Ultimate Japanese Sake Guide: Dassai Brewery 日本酒蔵元 獺祭ツアー ★ ONLY in JAPAN #41

Japanese sake. Let's go on an adventure across Japan to learn about the country's official drink.
How do you make this stuff? How should it taste? Is polish size important? Is it like wine or like beer? How do you drink it?
John Daub got a chance to tour Dassai Brewery with the company's CEO, the world's hottest sake brand to get those answers.
Dassai only makes Junmai Daiginjo sake, the highest quality, and if you want to understand sake, start with the best.
The company's story is significant. In the 1980's sake (nihonshu) consumption was going down because of competition from more beer, wine, and shochu. CEO Sakurai-san changed the company strategy, started making only Junmai Daiginjo and incorporated technology like centrifuges to make the smoothest drinking experience with sake.
The result:
2005: 120,000 bottles sold
2013: 1,140,000 bottles sold
Nearly a 1000% increase
As the domestic market continues to struggle, internationally, no brand is more popular than Dassai. You see Hollywood stars and celebrities in New York, Paris and London sipping it these days.
So -- what makes a good sake and what makes a great one?
1 Yamada Nishiki rice. The best place to grow this is Hyogo prefecture.
2 Polish rate: anything under 50% makes a sake Junmai Daiginjo category. The lower the polish ration, the less impurities, the smoother the taste.
3 The Koji. Dassai uses a very complex one called Tsukihaze koji-kin that penetrates into the rice.
Here is the process that Dassai uses at the brewery:
1 The rice in planted in June. Rice planting is called taue in Japanese.
2 Rice Harvest
3 Polished to either 50% 39% or 23%
4 Wash, rinse and soak
5 Steam
6 Air dry and cooling in a process called Horei
7 Koji is created (as the sugar for the yeast to create alcohol)
8 Shubo yeast starter added to fermentation tanks
9 Moromi (mash) added to 5000L tanks
10 Process is monitored for 35 days.
11 Moromi press / Dassai centrifuge
12 Bottling and Pasteurization
13 Drinking!
Dassai sells 3 main sizes. Here is the price list:
1800ml - 10,000 yen
720ml - 5,000 yen
300ml - 2500 yen
180ml - Japan only
URL:
Dassai Sake Website: www.asahishuzo.ne.jp/en/
Subtitles / CC credits:
★ DUTCH: GeertvKessel | KZbin: / geertvkessel
Music:
Corncob - Country by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Thingamajig by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: audionautix.com/
I Like Peanuts by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: audionautix.com/
Waltz of the Flowers by Tchaikovsky
All business inquiries :[e-mail]
We at WAO-RYU! ONLY in JAPAN will continue to introduce the amazing Japanese food and tradition through the eyes of foreigners in high-quality documentaries.
Many great things about Japan, which even Japanese people didn't know are introduced
Thank you very much for your continuous support!
WAO-RYU! ONLY in JAPANでは外国人の視点でアメイジングな日本の歴史や食べ物などをハイクオリティーなドキュメンタリーで紹介し、
日本も知らない日本の魅力を伝えていきます。
みなさまの応援よろしくお願いします。
【ビジネス関連のお問い合わせは　[e-mail]へ】

[@_GunpowdertheGabite]

You got the CEO to show you around, man that's awesome. He seems so down to Earth, friendly and willing to share, which is amazing

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Sakurai-san is a very respected businessman in Japan and it was a huge honor to get a tour guides by the CEO and founder! I think a lot of CEOs would delegate this to a PR guy aloe gal but actually, I met him through a close friend of mine and talked to him for an hour THEN he invited me to eat dinner with him. Absolutely sincere person which is a reason why I love this sake -- the people behind it are great people. -John

[@Katya_Lastochka]

ONLY in JAPAN I'll be sure to buy and recommend this brand.

[@boy638]

Very cool of the CEO to give you the tour himself!

[@jkacvbhijfn]

In Japan, CEOs are pretty humble. I was watching a video clip on the CEO of Japanese Airlines, who takes the bus to work, eats with his employees, earns less money than his pilots and has a desk in a shared office.

[@christopheryee4850]

The CEO looked drunk in the middle of the tour that's must've been a great tour

[@riujithetechnician]

Not to mention that he looks like a japanese Walter White, which makes the tour much more cooler

[@jonasseorum5471]

Well if I owned a business and someone with a big reach wanted a tour of course I would give them the tour myself.

[@MyLifeJapanTV]

Very informative, and very well done, John! Very few foreigners get behind-the-scenes access to places like this in Japan. Bravo!

