A bold and elegant reimagining of sake, IWA 5 Assemblage 5 pushes tradition into exciting new territory. Crafted under the vision of Richard Geoffroy (former chef de cave at Dom Pérignon), this sake balances complexity with drinkability. Delicate aromas of pear, raspberry, and plum meet floral hints of rose and jasmine, all lifted by a subtle spice. On the palate, it’s smooth and silky with a gentle astringency, finishing long and dry with notes of citron, white pepper, and licorice. A polished, modern sake with depth, finesse, and a global outlook.

Iwa-sake.jp

Each Assemblage of IWA 5 keeps true to Sake, yet departs from convention in many aspects.

First and foremost, the global expression of classical Sake is shifted to a greater equilibrium between nose and palate. Palatability is key, actual IWA 5’s main asset. A major emphasis is put on the finish. The aftertaste lingers and remains the memory of the Sake, satisfying, refined and smooth: a unique combination of vibrant aromatics, of the sweet, the bitter, the sour, the spicy and the umami.

THE MAKING OF 
The journey of creation: Assemblage 5 (2023)

The journey to Assemblage 5 has been yet another awakening, this time a direct projection of previous Assemblage 4 into uncharted territory.
After several years in our state-of-the-art Kura, the craft of IWA is developing into a more and more robust process. Our understanding of all the nuances of a full range of brewing options is reaching new heights.

Our first four Assemblages taught us that even a slight variance in the formulation can lead to pronounced difference. The organic connection between Yabuta Toji and Founder-Maker Richard Geoffroy results in an intriguing finely tuned Assemblage 5.
So accomplished and satisfying, Assemblage 5 not only surprises but it also resets the stage to keep on exploring exciting new horizons.

The nose
The aromas of pear, raspberry and plum blend with the notes of rose and jasmine. Such a complexity is heightened by the spicy freshness of pine and geranium.

The palate
The contrast between palate and nose is engaging. There is a palpable duality of the pure well rounded fruity/floral aromatics and the archaic tactile presence of 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.