Saké Junmai Daiginjo IWA 5 - Shiraiwa IWA
Tasting notes for the Sake "IWA 5" Assemblage 2 - Shiraiwa
- EYE: Shiraiwa's "IWA 5" Assemblage 2 sake presents a crystal-clear and luminous hue, evoking purity and finesse. Its clarity reflects the quality of filtration, emphasizing the attention to detail in its production.
- NOSE: The specific blend of this Japanese sake offers a delicate aromatic bouquet. Floral notes, such as jasmine and cherry blossom, harmoniously mingle with hints of melon and pear. The rice used, without the addition of extra alcohol, brings subtle aromas of fresh grains, attesting to the care taken in ingredient selection.
- MOUTH: This sake reveals itself as balanced and refined. The sweetness of the rice blends with fruity flavors, creating an elegant tasting experience. Slightly spicy touches, reminiscent of white pepper, add an additional dimension, leaving a delicate imprint on the palate.
In short: This "IWA 5" Assemblage 2 embodies Shiraiwa's artisanal excellence and the ambition of its director, Richard Geoffroy. Its crystal-clear transparency, enchanting floral bouquet, and balanced flavor palette make it an exceptional sake. The carefully crafted blend and the use of high-quality junmai daiginjo rice (three varieties in total: Yamada Nishiki, Omachi, and Gohyakumangoku) give this sake a unique and memorable identity. This sake pairs perfectly with various dishes such as fine sushi, sashimi, delicate seafood dishes, mild cheeses, and fruit desserts.
Other cuvées from this distillery: IWA 5 Assemblage 2, IWA 5 Assemblage 3, IWA 5 Assemblage 4...
Data sheet
- Vintage
- NV
- Format
- 72cl
- Color
- White
- Ingredients
- Rice, Water, Koji-Kin, Yeast
- Production origin
- Japan, Tateyama
- % vol.
- 16 %
- Appellation
- Saké
- Region
- Toyama
- Producer
- Shiraiwa
- Made by
- Richard Geoffroy
- Type
- Junmai
- Classification
- Tokutei Meisho-shu
- Subtype
- Daiginjo

Sake made by Richard Geoffroy
The IWA sake is actually a French initiative. In 2018, Dom Pérignon's former cellar master, Richard Geoffroy, decided to leave the Champagne region behind and start a new adventure: high-quality Japanese sake. As a japanophile since 1991, Richard had always thought that Japanese sake had to broaden its horizon and make itself known outside the borders of the island. For him, local producers need a more global approach if they want to communicate about the quality of their spirits, the beauty of their terroirs and the richness of their culture.
IWA is made using three different varieties of fermented sake rice: Yamada Nishiki, Omachi and Gohyakumangoku. This ultra premium sake, one can drink cold or hot, is prepared by "touji" (the local "cellar masters") in a "kura" (the Japanese word used to describe a production house) located in Shiraiwa, on the Tateyama commune (Toyama prefecture, in the west of Japan). Shiraiwa houses a 10 hectares rice field. This location was specifically selected by Richard for its beauty, giving the sake its name: "IWA", or "stone" in Japanese.
Discover the sake IWA.