[@elephantman1238]

My Japan 🇯🇵 is my favourite 🍾🍾🍾

[@n0isyturtle]

I love how proud Hiroshi san is of his facility, he knows his stuff and loves what he does.

[@MikeOpina]

His production value is on point this is what KZbin should be quality over quantity

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+MikeOpina Thanks Mike! Totally agree -- as a KZbinr who is asked to make more and tries to w/o sacrificing a story and some decent editing. If I won't watch it myself, why should you guys? I figure your time is as valuable as mine. -john

[@brianperkins2527]

+MikeOpina Right! Thankfully is quantity is fairly high too.

[@Mel-rv8gy]

+WAORYU ONLYinJAPAN Hey i really love your content! :) Keep it up.

[@aboxofphotons]

KZbin believe in profit over EVERYTHING because... Sociopathy.

[@chappyrick0705]

I'm drinking Dassai right now in Los Angeles while watching this video!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Woah! I'm sitting watching this WITHOUT a glass. So, 23, 39 or 50? -John

[@chappyrick0705]

-John It's Daissai 50, I got this at Marukai store in little Tokyo. A 720ml bottle of Dassai cost about 24 bucks, and Dassai 23 (likewise 720ml) was like almost 90 bucks! Woah! Haha. Oh yeah, I'm sitting watching this WITHOUT a glass too, meaning that I'm drinking straight from the bottle without a glass ;)

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Wow!! 90 bucks for that 23 is high! Didn;'t know the prices in LA. Good to know. We can get bottles for 5000 yen here ($45) but often it's sold out. Tokyu Department Store's Shibuya Station basement usually has it in stock. Thanks for the reply Hirofumi! -john

[@chappyrick0705]

Yeah, it'd be smarter to get one when I get back to Japan than to pay 90 bucks to taste the same quality as the 5000 yen one. Keep up your good job on your research that makes Japan and its culture more fascinating and respectful! -Hiro

[@chappyrick0705]

Epicdoge360 Yeah, but it's worth it considering the fact that it's one of he best sake in the whole world. Think about other booze like whiskey being the same price or even higher.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Subtitles / cc: If you would like to help by adding subtitles to this episode for your language, please let me know :) I've received some fantastic offers from viewers. (THANK YOU!) I will publish the names of everyone who helps with this and the language they used. #onlyinjapantv -john

[@Jaybi_Haider]

You already show us what your going to show next time, but why does it take so long for you to post it on KZbin? I wanna watch more FAST.

[@TheMasterOfCook]

+WAORYU ONLYinJAPAN I can try to help you with Italian subtitles :-)

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+TheMasterOfCook thank you! I'll contact you shortly. I need to also fix the ENGLISH cc first. The timing seems off on some of the lines. -John

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+Jibran Haider yes, it does. I am working alone and need to make a living as well. This episode was 15 minutes and involved travel and planning. If you've ever edited video, adding subtitles (hard coded) translating, adding overlay and making the story sharp -- it's takes time. Sorry it isn't faster but really, twice a month is pretty good. This is not a vlog. It's a program and series. -John

[@TheMasterOfCook]

+WAORYU ONLYinJAPAN No problems, when you are ready, I'm here. :-) Bye Emanuele

[@jeffreystoddard7201]

Another outstanding video. Takes me back to the times I was lucky enough to work with sake reps. Once they had found out I was eager to learn about new things they not only taught me about sake, I learned about (and came to love) unique Japanese foods like shiokara, real ramen, and on and on. Can't wait for each new video!

[@FireCracker3240]

+ONLY in JAPAN What an excellent, wonderfully informative video, John. I love seeing the whole process into making the Saki. One thing that stands out to me, aside from all the work involved, is the level of pride that Mr. Sakurai takes in his product. From the look on his face at 13:39, it is clear each bottle is a labor of love and that he is very proud of what he does. I love the passion the Japanese have for their heritage and history. It's something that is often lost or forgotten in some other parts of the world.

[@PhantomAssassin7]

John's videos are always in high quality and full of details love it

[@B2Ttrolling]

I do not know why but this series intrigues me so much! The amount of effort put into it will not go unknown! Keep it up!

[@joeltb]

So far I have watched just about every video from this channel. Very entertaining and informative! The voice of the host reminds me of the voice used for narration on shows such as "How'd they make that?" etc. His voice would be perfect for any kids learning show.

[@zipp4everyone263]

+joeltb Yeah he really does a good job narrating! Its factual and easy to watch, something thats quite rare but highly appreciated!

[@icecosmic6600]

Thank you! I always love your videos, your personality is the cherry on top!

