Dassai Brewery, renowned for its pioneering approach to sake production, is offering a rare and exclusive look inside its state-of-the-art facility in Iwakuni, Japan. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a glimpse into a future where sake production transcends terrestrial boundaries.
A Brewing Operation Unlike Any Other
Located a mere 40 minutes from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, the Dassai brewery is a 12-story testament to innovation. The brewery’s ambitious goals extend beyond the traditional, with a strategic partnership with NASA and even a successful sake brew conducted aboard the International Space Station. President Kazuhiro Sakurai will detail these groundbreaking plans during the tour.
The Science of Sake: A Hands-On Experience
Visitors will experience the meticulous process firsthand, starting with a thorough sanitation protocol. Guests are provided with protective gear – including rubber slippers, coats, and hairnets – and must pass through a dedicated air shower to maintain the utmost purity. The tour ascends via stairs, showcasing each stage of sake creation. You’ll observe the massive metal rice steamer, a vital component of the process, and examine the intricate bottling line, meticulously designed for precision.
Beyond Earth: Dassai’s Space Sake Initiative
The tour’s highlight is undoubtedly the conversation surrounding Dassai’s collaboration with NASA. The company’s success in producing sake in microgravity is a testament to their commitment to pushing the boundaries of beverage production. Sakurai’s insights into this unique project will offer a fascinating perspective on the future of food and beverage creation.
Sampling and Purchase
Following the tour, guests can indulge in a curated tasting experience, including the popular sake ice cream, available at a small shop adjacent to the facility. The flagship Dassai 23 bottle, available in 720-miL sizes, is priced at 5,200 yen. Tour tickets cost 1,000 yen with an additional 500-yen tasting fee.
Tour Details:
* Tours begin at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily.
* The sake shop is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
* Location: 2167-4 Shutomachi Osogoe, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 742-0422
What This Means for Consumers
Dassai’s innovative approach, coupled with its collaboration with NASA, signals a potential shift in consumer expectations for sake. The brewery’s focus on precision and technological advancement suggests a future where sake production is even more refined and controlled. This facility offers a tangible demonstration of the dedication to quality that drives Dassai’s brand.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Unique immersive experience, opportunity to learn about cutting-edge sake production techniques, firsthand access to a world-renowned brand, chance to support a company with ambitious space-related goals.
Cons:
Tour is physically demanding (involves stairs), limited tour duration (not explicitly stated), cost of tour and tasting.
