It started with wine bar dominating the island and diners have moved on to appreciate a diversity of alcoholic beverages with Sake on the rising trend. Our first attempt of appreciating Sake was at Ippin Bar and subsequently at Hibiki; both of which are Japanese Restaurants offering Sake as a beverage in addition to their food. We also visited Boruto which has a large Sake collection. In addition to all of these, at the newly renovated Emporium Shokuhin, they introduced Ishizuchi Sake Bar specialising in this fermented Japanese rice beverage. To add on the list, other options are BAM! Tapas-Sake Bar, 510 Sake Bar, Orihara Shoten among the many other.
Space might not be big at this Sake Bar. Nevertheless, selection is certainly impressive. The design too was gorgeous with a contemporary design theme.
This is the world’s first Ishizuchi Sake Bar with a century rich of experience and history in brewing the Sake. This famous Sake Brewery uses only spring water from Mt. Ishizuchi. Some of the Sake that this Sake Bar carry are Daiginjo, Dassai, Joyondai.
Over at Ishizuchi Sake Bar, one could either appreciate the Sake at the bar or purchase the bottle back home to enjoy. Tapas are also available for pairing with the Sake.
On our visit, we went for the Nishiyama Premium Daiginjo Sake Flight ($35++) consisting of 3 types of Sake. All 3 were from the Nishiyama Brewery with rice polishing ratio of 50% and yet the flavour notes are all different.
Rojo Hana Ari Aoi** – Takeaway – $139.20++ / Dine-in – $174++
Elegant and delicate sweetness with the taste of white peaches, apples and pears. Best served cool with wine glass.
Rojo Hana Ari Toka – Takeaway – $68.80++ / Dine-in – $86++
Aromatic and smooth and is specially designed for ladies and suitable for novice drinkers. Excellent with light dishes.
Rojo Hana Ari Kurobotan – Takeaway – $94.40++ / Dine-in – $118++
Distinct taste of Tanba Goriki rice and goes excellent with meat dishes and Italian cuisine. Best served cool or in room temperature.
Lastly we have a Sake from Ishizuchi Brewing, with the same rice polishing ratio.
Ishizuchi Junmai Dainginjo – Takeaway – $86.40++ / Dine-in – $108++
Flavourful with a spicy and slight acidic taste. It is elegant, graceful, well balanced and fully handcrafted.
NAHMJ Verdict
With diners palate getting more sophisticated, the F&B players in Singapore has to up their game in this competitive market by offering quality alcoholic beverages like Ishizuchi Sake Bar.
Ishizuchi Sake Bar @ Emporium Shokuhin
6 Raffles Boulevard, #01-18 Marina Square, Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6812 2153
Website: http://www.emporiumshokuhin.com.sg/dining/ISHIZUCHI-SAKE-BAR
Opening Hours
Daily 1200 to 2200
Getting There
By MRT:
- Circle line – Esplanade, Promenade
- Downtown line – Promenade
- North-South or East-West line – City Hall
By Bus:
- Esplanade along Raffles Ave 36, 56, 70M, 75, 77, 97, 97e, 106, 111, 133, 162M, 171, 195, 531, 700A, 857, 960
- Pan Pacific Hotel along Raffles Boulevard 36, 107M
- Suntec Convention Centre along 36, 70M, 97, 106, 111, 133, 162M, 502, 502A, 518, 518A, 531, 700A, 857, 868
Rating: 8/10
*Disclaimer: This was a media invite.