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.
Assemblage 6 (2024) marks a turning point—an elegant closure to IWA’s first creative cycle.
Drawing from the great diversity of previous Assemblages, it distills years of exploration into a composition that is both assured and exacting.
The path to this sixth expression has been one of refinement: trimming away excess, preserving the essential, and extending the line from first to final note with unwavering focus.
Assemblage 6 opens a new horizon for IWA—a streamlined expression that will guide the path forward.
Assemblage 6 is all poise and precision — a refined, linear expression that holds its note from the very first impression to a seamless, lingering finish.
The nose
Deeply coherent, the nose unfolds with a calm, emotive presence. Pear and plum emerge first, joined by a note of green foliage and a backdrop of toasted rice. Layers of nori seaweed and a hint of cacao add depth, bringing both freshness and quiet richness.
The palate
Somewhat drier than Assemblage 5, the palate is sleek and linear, carrying its note with unbroken clarity. There is a natural integration of the fruit, floral, and marine elements. A gentle note of buttery brioche unfurls with aeration, adding textural richness. The finish is long, tactile, and resonant, signature balance and complexity are carried till the very end.
IWA 5’s unique character: embracing diverse cultures & cuisines
Richard Geoffroy, IWA Founder-Maker
From 1-2° and above
Definitely tightens the Sake up. Starting from 1°/2° and above is a subtle play of textures, with an element of gentle soft fruitiness – stone fruit, cherry.
35-37°C Hitohadakan 人肌燗
Sensuous. Immaterial and fluffy, gets back together through the aftertaste. Candied almonds.
45°C Jokan 上燗
Amazingly soft. The viscosity and silky texture are fusional. Mint, aniseed, camphor.
55°C Tobikirikan 飛び切り燗
A glorified character of rice. Rounded, thicker and grainy. White pepper.
References for Glass Shapes:
IWA 5 has an intriguing capacity to pair with a great array of foods: the Sake has sort of a flexibility to invariably adjust itself right to the level of the food, sensibly, from the delicate to the robust, from light to dark flavors. IWA 5 can pair with successive dishes throughout one single meal.
A span of opposing & complementary characters
5 different yeast strains, including experimental ones.
The selection of yeast strains is based on their complimentary individual characters: high and low tone aromas, greener aromas, complexity, umami, sourness, viscosity or texture.
Predominantly traditional Kimoto. Bringing extra depth.
Making the Assemblage better balanced, richer and more complex.
No alcohol added. Rice polishing rate – Seimaibuai – is 35% as all individual components are 35%.
The entire production has been pasteurized.
