DASSAI means “otter festival,” inspired by the many otters that used to call Yamaguchi prefecture home. It is also the pen name of famous Japanese poet Masaoka Shiki, credited with revolutionizing the modern haiku. Trendsetting, playful and committed to excellence—that is the embodiment of DASSAI sake. Focused on producing only high-quality junmai daiginjo, DASSAI’s light, floral and fruity style has become a favorite of drinkers the world over. From accessible offerings like DASSAI “45” to ultra high-end bottles like DASSAI “Beyond,” this brand believes in quality sake for everyone. Always innovating, DASSAI is even experimenting with brewing sake in space!

Which Dassai should I choose?

Every Dassai sake is a junmai daiginjo made with Yamadanishiki rice. The number on the label is the rice polishing ratio. It shows how much of each rice grain is left after polishing.

• Dassai 45: polished to 45%. The easiest place to start.
• Dassai 39: polished to 39%. It sits between the 45 and the 23.
• Dassai 23: polished to 23%. The brewery's flagship sake.
• Dassai Beyond: the brewery's top bottle, made in small amounts.

Want to taste the difference? The Discover Dassai tasting set has the 23, 39 and 45 in 300 ml bottles. The Dassai tasting set has all three in full 720 ml bottles. Looking for the Dassai brewed in New York? See Dassai Blue.