Iwa Sake has released its highly anticipated Iwa 5 Assemblage 5 — the latest launch from Shiraiwa K.K. in the expression of beauty and pursuit of perfect balance.
The dark, velvety 720-milliliter bottles hold the blending or “assemblage” techniques of founder-maker Richard Geoffroy, who spent 28 years as the cellar master at Champagne house Dom Perignon.
The sake, which when poured is likened to a stream of light emerging from shadows, delivers the nuances of the organic connection between Geoffroy and respected sake brewer Yabuta Toji. The two produced all four of the previous Iwa 5 releases (Assemblages 1 to 4) and now the craft of Iwa at the state-of-the-art Toyama brewery designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma is reaching new heights.
This newest release, Assemblage 5 (¥14,960), explores and exploits the peculiarities of different brewing options in an intriguing, finely tuned sake rich with contrast between the senses of taste and scent — the palate and the nose. Floral aromas of pear, raspberry and plum with notes of jasmine are heightened by the spicy freshness of pine and geranium. On the palate, the floral notes are accompanied by a gentle astringency. The silky and warm opening dissolves into a dry minerality and lingers with a vibrant touch of citron, white pepper and licorice.
Every assemblage of Iwa 5, which is released annually, has surprised the market with its sophistication and complexity — the ability to bring completeness to meals that are rich or delicately flavored.
However, core to the Iwa philosophy is putting aside stability for continued evolution, engaging in endless experiment with the promised reward of delightful discovery.
Still, every assemblage is unmistakably Iwa 5. With the Assemblage 5 comes a renewed and ever irresistible invitation to a vertical tasting — a new, extended experience of five different ways to say “balance.”
For more information:
Homepage: https://iwa-sake.jp/
Online store: https://iwa-sake.shop/en/