Masterclass with the Pros

Catch exclusive sessions with industry experts throughout the festival weekend. Register onsite at the Masterclass Lounge—first come, first served.

VIP All-Day Passholders enjoy priority access.

Evolution of Sake

by Adrian Goh

Saturday, 28th March 2026 | 2pm

Discover classic, modern, and progressive sake styles, understand their differences, and the trends shaping today’s sake landscape in the region.

Adrian Goh is a leading figure in the global sake community and the first Southeast Asian awarded the prestigious Sake Samurai title by the Japan Sake Brewers Association. With over a decade of experience and visits to 180 breweries, he co-founded Sake Matsuri Singapore and is widely respected as a consultant, judge, and educator championing sake culture worldwide.

Discovering Shochu: The Hidden Spirit of Japan

by Chandrakant

Saturday, 28th March 2026 | 3pm

Explore the flavours of Japanese shochu, from traditional Honkaku to Hachi varietals, and discover its diverse, low-ABV appeal.

Chandrakant is the founder of The Hachi Shochu, an award-winning premium cask-aged shochu crafted in collaboration with distilleries across Japan. A passionate advocate of the 500-year-old spirit, he has championed shochu through masterclasses, tastings, and bartender education worldwide. He also leads Mizunara Group, which operates Mizunara: The Library and Mizunara: In Tokyo, while importing and distributing specialist spirits across key markets.

If You Know, You Know #iykyk—Cult Sakes with a Following

by Hansel

Sunday, 29th March 2026 | 10am

Explore modern-style sakes that have earned a devoted following among serious drinkers. From underrated producer to insider favourites, these sakes showcase the exciting evolution of modern nihonshu.

Hansel lives by one rule: “Find me an occasion, I’ll find you the sake.”

With a mobile cold chain and a serious love for modern-style sakes — think bright acidity, layered umami, and bottles that sake otakus obsess over — he’s always ready to introduce the next cult favourite.

As Head Sommelier and Director of SAKE Street Singapore, Tokyo’s boutique retailer in Asakusabashi, Hansel spends most of his time geeking out over sake and hunting for hidden gems across Japan.

What Ever Happened to Jizake? Trends Shaping the Modern Sake Industry

by Elliot Faber

Sunday, 29th March 2026 | 2pm

Uncover the rise of modern sake, from jizake and microbrews to natural, craft, and international brands shaping today’s industry.

Elliot Faber, an honorary Sake Samurai, is a driving force behind Hong Kong’s dynamic beverage scene, shaping acclaimed venues including Yardbird and co-founding Sake Central. A certified sommelier and Advanced Sake Professional, he co-authored Saké: The History, Stories and Craft of Japan’s Artisanal Breweries and continues to champion Japanese sake culture on the global stage.

Japanese Whisky: Heritage, Innovation & the Art of Maturation

by Matthias Yeo

Sunday, 29th March 2026 | 3pm

Dive into the history and evolution of Japanese whisky, from its origins to modern ageing techniques and signature flavour profiles.

Matthias Yeo is Global Marketing Director at Shinano, with over seven years of experience across domestic and international alcohol markets. Specialising in brand development and strategic expansion, he works with collectors, hospitality leaders and global distributors. Since 2012, he has supported a portfolio including Shinobu Whisky and Masahiro Okinawa Gin, collaborating closely with leading distilleries to bring distinctive premium spirits to global audiences.