Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo 720ml

Dassai 23 is milled to 23%, meaning 77% of each grain of rice is polished away before brewing. That makes it one of the most polished sakes in the world, and it is the bottle that carried Yamaguchi prefecture's Asahi Shuzo to international fame.

The nose gives grapes, flowers, strawberries and honey, and the flavour is as luscious as the aroma. It is a clean and plump Daiginjo, with chapters of flavour wrapped in a deep, layered structure. Look for hints of brown sugar, fleshy plums and minerals through an elegant lasting finish.

Rice polishing is 23%, the rice is Yamadanishiki, and alcohol is 16%. Serve it well chilled in a white wine glass rather than a small cup, so the aromatics have room. It is superb with sashimi, oysters, delicate seafood and simply dressed vegetables, and it makes a memorable gift.