IWA Reserves - Eight Years in the Making
On August 22nd the legend and super sake genius Richard Geoffroy and his team came to True Sake to give us a first blush look/taste of his latest creation that was actually his first creation in mind and spirit ten years ago. Yes, RG plays the long game, which is pretty awesome, and he is such a pioneer in every sense of the word. He and his brewery have taken sake to a new summit, one that many didn’t even know or could imagine ever existed. But that is Richard in a nutshell, he creates his own summits above the clouds and above the norm, and what fascinates me most is that he has done so in space that I love and cherish.
You, by reading this rag, are a sake enthusiast! For that, I say thank you. For that, I say behold another amazing achievement in the sake industry that you have been learning and loving with me for these past two decades. Not much surprises me anymore in the sake space. And then there is RG. I don’t like calling people a genius, because I want to be one and never quite get there. So I am sort of jealous of geniuses. But when that genius becomes a genius in my sake world, then I almost feel like not typing any more.
In a word, Richard Geoffroy is a sake mountain maker, and he has done it again! He has made another outstanding peak for you to climb, explore, have fun, and fascinate with and there is no chance of dying. And he came to True Sake first, because he knows we love to climb into the unknown. Herewith in their words is the story about IWA Reserves, and please get excited, as you are the first to get to climb this new mountain range.
IWA’s First Blend of Aged Sake
“IWA Reserves is radiant, with a fascinating duality of maturity and energy. It pushes IWA’s signature balance and complexity to another level.” — Richard Geoffroy, Founder of IWA
At the forefront of innovation and experimentation, IWA continues its journey through the world of ultra-premium sake with its pioneering new release: IWA’s first blend of aged sake.
IWA Reserves is crafted from a blend of carefully matured sake, aged on average 4-5 years, with the oldest dating back to 2017. The result is a harmonious and textured expression shaped by time, balance, and patience.
While IWA’s signature Assemblage bottlings highlight a unique moment in time, IWA Reserves reveals the depth and continuity of IWA’s timeless vision. A conclusion of years of experimentation, this complex patchwork embodies a fascinating duality — maturity and vitality — and will continue to evolve over time in the bottle.
At its core, IWA Reserves opens with an unparalleled array of pear, plum, bouquet garni, buttered brioche, white floral, pastry cream and tertiary undertones of dark chocolate, black garlic, cocoa, chocolate truffle and white pepper. The finish is vibrant and lingering, offering a sensory-encompassing experience upon first sip, while its labyrinth of potential will continue to uncoil and evolve for years to come.
Above all, IWA Reserves is an invitation to step into the evolving dialogue of sake: a bridge between heritage and innovation, honoring the past while looking boldly toward the future. Elegant yet profound, the soulful and energetic structure of IWA Reserves promises to spark convivial moments and thoughtful dialogue.
“IWA speaks the language of wine drinkers. It’s against all odds—the familiar statement is that sakes don’t age, but IWA does.” - Richard Geoffroy
Born in the heart of Shiraiwa, Toyama Prefecture, Japan, IWA is founded on the core principles of curiosity, experimentation, and innovation. Established by Richard Geoffroy, former Chef de Cave of Dom Pérignon, IWA reimagines sake through blending, aging, craftsmanship, and a pioneering spirit, drawing on Richard’s deep winemaking expertise.
Crafted to showcase the broad versatility of sake on the table, IWA continues to redefine how sake is experienced worldwide. Produced at its own kura (brewery) by Richard Geoffroy, in conjunction with celebrated Master Brewer Yabuta Toji, IWA’s core lineup of Assemblage bottlings highlight the remarkable depth, balance, and versatility achieved in blended sake; when greeted with patience, these nuances will only continue to evolve gracefully over time.
Designed to pair seamlessly with global cuisines, IWA is proudly featured in over 140 Michelin- starred restaurants worldwide and continues to inspire a new generation of curious palates through its ever-evolving journey across the world of craft sake.