Sake Matsuri Singapore is back! The Singapore-based festival, dedicated to all things sake, returns for its ninth edition from 15 to 17 November 2024. Held at the F1 Pit Building, it promises an immersive experience with over 300 sakes and Japanese spirits from nearly 100 breweries. You'll find renowned names like Obata Shuzo and Tatenokawa, alongside exciting new discoveries. And the best part? Free-flow sake throughout the day in air-conditioned comfort.

This year's festival marks the debut of homegrown Singapore sake labels. Orchid Craftworks, Singapore's first sake brewery, will be showcasing its unique creations. Several Japanese breweries have also chosen Sake Matsuri for the international launch of their newest products, meaning you'll have the chance to try sakes that haven't been tasted anywhere else in the world yet.

This edition of Sake Matsuri will also feature a selection of food from vendors like The Oyster Cart and Ye Olde Cow food trucks so you could pair a nice daiginjo with fresh seafood and smashed dry-aged beef burgers. And if you're looking for a truly authentic experience, don't miss "The Otsumami Experience" which allows you to sample over 50 Japanese snacks paired with sake, just as it was traditionally done during Japan's Heian period. Think of otsumami as essentially Japanese tapas; small dishes designed to complement the flavour of sake.

Now, let's look at some of the sake highlights. "Miyanomatsu Misty Origarami Nama" is an unpasteurised namazake that's been aged for 18 months. This results in a sake with strong umami and a light fizz. The use of red yeast in the ageing process is quite innovative and contributes to the sake's unique character.

Orchid Craftworks will be showcasing its unique cream sakes (doburoku for the sake geeks), including flavours like "Mao Shan Wang" durian and cempedak. They'll also be pouring "uTama THE 2ND Junmai Shiboritate Nama," a fresh and vibrant sake.

Newly crowned Sake Samurai Adrian Goh will be introducing his own creation, "TheArtOfSake Junmai Daiginjo Kimoto Henpei EP 1 - The Beginning," said to have delicate lychee aromas and musky peach notes.

Another sake to look out for is "Fukuryu Junmai Daiginjo," brewed in Saga for Woodstock Beverages. Made with Saga yeast and 48% polished Yamadanishiki rice, this sake boasts a striking dragon label design in celebration of the Year of the Dragon.

Ghib Ojisan, a Japanese YouTuber based in Singapore, will be showcasing "Dainagawa Junmai Daiginjo Muroka Genshu – Durian." This bold, undiluted sake combines his Singaporean and Japanese roots with a durian-themed label and is brewed with Yamadanishiki rice. 

For those who want to deepen their sake knowledge, there are masterclasses exclusive to VIP Pass holders. Learn about sake aroma and flavour profiles with Singapore's first and only Sake Samurai, Adrian Goh or participate in premium label tastings with globally renowned master sake sommelier Joshua Kalinan. Spaces in these masterclasses are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are two options for festival passes for consumers. The S$128 VIP Pass grants full-day free flow on either Saturday or Sunday, access to the masterclasses, a Riedel crystal glass, a Mud Rock Ceramics ochoko (a small sake cup), and a $20 voucher.

The S$55 Standard Pass provides three hours of free-flow sake sampling on select days and includes a Sake Matsuri Riedel crystal glass. The Standard Pass offers great value, especially if you are to purchase a bundle of five tickets at S$250.

Limited edition sakes will be available at exclusive festival prices for all attendees.

And if you're a food and beverage professional, be sure to sign up for the trade show showcase taking place on 15 November. This is the biggest sake-focused trade show in Singapore, offering a unique platform for networking and discovering new products.

Tickets are available at www.sakematsuri.sg. 

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team