[@cezzerzcezzer395]

The CEO gave me great vibes. He is so nice and friendly. He is the kind of ceo you want at every business

[@raquelk.2960]

I enjoy watching this channel very much. Thank you for doing what you do!

[@o-datsingh7296]

onlyinjapan....I think your channel is an amazing, you are a very good presenter.... It makes me miss japan so much.. My heart really lyes there... Thankyou so much

[@cr8zykungpow]

That CEO is amazing. Thanks for the video!

[@SilkyC]

As a huge Sake fan, I loved this video. Really cool that the CEO took the time to give you the tour!! Now...gotta get me a couple of bottles of sake! :)

[@suriahagumi]

can't wait for the next vid....keep it up john!! great as always!!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+suria hagumi Thank you!! -john

[@mzwakithi]

This channel is so, so great! I’ve learned a great lot from all your work!

[@ginaC53]

I love how this is such a pure process, with natural ingredients. You could virtually do this as a home brew.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+ginaC53 You're right! It's hard to get good koji-kin, but if you have that and can polish the rice, it's not too hard to make. They've been doing this for centuries without technology so it's possible for sure. -john

[@SUPERGENKI]

Ha!!!! What a great video John. Superbly done and very informative - absolutely loved it! ^^ Huge thumbs up, and have a great weekend... ^^ Thomas

[@fatinhannani]

The fact that the CEO himself is giving the tour himself means that he has the knowledge and very well verse in the making of sake. This makes him a good CEO as he could understands the problems face by the Production’s workers instead of just understand the company in general. This may seems like a weird comment but in my country, the background of the CEO doesn’t matter as long as the company generates money which is really annoying. For example, my father is working as an automotive engineer as his company creates the silent noise system for automobiles. However, the company’s CEO is a person with accounting background like what? He totally doesn’t understand the technical problems that my father had to face as a manager and only forces my father to solve the issue. He would’ve quit if it is not hard to find job these days

[@froschreiniger2639]

these people are the worst. i hate them, soulless greedy bastards. what a company needs is a leader with understanding and passion for their product, something that is getting rarer and rarer nowadays, and it shows in the product.

[@POS36]

Majority of the Big MNCs are structured like this. The CEO has zero to non technical knowledge about the business and runs it purely based on numbers

[@Eternal-Security]

It shows his passion and devotion to the craft

[@jakemode]

Love it! Never knew how it's made. Bravo!!

[@roberthignacio]

awesome man your back!!! love your vids can't get enough of them ^^ keep it up!!

[@pedrofaba]

I love all your videos,great job

[@shotarujin3777]

i have seen a lot of japan-explorer videos, but was never so excited to watch them as i'm with you videos. i've already watched all your videos and im waiting to see more. keep up the fantastic work.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+Shotaru jin Next one coming tomorrow :) Japanese mascots. I'm filming two more episodes this week. So glad you like the series! THANK YOU! -john

[@shotarujin3777]

+WAORYU ONLYinJAPAN days in japan are really long i suppose. :) i would like to see a video about shōjin ryōri from your hand some time. merry Xmas for now!

[@unaanguila]

Thanks for sharing! It was really interesting.

[@riecely22]

Wow! Such an amazing video! Thanks for this!

[@Aleman102]

This is the exact video i have been looking for!

[@debiruhaato246]

I love your videos. while it talk about Japan, it also helped me finding material to teach (since I'm assigned to teach my juniors about Japan's culture and stuffs). thanks a lot, and keep up a good work!

[@Tokuhisa501119]

Your problems is much better than Japanese professional TV show! So, I can understand Dassai brewing. Thanks a lot!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thank you! -John

[@irpacynot]

Such a great episode.

[@feliciakc1]

Oh wow this is so cool and so informative!! Love these behind-the-scene episodes! Really want to try some Dassai now xD

[@nassirk]

was literally about to go to sleep and then i saw this! Thanks for the new Video John

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+nassirk You're very welcome!! -john

[@16bitBoomBap]

I swear..I'm moving to Japan sometime in my life I love their culture so much..

[@kerloz5392]

This is like a much better version of "How it's made"! Love your videos.

[@Sushidrew]

I look forward to your videos and this one is one of my favorites. My friend works at a sake brewery in Kagoshima and he's loving it. I can't wait to go home (Yokohama)!

[@dadaalilin2468]

Wish i could go to japan and try the food and sake , thats my dream to see Japan their food and culture.

[@o-datsingh7296]

@onlyinjapan....I think your channel is an amazing, you are a very good presenter.... It makes me miss japan so much.. My heart really lyes there... Thankyou so much

[@pesto5k]

This was a nice video, you can tell he's really passionate and enjoys his product a lot. I recently watched a documentary on sake, but they didn't show the milling of the rice as well as this vid. I'll be looking out for Dassai daiginjo's while buying sake :).

