Dassai 45 Junmai Daiginjo Sake (720ml)

Dassai, brewed by Asahi Shuzo in Yamaguchi Prefecture, is dedicated exclusively to Junmai Daiginjo sake made with the highest level of rice polishing for purity and elegance. Using only Yamada Nishiki, the most prized sake rice, Dassai embraces a supremely modern approach, blending tradition with innovation. Unlike most breweries that follow a seasonal brewing cycle, Dassai operates year-round, refining their techniques to achieve precision and consistency. The result is a range of exceptionally smooth, fragrant, and expressive sake that has gained a global following.

As the most accessible in the range, Dassai 45 captures the essence of Junmai Daiginjo with a focus on clarity and drinkability. A refined yet versatile sake, it’s designed for ease of enjoyment.

Tasting Note: Brilliant, pale near water white in the glass. Exuberant and very pretty nose with a lovely mix of red fruit, strawberry, cranberry, ruby grapefruit, gooseberry, backed up with white chocolate and nougat. Really enticing. Vibrant and flavourful on the palate, combining a similar mix of red berry and summer fruit flavours, white chocolate, cream, aromatic jasmine rice, even a hint of white pepper. Silky smooth and very precise in its flavours. Such a pleasurable drink, with the dash of sweetness only adding to the broad appeal of this impressive sake. Serve chilled with edamame, tuna sashimi, or grilled white fish.
Alc: 16%
Rice Polishing: 45%

Other Reviews....
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.
91 points
Sylvia Wu - Decanter