The biggest community-driven annual Sake Festival Singapore by Orihara returns on 28 June 2025, from 2pm to 7pm at Suntec City Convention Centre Summit.
In this 10th year edition, themed “The Many Ways of Appreciating Sake”, the nihonshu (sakes produced the traditional Japanese way) show will introduce aged sakes newly discovered in Singapore, offer tasting of over 500 sakes from 31 breweries, and provide opportunities to meet tojis (master brewers) and kurabitos (brewery workers).
Highlights include the popular Warm Sake Corner, Rare Sakes, Izakaya Alley by Tanpaga, a new aged sake collection, guided tours by sake sommeliers, and a curated selection of sake drinkware for sale.
Aged Sake Collection (Teion Jukusei)
For the first time, the festival will showcase a collection of up to 40 aged sakes, presented by sake specialist Shin-ichi Fujiwara from Orihara Japan. Known as Teion Jukusei, these sakes are matured slowly at low temperatures over time. This style of ageing was once thought impossible in Singapore’s climate, until Orihara Singapore stumbled upon a forgotten batch stored in their restaurant’s fridge.
About a year ago, during a visit by a sake brewer to Orihara, a bottle of their sake, mistakenly served after being stored for three years in the fridge, revealed a surprising development. Rather than being spoiled, the sake had evolved beautifully, with deeper, bolder flavours. The fridge’s consistent 4°C environment had unknowingly mimicked Japanese winter, allowing the sake to mature gracefully.
Maria-san, the driving force behind the festival, explained during the media preview: “Not all sakes develop the same. Some become bolder, some fade. So we have to taste them to find out which labels work — and now we have a collection to share at the festival!”
Warm Sake Corner
Some sakes are best enjoyed warm, particularly junmai-style sakes. At the festival, a dedicated Warm Sake Corner will showcase this style of appreciation. Guests can taste sakes specially brewed for warming, or compare how flavour profiles shift between warm and cold serving temperatures. The corner will be equipped with machine warmers and select breweries’ specially designed warming vessels.
(Left) Warm sake vessel by sake brewery; (Right) Aged sake in Orihara.
Rare and Special Sakes
To commemorate the 10th edition of Sake Festival Singapore, breweries are bringing limited and exclusive sakes to the show. Be sure to arrive early, these rare brews are available in small quantities and may run out quickly:
- Crystal Absolute 0 by Niizawa Brewery — A limited-edition release from the brewery renowned for producing the coveted Niizawa Kizashi Super 7 and Absolute 0.
- “Duck Rice” Sake by Minenoyuki Brewery — Made from premium organic Koshihikari duck rice, typically reserved for eating. The rice is cultivated using ducks trained to eat weeds and insects in the paddy fields, eliminating the need for chemicals. This LOHAS Organic Sake is a collaboration between Minenoyuki Brewery and Nihon University.
- Special Junmai Daiginjo aged in Oloroso Sherry casks by Manatsuru Brewery — Crafted in the ancient, labour-intensive yamahai method, this undiluted, unfiltered, and unblended sake reflects a purist philosophy. Since 1998, when the current toji took over, the brewery has consistently won gold medals for its exceptional craftsmanship.
- Kihotsuru by Kiyama Shoten — An award-winning sake that has earned several gold medals at the International Wine Challenge. Kiyama Shoten is a family-run brewery from Saga Prefecture with roots dating back to the Meiji era.
Izakaya Alley by Tanpaga
Formed by a group of eight Japanese chefs with restaurants in the Tanjong Pagar area, the self-dubbed “Tanpaga Chefs” return once again to cook up a storm at the festival. Festival-goers can look forward to a variety of sake-friendly dishes, with this year’s edition offering a bigger, more extensive menu, led by Chef Sho Naganuma (Torasho Ramen & Charcoal Bar) and Chef Koki Miyoshi (Hearth).
Don’t Know Where to Start?
With over 500 sake labels and countless experiences, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. To help, sake sommeliers will be on standby to lead 10–15 minute guided tours every hour. Bookings can be made on a first-come, first-served basis at the show.
Sake Drinkware and Porcelain
Atomi Boutique, a Japanese lifestyle store, will showcase their range of sake drinkware and recommend the best cups for different styles of sake. Also featured are earthenware pieces from Yamagata Prefecture and the famous Minoyaki ceramics from Gifu Prefecture.
Event Information
Date: 28 June 2025 (Saturday)
Time: 2pm – 7pm
Tickets: S$60 per person – includes a free sake cup with lanyard and free-flow sake tasting. Sakes will also be available for purchase at special prices exclusive to showgoers.
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