DASSAI 39 Junmai Daiginjo 1.8L
The Dassai range of Junmai Daiginjo includes the much sought-after Dassai 23 sake, 39, 45 (or 50 – they are the same, just rebranded), of which the 39 is right smack in the middle of the other two sakes. Sakes have taken on new popularity, particularly in the last few years, and the Asahi Shuzo Company’s Dassai range has certainly played its part in the increasing admiration of this alcohol.
Junmai daiginjo sake does not contain any brewers alcohol and means it is made with highly polished rice. The result is a premium quality sake. You may have heard of Dassai 23, Dassai 50 or Dassai 45. The Dassai 39 is the middle sibling of the lot. Fitting right between Dassai 45 and 23, the Dassai 39 is, as the Asian expression goes, ‘same-same but different’. A lovely compromise between the two other milling rates, the Dassai 39 sake actually possesses the best of both worlds and the best selling sake among the three.
When comparing Dassai 39 vs 23, the 39 comes off as more subtle in terms of aroma than the 23 but the acidity is higher. The Dassai 39 is also juicier and although Dassai 23 is already delicious, Dassai 39 reviews mostly prefer the higher numbered bottle because of the overall taste.
On the nose, the Dassai 39 is fruity with hints of koji rice, apple, honeydew and strawberries. On the palate, the taste of ripe golden delicious apples and fruity basket flavours like pears, blueberries, and honeydew fill the mouth. Lively and velvety, the Dassai 39 is a highly polished daiginjo. However, it is not as highly polished as the Dassai 45.
The Dassai 45 or sometimes referred to as the Dassai 50, is the most polished among all three. If you are wondering, the number at the end of Dassai indicates how much of the rice has been milled off. The remainder of the rice is the essence of the sake you drink. So if you compare Dassai 39 vs 50 (or 45), the taste is somewhat similar. The only difference is that the Dassai 39 opens up in terms of flavour profile more easily and is more refined and well balanced overall.
The Dassai 39 abv is at 16%. Many have asked how to drink Dassai 39. Historically, sake tastes best at a warmer or room temperature. However, Dassai 39 sake reviews have stated that it may be better to start at a colder temperature and let it warm up on its own to see what you prefer as each person is different. So take your time to savour and taste the sake by first taking a deep breath and enjoying the sake aromas. Then taste all the flavours and goodness of this best sake.
Because the Dassai 39 junmai daiginjo is pleasantly dry, it would go well with a cold salad, feta cheese and pizza. Try it and let us know what you think!
This Dassai 39 Junmai Daiginjo is 1.8L. Although we also carry the Dassai 39 700ml, sometimes it’s just great to have some extra on hand for parties, dinner or just to enjoy it.
