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ZASSHU "ESSENCE 5 BY CHARTIER"

£45.00

Be the first to discover “ZASSHU 雑種”, an exclusive blended artisanal sake crafted by world-renowned master blender François Chartier (Essence 5 Sake by Chartier), in collaboration with his friend Michael League, leader of the Grammy Award–winning music collective Snarky Puppy.

This electrifying sake blend, unlike anything in the codified world of Japanese sake, will launch for the first time in the world in the UK on 24 November 2025. For this first run, extremely limited quantities are available, so do not miss out!

Brewed at Ninki Sake Brewery in the Nihonmatsu–Nakadori region of Japan, ZASSHU is a bold fusion that blends young Junmai Daiginjo Nama, Junmai Ginjo Genshu, young Ginjo, and aged Ginjo Jukusei sakes. Inspired by the art of wine blending, it brings depth, length, and a singular aromatic harmony.

A cultural fusion hybrid, where a youthful fruitiness and nutty-smoky maturity meet to create a kaleidoscope of flavours — a signature, a sound, a soul.

As a special celebration, this world premiere also coincides with the release of Snarky Puppy’s new album Somni, out November 21 → snarkypuppy.com

Shipping: Free shipping with orders over £100

Be the first to discover “ZASSHU 雑種”, an exclusive blended artisanal sake crafted by world-renowned master blender François Chartier (Essence 5 Sake by Chartier), in collaboration with his friend Michael League, leader of the Grammy Award–winning music collective Snarky Puppy.

This electrifying sake blend, unlike anything in the codified world of Japanese sake, will launch for the first time in the world in the UK on 24 November 2025. For this first run, extremely limited quantities are available, so do not miss out!

Brewed at Ninki Sake Brewery in the Nihonmatsu–Nakadori region of Japan, ZASSHU is a bold fusion that blends young Junmai Daiginjo Nama, Junmai Ginjo Genshu, young Ginjo, and aged Ginjo Jukusei sakes. Inspired by the art of wine blending, it brings depth, length, and a singular aromatic harmony.

A cultural fusion hybrid, where a youthful fruitiness and nutty-smoky maturity meet to create a kaleidoscope of flavours — a signature, a sound, a soul.

As a special celebration, this world premiere also coincides with the release of Snarky Puppy’s new album Somni, out November 21 → snarkypuppy.com

Shipping: Free shipping with orders over £100

  • ABV: 16%

    Volume: 500ml

    Brewery: Ninki

    Origin: Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan

    Grade: Blend of Junmai Ginjo Genshu 50%; Junmai Ginjo Nama 20%; Ginjo 10%; Junmai Daiginjo Nama 10%; Ginjo 5% and Ginjo 6 Years Aged Jukusei 5%

    Rice Polishing Ratio: From 50% to 60%

    Best Serving Temperature: 6°C - 16°C

    Storage: Keep in a cool, dark and dry place

  • Ceviche-style dishes when served chilled at around 6 Celcius.
    Oysters pair beautifully at roughly 10 Celcius.
    Cold cuts such as Iberian jamón, copa or prosciutto work well when the sake is served at about 12 Celcius.
    Aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Comté are ideal when enjoyed at a slightly warmer 16 Celcius.

  • After sparking a small revolution in Japan since 2017 with his "New Art of Blending Sake Crafted for Wine Lovers," world-renowned sake master blender and aroma specialist François Chartier has unveiled his latest collaborative project: ESSENCE 5 BY CHARTIER.

    With ESSENCE 5, Chartier draws on 35 years of expertise in beverage tasting, production, and the art of blending to craft innovative sake blends for both sake and wine enthusiasts. The project also highlights selections from small Japanese craft breweries, showcasing their exceptional craftsmanship.

    One standout from the ESSENCE 5 collection is ZASSHU, created in collaboration with François’ friend Michael League, leader of the Grammy Award–winning music collective Snarky Puppy and brewed in Ninki Sake Brewery located in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.

    This sake is made using locally produced Chiyonishiki, Yumenokaori, Tennotsubu and Sakurahukuhime rice varietals, and it has an ageing potential of three to six years.

  • Ninki Brewery was founded in 1897 in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima prefecture. Surrounded by the Abukuma and Adatara mountain ranges, it benefits from pure snowmelt water and ideal conditions for growing premium sake rice, all sourced locally.

    A small brewery dedicated entirely to Ginjo and Daiginjo styles of premium sake, Ninki continues to brew by hand using traditional methods, focusing on low temperature fermentation that requires precision, patience, and exceptional skill.

    The name “Ninki” is written with characters meaning “a person crafting sake with soul”, and the added “Ichi” reflects their ambition to be number one.

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