IWA 5 Assemblage 3

Characteristics and tasting notes for IWA 5 Assemblage 3

Tasting

Nose
The nose is intense, pure and precise. The first notes are lively and intriguing, vegetal in nature, more floral than fruity. White pepper constitutes IWA's aromatic signature and is clearly present. After aeration, the sake develops increased complexity with darker tonalities. The aromas include cucumber, anise, bay leaf, green mango, violet, hyacinth, white flowers, coriander stem, sesame, pear, fresh hazelnuts, wood spices, white peach, fresh date, cantaloupe melon, toasted rice, cocoa and licorice.

Palate
One is immediately struck by remarkable balance and coherence. The sake displays lightness with great tonicity. Powerful yet smooth taste with a slightly peppery sensation on the palate. All sensations converge harmoniously towards a tactile, intense and salivating finish. The aftertaste lingers and constitutes the memory of the sake, both satisfying, refined and smooth. A unique combination of vibrant aromatics, sweetness, bitterness, acidity, spiciness and umami.

Food pairings and tasting occasions

IWA 5 possesses an intriguing ability to pair with a wide variety of foods. The sake presents remarkable flexibility to adjust to the level of the dish, from delicate to robust, from light flavors to dark flavors. It can accompany successive dishes throughout a single meal.

Serving temperature significantly modifies the profile: at 1-2°C, the sake tightens with an element of fruity sweetness evoking stone fruits and cherry. At 35-37°C, it becomes sensual, immaterial and downy, with notes of candied almonds. At 45°C, it reveals surprising smoothness, viscosity and a silky, seamless texture, with notes of mint, anise and camphor. At 55°C, the character of the rice is glorified, rounder, thicker and grainier, with white pepper in evidence.

An exceptional Japanese sake born from the Franco-Japanese encounter

IWA Sake: when French wine excellence meets Japanese tradition

IWA Japanese Sake embodies an exceptional encounter between French wine excellence and Japanese tradition. Created by Richard Geoffroy, former iconic cellar master of Dom Pérignon, this premium brand was born from an aesthetic quest nourished by numerous trips to Japan. Under the direction of its founder, IWA distinguishes itself through a singular approach to sake, where the expertise of a champagne master serves this ancestral Japanese alcohol. This unique Franco-Japanese fusion positions IWA as an exceptional sake, combining traditional craftsmanship and contemporary vision.

IWA 5 Assemblage 3: the art of blending in the service of sake

IWA 5 Assemblage 3 brings to sake the wine-making technique of blending, a revolutionary approach for this traditional Japanese alcohol. The composition is based on the blending of three rice varieties: yamada nishiki, omachi and gohyakumangoku, from four different origins. To this are added five different yeast strains, including two wine yeasts, and several brewing methods. This approach makes the blend better balanced, richer and more complex.

The brewing is carried out primarily according to the traditional kimoto method, bringing additional depth to the sake. All components benefit from a rice polishing ratio of 35%, guaranteeing exceptional purity. This spirit undergoes one year of maturation in bottle before release.