All you Sake lovers in Singapore out there, listen up! Sake Matsuri is back for its 10th edition, and boy is it the largest one so far!

To mark its decade-long anniversary, there'll be a whopping 400 Japanese sake and artisanal spirits from 150 breweries available for free-flow tasting!

This year's festival boasts a fascinating array of brews, including a vegan-friendly option and a uniquely rare doburoku (a type of unpressed and unfiltered sake) crafted with the very same koji used in miso production. Of course, an array of the event's signature bites will also be available for pairings.

Adding to the atmosphere, a dedicated arcade on Level 1 will feature a tempting selection of food from renowned gourmet spots like Ye Olde Cow, The Oyster Cart, Chimichanga, Fatt Choy Eating House, and Higher Ground by Thugshop, all set against a backdrop of live performances.

Leading up to the main event, a series of masterclasses from May 7th to 11th will cater to all levels of sake appreciation, where attendees can explore the art of pairing warm sake with food, exciting new sake styles, and sample regional Japanese sakes alongside a specially curated 5-course menu at the new Equatorial Pan Asian Restaurant.

As a bonus, all masterclass participants will receive a complimentary ticket to a free-flow sake session on Sunday, May 18th!

Here are some bottles to keep an eye out for!

Ryu Sho

The “Ryu Sho” is a premium vegan sake inspired by the ancient Chinese banquet tradition of "Ryu Sho" (流觴), a banquet where sake brought people together. Crafted to be shared, the daiginjo sake made by Nekka brewery is said to be refined and smooth with a
vibrant aroma. The Yume-no-Kaori rice itself if even grown using eco-friendly methods in Fukushima.

Nekka brewery’s patented brewing method reportedlt preserves the sake’s aroma and balance even at room temperature, making it ideal for export without compromising quality. 

W by Watanabe Shuzouten

Brewed by the renowned Watanabe brewery founded over 150 years ago during the Meiji era, “W by Watanabe Shuzouten” embodies the three Ws – Watanabe, World & Warai (laughter) – that contribute to the essence of this  sake.

Said to be a highly sophisticated, juicy and fruity sake, it enjoys a rather curious brewing process that consists of Japanese Comedy TV clips being played to the fermentation tanks. Apparently, the brewers do this to keep the sake yeast happy, resulting in what is said to be a fun and light finish.

Something Happy — Uki Uki Hops

Kotaro Ikejima, a former koji maker, blends his fermentation expertise and sake brewing skills to craft a unique doburoku. Utilizing the same koji strain present in miso production, he achieves what is said to be a creamy, fresh, and sustainable brew. The addition of talus hops also offers a familiar and appealing note for craft beer enthusiasts!

This particular range from the Happy Taro brewery is also valued for its sake labels designed by well-regarded Japanese papercut artist Teppei Hayakawa, whose work draws widely from nature and wildlife.

Sakari No. 22

This sake blends two natural treasures from Japan – Junmai sake and Uji matcha. The blended sake can be enjoyed straight, or with soda water or milk!

Tentaka Hachimitsu No Osake

Besides sake, event-goers can also look out for a selection of Japanese artisanal spirits. This particular creation is brewed using local honey and sake yeast. 

Winning the third prize in the Traditional Suite category at the MAZER CUP 2019 – the world’s largest mead speciality competition – the product is said to be fresh and fruity, with subtle sweetness from 100% natural Japanese honey

The 10th edition of Sake Matsuri Singapore will take place at the F1 Pit Building (Garage), 1 Republic Boulevard, Singapore 038975. All tickets can be purchased from Pelago by Singapore Airlines.

There are two categories of tickets: The VIP pass and the standard Free-flow Sessions ticket.

VIP pass

Free-flow Sessions

Get your tickets now!

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team