Dassai 39 Junmai Daiginjo sake

Dassai 39 is a premium Japanese sake produced by the Asahi Shuzo brewery, located in the Yamaguchi Prefecture. The name 'Dassai' translates to 'Otter Festival,' referencing a local legend about otters displaying fish they caught as if celebrating a festival. The '39' in the name signifies the rice polishing ratio, meaning the Yamada Nishiki rice used is polished down until only 39% of the original grain remains, a hallmark of the high-end Junmai Daiginjo category.

Originally founded in 1948, the brewery underwent a significant transformation under the leadership of Hiroshi Sakurai, who shifted the focus from mass-produced table sake to ultra-premium varieties. Today, the brand is managed by his son, Kazuhiro Sakurai. As of June 2025, the company officially rebranded itself from Asahi Shuzo to DASSAI to align its corporate identity with its internationally famous flagship product. The brand remains family-owned and continues to be one of the most recognized global ambassadors for premium Japanese sake.