About the brewery : Iwase Shuzo was founded in 1723 and is known as one of the best breweries among sake lovers for its unique quality and taste. About 10 minutes from the warehouse lies the Onjuku coast, nicknamed the “Moon Desert”. The brewing water used in the brewery comes from groundwater that flows through the shell layer due to its proximity to the coast, and has one of the highest levels of hardness in Japan, ranging from 13 to 15. If there's plenty of calcium and magnesium, nutrients are plentiful and fermentation will be active. The unwavering spirit of dedicated brewers has taken traditional sake-making to new heights. In 1947, IWANOI received the “Best Sake in Japan” award and has since been selected as a favorite by many sake lovers and celebrities, including former French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac, who appreciated IWANOI at the “Grand Prix de la Culture Mondiale” and subsequently requested that the bottles be sent back to France to share with his friends, as well as former US President Ronald Reagan, who brought IWANOI back as a souvenir from Japan. In 2016, IWANOI was distinguished as one of Japan's highest-rated prestigious sakes, by world-renowned wine critic Robert Parker.

Detailed tasting notes : The sake has a beautiful yellow/amber color. The nose is lively and pronounced, with notes of strawberry, rice and strong candy and mochi aromas. The attack on the palate is supple, smooth and lively. There are occasional hints of alcohol (17°), which are pleasantly herbal, bringing balance to this nama. The relatively long bitter finish is also herbaceous, bringing freshness to the palate.

Serving suggestions : Enjoy with pan-fried horse mackerel, grilled white fish (red sea bream), marinated sardines, tomato stew or octopus Garcia-style.