Sake Social, Singapore's premier sake exhibition and festival, is set to return on 1 October 2024, promising a unique journey into the world of rare and obscure sake. With sommeliers and educators on hand to guide the experience, guests will have the opportunity to sample sakes brewed with rare rice and yeast strains, including innovative craft sakes produced right here in Singapore.

This year, Sake Social takes place at The Dempsey Project (TDP), and offers ticket holders the chance to sample over 60 unique labels, encompassing jizake (local sake), natural sake, Kimoto, and bodaimoto sake. TDP will also be serving up a selection of gourmet bites to complement the sake tasting, including Neo-Neapolitan pizzas, cheese platters, and sharing plates.

Adding to the festivities, 1 October also marks World Sake Day (WSD), and all attendees will receive a complimentary pour of sake to join in a celebratory WSD toast. Kanpai to that!

Sake Highlights

One of the highlights of Sake Social will be the debut of "The Beginning," a Junmai Daiginjo Kimoto Henpeimai brewed in Niigata, by Singapore’s first Sake Samurai, Adrian Goh. This sake, made using the traditional kimoto method, boasts a rich and robust flavour, with a 30% rice polishing ratio achieved through the "henpei" flat rice polishing method. It offers delicate lychee aromas and musky notes of peaches and nectarines, with a clean and fruity palate. Kimoto style sake, once dominant since the 1600s but later overtaken by the faster sokujo style, is experiencing a resurgence due to its rich, complex flavour and higher acidity. It'll be exciting to see how Adrian Goh's creation fits into this revival!

Singapore's own Orchid Craftworks, which launched its first batch of Singapore-made sake this year using imported Yamadanishiki rice, will also be showcasing its offerings. These include a durian-infused cream sake and a dozen different sake, five of which are “shiboritate” (freshly pressed).

Other notable sake to look out for include Ohkura Honke’s Tokubetsu Junmai Nama sake, brewed with rare Kyokai yeast, and Miyoshino Jozo Natural Selection sake, brewed by Teruaki Hashimoto using indigenous yeast and no temperature control. There's also Imada Shuzō’s Fukucho "Seafood" Junmai Genshu, made with dormant Hattansō rice and soft water from Hiroshima.

All sake labels featured at Sake Social will be available for purchase at exclusive event prices.

Adrian Goh, Director of Interrice and Singapore's first Sake Samurai.

This will also be a great chance to learn more about sake from the experts themselves. Local sake experts will also be in attendance, including Adrian Goh, a respected sake judge and Singapore’s first Sake Samurai, and Julian Goh, a chef and sommelier with a passion for championing traditional craft brewers.

Chef and Sake Sommelier, Julian Goh.

Sake Social will be held at The Dempsey Project, Block 9 Dempsey Road, #01-12, Singapore 247697, on 1 October 2024.

Two ticket types are available: $88 for priority access with 20 tasting tokens and a Riedel tasting glass, and $58 for standard access with 10 tokens and a Riedel glass. All tickets include a complimentary pour to celebrate World Sake Day. Grab your tickets here!

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team