilla and angel food cake mixed with a touch of minerality make this sake an unforgettable experience. With its dry finish and long lasting flavors, Dassai 23 is perfect to be savored on special occasions.