[@keyup2626]

Brilliant video, this was a very informative and the quality is simply fantastic. Your one heck of a good host.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+keyup2626 Thank you!! Made my day :) a lot of research into this episode. Glad it's online and doing well! -john

[@doublebubleguy12]

I'm loving the Southern blue grass music in the background:p

[@D.J.Themeparkvideos]

Your videos are incredible! I love them!

[@SUPERGENKI]

+Dave Jansen (Theme Park Videos) Ha!!!! What a great video John. Superbly done and very informative - absolutely loved it! ^^ Huge thumbs up, and have a great weekend... ^^ Thomas

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thank you, Dave! Really appreciate it :) -John

[@kevincaldwell4707]

Thanks for these videos. I'll probably never get to Japan so these videos show me their world

[@UFOBobTV]

This was fascinating, from the grades of polished rice to the koji mold spores to the centrifuge system. Thanks for the education.

[@user-pb1mz2el7f]

When the new vid notification came out my day turned awesome!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+ゴンザレスアレハンドロ AWESOME!!! So glad to hear that. Next one coming much sooner. This was a beast to edit and produce. -john

[@brianperkins2527]

That guy showing you around was a perfect guide. Articulate, likable, and with a a great respect for the craft. Another great video in a long string of them. :)

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Great to hear from you Brian! Yes, Sakurai-san was an excellent guide who is very passionate about sake. I've been lucky enough to go to to dinner with him a few times and he is always so positive and friendly, the kind of person who makes other people better -- the perfect CEO! And a reason for Dassai's success. Always appreciate the kind words and your time to watch the series. THANK YOU! -John

[@lokemingyan7753]

what a clean environment~~ love it~!

[@agandul4667]

man, I just love your videos this channel should have much more subscribers than this top notch quality videos, fun and yet informative at the same time, so much details as well can't wait for the next one :D

[@brendamoreno6214]

I love your videos! I'm always waiting for the videos to be uploaded!! Keep up the great work!!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+Brenda Moreno Thanks Brenda! -john

[@chillbane9074]

man this is some good production value for just a youtube channel.

[@everelusivekudos]

Great video! Thanks so much.

[@trommtromm]

Great job, really enjoyed this! Cheers, mate! Fell in Love with Sake since the Sake Kontor in Berlin opened :D

[@staceydekker2726]

I love this show.

[@hamadaru7041]

nice episode :D

[@GeorgeDonnelly]

Love this. The production is super high-quality, too. Kudos! Subscribed.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+George Donnelly Really glad you enjoyed it. Thank you! -john

[@bewilder754]

Interesting, one day I will visit Japan, probably for summer. I am thankful that you keep us more curious on Japan

[@tams805]

+Aden Vargas Summer is hot and humid in most of Japan.

[@bewilder754]

+Tams80 Thanks for letting me know, I will keep that in mind.

[@rybio000]

Informational video as always...

[@armontay5264]

Awesome Sake video John! Love the effort that goes into crafting that great alcohol!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+Otaku Bitts Thanks! ... and very little effort needed to drink it when offered :) hehe - John

[@RainStrom_61]

I tried sake once so good to know. Love plum wine.

[@MsAustralopitecus]

All that rice made me hungry! hehehe great video as always, I'll try sake!.

[@nikkei1618]

This is a very well-made video!

[@codyo9256]

That looks so fun!

[@Chensilli]

i am literally obsessed with these videos. 😇😂

[@0athos0]

CEO があなたの周りにあなたを見せてくれてとてもうれしいです。 彼は素晴らしいようです。 また、優れた品質。 私は今、ボトルを買うだろう！ ドイツからのご挨拶 ：）

[@Wideolink]

Incredible !

[@sushh1]

wow great ceo, so patient to explain everything.

[@leafster1337]

good public image

[@midala40]

I have been to Yamaguchi-Ken visit a friend in in Hikari city. Nice one. loved it. keep them coming

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

I went through Hikari a log time ago as well. It's a very natural rural area. Beautiful parts of Japan! -John

[@JKarle]

Great video, thank you.

