IWA: Fusing the Art of Traditional Japanese Sake with the Craft of World-Class Blending
IWA is a premium sake brand founded by Richard Geoffroy, the former legendary Chef de Cave of Dom Pérignon. Having redefined the world of champagne, Geoffroy has now turned his artistry to sake, weaving together the philosophies of balance, bold experimentation, and refined craftsmanship into a new expression of contemporary sake. Established in 2019,
IWA embodies his belief that great sake should not be confined to the fermentation of a single batch or ingredient. Instead, it should be an act of assemblage — the meticulous and artful blending of multiple rice varieties, yeast strains, and aged sake components. This approach, rarely seen in traditional sake-making, lends IWA its complexity, depth, and multi-layered flavor profile.
The heart of IWA lies in its birthplace — the Shiraiwa Brewery in Toyama Prefecture, nestled amidst the natural beauty of the Tateyama mountain range. Located along Japan’s northern coast, the region is blessed with pristine water sourced from melting snow that flows through granite rock, enriching it with balanced minerals. This water, coupled with Toyama’s clearly defined seasons, optimal humidity, and temperature levels, creates ideal conditions for cultivating premium sake rice and nurturing a careful fermentation process. Every detail of IWA reflects this devotion to excellence and modern sensibility — from the kura-inspired brewery designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, to the minimalist matte-black bottle conceived by celebrated designer Marc Newson.
One of the brand’s signature expressions is the IWA 5 Assemblage 5, presented in its striking, elegant black bottle. This fifth release in the ongoing journey of creative exploration reveals a harmonious depth and captivating smoothness, exuding inner power and subtle elegance. Its flavor opens with notes of stone fruits and delicate floral hints — notably rose and jasmine — followed by a gentle spiciness of white pepper and herbal nuances of pine and geranium. The result is a tasting experience that is both soft and warming. IWA 5 can be enjoyed across a wide range of serving temperatures — from chilled to warm — with each temperature revealing different facets of its character.
IWA’s distinct complexity and refined flavor have made it a favorite in the global culinary scene. Its versatility pairs beautifully with a wide spectrum of cuisines, from modern French and European dishes to Japanese fine dining and even inventive Thai cuisine. Today, IWA is embraced by top chefs worldwide and featured in Michelin-starred restaurants across Japan, Europe, the United States, and key gastronomic cities such as Tokyo, Paris, Copenhagen, New York, and Bangkok. IWA stands as one of the world’s leading premium sake brands — bridging global food cultures, sparking new conversations around sake, and inviting enthusiasts to explore the harmony between past, present, and future.
