A refined, modern sake from Richard Geoffroy, Assemblage 6 is poised, precise and beautifully balanced. Aromas of pear, plum, toasted rice and nori lead to a sleek, slightly dry palate with integrated fruit, floral and marine notes, finishing long, smooth and resonant. Exceptionally versatile, it shines across temperatures and pairs effortlessly with a wide range of cuisines. Iwa-sake.jp 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) is all poise and precision — a refined, linear expression that holds its note from the very first impression to a seamless, lingering finish. The noseDeeply 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 palateSomewhat 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. EXPERIENCEIWA 5’s unique character: embracing diverse cultures & cuisines “The energy which goes into the making of IWA 5 is mirrored in its drinking. I encourage the followers and lovers of IWA to take an element of risk in experimenting as much as I do.”Richard Geoffroy, IWA Founder-Maker Its unique character confers IWA 5 with a latitude to embrace very diverse cultures and their cuisines.IWA 5 can respond to various drinking moments at different temperature points in different glassware. Lower temperatures. Reishu. 冷酒From 1-2° and aboveDefinitely 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. Higher temperatures. Kanzake. 燗酒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. IN DIFFERENT GLASSWAREReferences for Glass Shapes:Lehmann Signature n°4 Arnaud Lallement UltraleggeroJohn Jenkins Starr White BurgundyRiedel Superleggero DaiginjoRiedel Veritas New World Pinot NoirIWA Marc Newson FOOD PAIRINGIWA 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.
