Yamaguchi's place in modern sake history is entirely defined by one brewery: Asahi Shuzo and its Dassai brand. Founded 1948 in the remote Nishiki river valley of Yamaguchi, Dassai transformed itself from a struggling rural brewery to the global standard-bearer for premium Junmai Daiginjo sake — pioneering 50%, 39%, and then an unprecedented 23% polishing ratio. Dassai single-handedly created international awareness of daiginjo-class sake.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 87 | Very good conditions; refined, precise daiginjo quality. |
| 2022 | 91 | Benchmark year; outstanding Yamada Nishiki quality across Yamaguchi. |
| 2021 | 86 | Excellent Yamada Nishiki from premium contracted farms. |
| 2020 | 80 | Good rice season; Asahi Shuzo's rigorous quality standards maintained high-grade Dassai production. |
| 2019 | 66 | Challenging harvest; Yamada Nishiki quality reduced by weather events. |