Cover Singapore Sake Festival returns for its 10th edition, promising over 500 sake varieties, face-to-face time with brewers
Singapore Sake Festival returns for its 10th edition, promising over 500 sake varieties, face-to-face time with brewers
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The Nihonshu nirvana promises over 500 sake varieties, face-to-face time with brewers and brand new programming for koshu and warm sakes
Uncorking its 10th anniversary edition, Sake Festival Singapore takes place on June 28 at Suntec City in what promises to be an anticipated sip-and-swirl affair this summer. While Sake Festival Singapore is widely known as the only festival in Singapore where one can meet the largest number of kurabitos and toshis (sake producers and brewers) face to face, this year’s festivities, orchestrated by Singapore’s sake savant Orihara, pivot deliciously toward the nuanced craft of sake appreciation.
Read more: How this Singaporean convinced a Japanese brewery to create a sake he designed for the local palate
Above Sake Festival Singapore is the only festival in Singapore where one can meet the largest number of sake toshis
Sake Festival Singapore is the only festival in Singapore where one can meet the largest number of sake toshis
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With over 500 varieties showcased, the one-day affair is nothing short of mandatory attendance for not just those whose vocabulary extends beyond dry and sweet when discussing rice-based libations, but also newbies keen to dip their toes in the world of sake. The debutante of the afternoon is undoubtedly Orihara’s koshu (aged sake) collection, patiently maturing in their Singapore cellars. These koshu offerings present a complexity that would make even the most jaded palate raise an eyebrow.
Think unconventional notes of caramel and dried fruit, with unexpected hints of spice. Sake master and sommelier from Orihara, Japan, Fujiwara-san, will also be shepherding visitors through this tasting experience. There is also a warm sake section, where junmai styles reveal their hidden dimensions when gently heated, often heightening aroma and umami.
Above Expect brand new programming for koshu and warm sake
Expect brand new programming for koshu and warm sake
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For serious collectors, the festival offers several encounters with the extraordinary. Rarities include the opulent Crystal Absolute 0 by Hakurakusei, a revered sake producer who also produced Niizawa Kizashi Super 7; the exquisite sherry-daru jukusei, a junmai daiginjou aged in Oloroso sherry casks by the renowned Manatsuru Shuzo brewery; and Bond Farm’s Lohas organic duck rice sake, made with rice harvested from a field that deploys trained ducks to weed crops, eliminating the use of chemicals and pesticides.
In case you missed it: Setsuri debuts four Japanese grilling styles under one roof at Guoco Midtown
Above This year’s festivities is orchestrated by Singapore’s sake savant Orihara
This year’s festivities is orchestrated by Singapore’s sake savant Orihara
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For those uncomfortable with navigating their own path, guided tours led by certified sake sommeliers provide the perfect introduction to the rice-based libation. Peckish? Returning to the festival after last year’s triumphant reception, the self-coined chef outfit, Tanpaga (Japanese chefs from Tanjong Pagar), led by Sho-san from popular ramen bar Torasho, will bring life to the food section.
All’s left to do in appreciation of nihonshu culture is to secure your tickets, block off the calendar, and definitely leave your cars at home.
The Sake Festival will be held on June 28, 2pm at the Suntec City Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. Tickets are available on sakefestival.sg.
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Images: Singapore Sake Festival
