Dassai Sample Pack Review
Dassai is one of the most internationally-recognised sake brands. From award ceremonies, J-drama and anime series, the Dassai brand is firmly in the Japanese zeitgeist. Its high quality and strong production levels has earned Dassai a well-earned reputation.
So I’m pretty excited about tasting these three samples. Dassai 23, 39 and 45 are considered the most popular ‘classics’. All three samples are Junmai Daiginjo, brewed in the Yamaguchi Prefecture.
A little about Dassai
The Asahi Shuzo brewery were locally inspired when naming their brand. Dassai means ‘otter festival’, a term often used in the Yamaguchi prefecture. Otters would proudly display their catch of the day on the river shore. Dassai wanted to emulate that sense of pride by creating high quality sake, for everyone.
Note: I once confused ‘Dassai’ with ‘Dasai’(ダサい) meaning lame, or dorky. Be sure to elongate that ‘S’ sound if you don’t want to offend the brand!
Dassai was one of the first sake brands to embrace year-round brewing. Traditional, organic sake processes can yield various results, depending on weather conditions. But by eschewing a Toji (sake master) and using standardised brewing technology, Dassai can produce consistent, high quality results, every time.
This detour from traditional methods can divide sake critics. Many believe that the use of industrialised equipment sacrifices the ‘authenticity’ of the product. Others argue that the innovation is essential for producing sake to a wide, even global, market.
However, Dassai has been successful in its original goal to produce a great tasting sake, from high quality ingredients at an affordable price. So let’s get tasting! Kanpai!
Dassai 39
This sample is made from locally-sourced Yamada Nishiki genmai brown rice. As the name suggests, the rice is milled to just 39% of its original size. Dassai 39 is light and dry. As with all these Junmai Daiginjo samples, serve slightly chilled.
Dassai 39 tasting notes
• Sweet, ripe banana & apple notes with a long-lasting finish.
• Pair with any refined fish dish.
Dassai 23
The rice is polished down to an impressive 23%! This level of refining gives the sake its floral scent and delicate taste.
Dassai 23 tasting notes
• Floral notes.
• Rich and sweet
• Tart pear with a subtle fennel aftertaste.
• Pair with shellfish, squid or scallops.
Dassai 45
This is an improved version of the Dassai 50, with a focus on the fermentation process and rice grain refined down to 45%. Dassai 45 was created so more people can enjoy high-quality sake at an affordable price.
Dassai 45 tasting notes
• Fresh orange citrus and slight clove notes.
• Light and dry
• Flexible and easy to pair with seafood, white meat and mushroom dishes.
I hope this gives you a little insight into the popular world of Dassai. If you would like to know more about Japanese sake, please read my other sake reviews here. Want more updates? Follow me on Instagram at hellokanpaidrinks
