Dassai: Polished to Perfection

Among the most revered names in the world of Japanese sake, Dassai stands apart as a symbol of purity, precision, and relentless innovation. Produced by Asahi Shuzo in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Dassai is dedicated exclusively to crafting Junmai Daiginjo—the highest grade of sake—using only the finest Yamada Nishiki rice. This singular focus has earned Dassai international acclaim, making it one of the most celebrated sake brands worldwide.

At Sushi Ii, we proudly feature four exceptional Dassai expressions: Dassai 23, Dassai Blue 23, Dassai Blue 35, and Dassai Beyond. Each represents a different level of craft and polish, inviting guests to experience the full spectrum of Dassai’s refined artistry.

The Dassai Philosophy: Craft, Innovation, and Transparency

Dassai is built on a guiding principle: “We polish our rice, our technology, and our humanity.” This mindset reflects the brewery’s belief that excellence is created through continuous refinement—not just of the rice itself, but of the process, the tools, and the people behind it.

Rather than relying on centuries-old traditions simply for the sake of tradition, Dassai embraces innovation. The brewery is known for adopting cutting-edge milling technology, precision temperature controls, and data-driven fermentation monitoring while still preserving the craftsmanship needed to create elegant, expressive sake.

The result is sake that is consistently clean, aromatic, and sophisticated—ideal for pairing with sushi and delicate Japanese cuisine.

Dassai Expressions at Sushi Ii

Dassai 23

Widely regarded as one of Dassai’s flagship sakes, Dassai 23 is polished to 23% of its original grain size, removing all but the purest starch at the rice core. This extreme level of refinement produces an ethereal sake with aromas of white flowers, ripe melon, and pear, accompanied by a smooth, silky palate and a long, graceful finish.

Dassai 23 is a natural companion to high-grade sashimi and nigiri, where its delicate structure enhances—rather than competes with—the natural sweetness of the fish.

Dassai Blue 23

The Dassai Blue project represents the brand’s expansion into the U.S., blending Japanese expertise with American innovation at their New York–based brewery. Dassai Blue 23 captures the same luxurious profile of the original 23 but is crafted with local water and U.S.-grown Yamada Nishiki rice under the supervision of Dassai’s master brewers.

This expression shows elegant fruit notes—lychee, green apple, and white peach—with a bright, clean finish. It pairs beautifully with delicate white fish and uni, allowing the nuances of both the food and the sake to shine.

Dassai Blue 35

Polished to 35%, this expression strikes a beautiful balance between refinement and richness. Dassai Blue 35 delivers aromas of stone fruits, fresh pear, and subtle anise, with a soft, round texture that feels both modern and accessible.

The slightly fuller body of Blue 35 makes it an excellent pairing for sushi with richer umami, such as chutoro, scallops, or lightly seared preparations.

Dassai Beyond

Considered one of the pinnacle achievements in the sake world, Dassai Beyond is the result of years of research, experimentation, and obsessive dedication. Though the exact polishing ratio is not disclosed, Beyond surpasses the techniques used for Dassai 23, offering layers of complexity that unfold gently with every sip.

This sake is incredibly nuanced—silky, expressive, and almost weightless—with notes of honeysuckle, tropical fruit, and fresh rice, delivered in a finish that feels endless. Dassai Beyond is a sake to savor slowly, preferably alongside the most delicate dishes, or even on its own as a meditative experience.

Why Dassai Shines at Sushi Ii

Sushi Ii’s culinary philosophy mirrors the values of Dassai: precision, purity, and respect for ingredients. Each Dassai expression enhances the subtleties of our sushi, from the clean minerality of white fish to the richness of salmon belly or Hokkaido uni.

Whether guests are exploring sake for the first time or seeking the highest tiers of craftsmanship, Dassai provides a journey through refinement—each bottle representing a new height of technical mastery.

Dassai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of sake production has made it one of the most admired breweries in the world. At Sushi Ii, we are honored to feature Dassai 23, Dassai Blue 23, Dassai Blue 35, and Dassai Beyond, offering our guests an opportunity to taste the evolution of modern sake through the lens of one of Japan’s most innovative producers.