[@Scal]

Thank you for this amazing video !! ^^ I really like your video !! it's very interesting and we learn a lot !!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thank you!! I'm very happy to hear that :) -John

[@sohamdamle9675]

hi!!!! I am not sure if u see this john but what you do is awesome . it actually helps in understanding Japan's culture people etc . it actually educates us . I am student and now due to watching your videos I already started liking Japan . keep up the good work p.s if I ever come to Japan help me

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Hi Soham, I read it and I am so happy to hear the videos help you learn more about Japan! THANK YOU so much for watching and sharing and I'll keep doing my best to put out fun and educational videos :) -John

[@Redsebt]

My family loves your videos. Thank you so much

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

That makes me so happy to hear! The whole family can enjoy the show :) THANK YOU for the comment. Made me smile. -John

[@chuu.9408]

Wow. My family and I watch your videos they really enjoy it. I might go to Japan next year :)

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

That makes me so happy to hear! THANK YOU for that :) -John

[@boxerblake1]

I'll be sure to pick up a few bottles as thanks to the CEO and company for the inside look at the process.

[@cristinap3934]

Excellent!!

[@Kankuro998]

As others have said, the quality of your recent videos is top notch. You should have your own tv show!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+Exalted Dream big :) THANKS!! -john

[@CarpediemODST]

Feels like a 'How It's Made: Sake Edition'. Keep up the excellent videos! :D

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thank you! -John

[@baconcoffee-5472]

Great content. Subscribed.

[@FrancoOliva27]

great demonstration

[@JayveeLights02]

Your videos are awesome!! And well made Keep it up 😀

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+The Parasyte Gaming (IOS GAMER) Thank you so much! Very happy to hear that and that you are enjoying the shows! -john

[@JayveeLights02]

WAORYU ONLYinJAPAN I watched all your videos my favorite videos are tokyo game show 2013, Osaka food guide, and Tokyo manga shop & Anime studio mega tour.. 😀

[@tokumei1282]

Having a glass of Dassai 45 right now, interesting to see where its made. This stuff is extremely tasty, tastes like juice from cantaloupe and honeydew. Definitely worth the price

[@greatcheatsforfun]

finally, been waiting for a video

[@hjimbon4166]

love your videos!...planning to visit Japan soon :-)

[@chewie94116]

I tried the Dassai...very smooth. Easy to drink.

[@PrayogaHarryputra]

The quality of your filming technique is visibly improved here! Good job man!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+Prayoga Harryputra Thanks! A friend of mine came to help with the camera work -- easy sell since he loved Dassai! The editing was a beast for this one -- how to cut up the tour and make it interesting -- not so much like a tour, which is boring. Just having fun :) really appreciate the comment! -john

[@iancrawford9465]

Another masterpiece.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+Ian Crawford Thanks Ian!! Great to hear from you! -john

[@iancrawford9465]

+WAORYU ONLYinJAPAN You should get a drone. I ordered one a few days ago from DJI and it should be coming in a few days. Also have you done any thing with the idea to making japanese walking videos for treadmills? Edit: If you are going to order one do it soon because they are on christmas sale and WAY cheaper. I got a free hard shell backpack for storage.

[@YoshiraTV]

I didnt know that ;) Thank you for sharing nice vide :)

[@richierich6231]

You are awesome. Thanks for the vids

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thank you! -John

[@richierich6231]

+ONLY in JAPAN the reason I say this it's because your very professional and others are not so... Again I grew up in Japan, dad was in the military. Well done.

[@tinakeshner585]

I'm a new subscriber and I am hooked!!! I think I have watched about 20 of your videos so far, lol. I can't believe that I am watching this kind of quality on YT (I would watch this on TV in a hot second)! You do an excellent job! Thank you so much! Your videos show us things about Japan that I would love to see, experience, taste and try! For instance, your Vending Machine videos, crane game video and Manga Cafe videos, to name a few. We have been wanting to visit Japan soon and your videos gave us ideas that we would not have even dreamed of trying (like food challenges etc).

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thank you so much for such a wonderful comment Tina! Makes me very happy to read it and really motivates me to keep things both super interesting and engaging. Of course I highly recommend a trip to Japan :) adventures await! -John

[@armanchy1401]

amazing

[@scootdub]

great video!

[@anumy6382]

Hello John :D I just found your channel today and all I've been doing is watching all of your videos! They are so good informative and produced with great quality keep up the good work! I look forward to watching more of the great vids you take out in the future :D subscribed!!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

THANK YOU!! -John

[@Teanippon]

I want to translate your videos to an Arabic subtitle. Great videos John, keep it coming.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thank you! That's wonderful!! I'll send you a message. -John

[@autisticbirsen]

Really informative movies on KZbin!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thank you! -John

[@maximiliamandersen8626]

Great video

[@tariqhashmi6898]

Good experience

[@MissOtaku421]

When will more videos come out? They're so fun and informative. 😊

[@retikka]

great vid. recommend the birth of sake documentary if you crave more sake brewery stuff

[@goham2558]

the intro music is the best part