Message from Beverage Director, Sam Miyazawa:

There is a wine-making technique/method called "assemblage."

"Assemblage", famous for Bordeaux wine and Champagne, means "mixing, assembling, combining, blending" by mixing multiple wine varieties. So it is possible to create a wine with a complex flavor that cannot be made with a single grape variety.

When it comes to sake, the concept, technique/method of "assemblage" has not been commonly practiced.

Burgundy wine generally uses the monocepage style of making wine using a single variety of grapes, so it can also be said that sake is close to the monocepage style.
While it is common to use different rice for the "koji rice" and "kake rice", the idea of mixing different types of brewed sake was extremely rare. If there was such a thing, it was only in so-called "taboo” methods.

However, if the purpose of "assemblage" is to create a complex flavor that cannot be made with a single variety,
is "assemblage" also possible with sake?

The answer is yes, but it is not easy and is quite complex. It would require mastery, precision, and decades of honing this craft.

The reason is that the production of sake is much more complicated than wine, and the process of completing the product is very different, starting with the difference between the ingredients, rice and grapes,

Therefore, a simple "assemblage" might destroy the taste and character of the original sake. That was common sense in the world of sake production.

Then, a genius appeared.

Richard Geoffroy

It is Monsieur Richard Geoffroy, who served as the fifth Winemaker (Chef de Cave) of "Dom Pérignon" at Moet & Chandon for 28 years (the longest period in history).

Why did Monsieur Geoffroy, who reigned at the top of the champagne world and knew everything about "assemblage", start making sake?

He answers that it was "pure love for Japan."

"Since my first visit to Japan, I fell in love with Japan, Japanese food and sake."

Should the sake created by this master of champagne be like wine? He completely defies expectations, and the sake he creates is truly "sake." Moreover, it has a complex flavor that no one has been able to create before.

Monsieur Geoffroy, who has been an ardent sake fan for decades, says, "Sake is sake. You shouldn't try to imitate wine too much," but also says, "There are many similarities between sake and champagne."

"I feel that the "harmony" of champagne and the "harmony" of sake are fundamentally the same.

"Harmony" is universal, and even if the expression is different, they are connected in that 'all elements create meaning together."

When I became convinced of this, my desire to challenge a new field became stronger."

Thus, IWA, which brought shock and innovation to the world of sake, released Assemblage 1 in 2020 and has since released a new assemblage every year.

Each assemblage is blended differently, so the taste is very different. It's not just a difference in vintage year, and the great appeal of IWA is that sake of the same brand can have such different tastes and appeals.

Among the various IWA Assemblage varieties, Kuraichi has been featuring "3," which has the most powerful, rich flavor and deep aftertaste.

Iwa 5 Assemblage 3

It is a rare sake that combines the taste of historical and traditional Japanese sake that Geoffroy loves, with a floral aroma and a slightly peppery mouthfeel.

It is powerful yet smooth, deep yet delicate, and can be enjoyed with a wonderful balance.

And now, Kuraichi has stocked “Assemblage 4,” which has shocked IWA fans once again since its release last year.

Iwa 5 Assemblage 4

As you can see when comparing it to "Assemblage 3", "4" retains the rich mouthfeel of IWA, but is filled with a more refined, light, and elegant taste.

Aromatically, it is more floral and fruity, and its aromatic character is extremely unique.

Following “Assemblage 3", Kuraichi will also offer this “Assemblage 4" at the lowest price in New York.

For online orders, free shipping is usually available for purchases over $200, but for IWA, we will deliver with no shipping fee.

In addition, if you purchase “Assemblage 3" and “Assemblage 4" together, you will also receive a 10% discount.

Don't miss out on this rare opportunity!
And enjoy a new sake experience!

On Saturday June 14, we will be holding a free in-store tasting event featuring IWA 5 Assemblage 4 and 3!