Singapore’s only sake brewery is in Jurong, making pulut hitam sake and winning recognition in Japan
Reuben Oh and Yumika Yamamoto overcame the challenges of brewing sake in Singapore to create distinctly local expressions now served at Michelin-starred restaurants, recognised in international competitions and supported by a growing community.
In Jurong, Singapore, Orchid Sake Brewery is the only sake brewery in the country, producing distinctly local expressions of the ancient beverage. Orchid Sake Brewery is the brainchild of Singaporean Reuben Oh and Yumiko Yamamoto, who moved from Japan to Singapore to follow Oh's dream of brewing sake in Singapore.
Initially, Oh doubted the feasibility of brewing sake in Singapore, believing the water quality was not suitable. However, during his travels in Japan, he discovered breweries brewing with city water, proving his initial skepticism wrong. This revelation led him to believe that water and temperature control were not limiting factors, paving the way for his venture in Singapore.
Orchid Sake Brewery uses Japanese Kitashizuku rice from Hokkaido to brew both traditional and locally inspired sake styles, including Classic and Tropic. The Classic has a clear, clean, fruity, and floral flavor, while the Tropic is fresher, more acidic, and features umami, tropical fruit, and floral notes. Both styles pair well with a variety of dishes, from Peranakan dishes and Hokkien mee to Southeast Asian cuisine.
The brewery's success can be attributed to overcoming several challenges, including sourcing water with appropriate mineral content, finding affordable equipment for brewing, and mastering the intricate koji-making process. Orchid Sake Brewery currently produces three times more sake than it did when it first started brewing in November 2024, thanks to the resilience and innovation of its founders.
Orchid Sake Brewery's journey is not just about creating a unique product, but also about representing both Singapore and Japan in a bottle. Oh sees the brewery as a representation of the connection between the two countries, bridging the East and the West through sake. As Orchid Sake Brewery continues to grow in popularity, it is poised to make a significant impact not only in Singapore but also throughout Southeast Asia.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
