Sipping Your Way Through December—Day 5

Dassai Blue Type 23 Sake

Today let’s take a little detour from wine to explore one of Japan’s most historic beverages, only this one is made with water from New York’s Hudson Valley. The producer, Dassai Blue, is the American offshoot of Japan’s highly regarded Dassai. Their U.S. brewery is located in Hyde Park, New York, where they use a mix of imported and U.S.-grown Yamada Nishiki, a top-quality Japanese sake rice, to craft each batch of their stellar sakes.

Dassai Blue Type 23 (SRP $45 for a half bottle) is a Junmai Daiginjo, the highest tier of premium sake. Since I’ll be the first to admit I’m no sake connoisseur, I’ll leave the tasting notes to Chris Carlsson of SpiritsReview.com, who describes it far better than I could.

Carlsson calls the appearance “clear as mountain spring water,” and notes that the aromatics fall somewhere between Chardonnay and Riesling—think subtle hints of grape, flowers, strawberries, and tropical fruit. On the palate, he finds layers of plums, delicate date-like notes, and a clean mineral edge, with a long and elegant finish. His favorite food with Dassai Blue 23 is sushi or sashimi. He also gives the bottle high marks for its understated design.

Carlsson’s final thoughts: “When you are ready to trade up and stop drinking the abysmal crap your local Japanese restaurant serves, buy this sake. Truly elevates your meal and you.”

‘Nuff said!

Note: This sake should be served chilled, 50 to 54°F (10 to 12 °C), and served in a wide-mouthed wine glass so you can swirl it and take in the fragrant aromas.

For a festive outing (not even a 2-hour drive from New York City), visit Dassai Blue’s gorgeous new brewery in Hyde Park, NY, for a tour and tasting. It is a fun stop if you’re already visiting the Culinary Institute of America or exploring the Hudson Valley.

Holiday Gift Idea

Dassai Blue Type 23 is part of the Essential Trio 375ml boxed gift set, which also includes Types 35 and 50. For anyone curious about sake, or already smitten with it, this is a thoughtful, beautifully presented gift. ($95)