Sake Experience 2025
Try. Learn. Vote. Buy. Discover sake like never before!
SAKE EXPERIENCE, the popular London tasting event, arrives in Manchester for the first time! This hands-on tasting event lets you explore a variety of sake – from sparkling sake to award-winning junmai – as well as Japanese liqueurs such as umeshu and yuzu, and meet the brewers and sake experts. You can taste, learn, vote for your favourites, and purchase your favourite drinks to take home.
📍 Where:
Dedicated area within HYPER JAPAN Manchester 2025
🕐 When:
- Fri 14 Nov – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM (last entry 7:30 PM)
- Sat 15 Nov – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM (last entry 7:30 PM)
- Sun 16 Nov – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
🎟 Tickets:
£20 (add-on to your HYPER JAPAN admission)
🏅 Sake Awards:
Vote for your favourites in categories like:
- People’s Favourite
- Best Match with Food
- Perfect Gift
Exhibitors & Featured Drinks
PARTICIPANTING BREWERIES AND SAKE FOR TASTING
Sake Collective brings Japan’s finest sake and spirits to the UK, offering one of the country’s largest selections. With over 100 premium sakes from 30+ breweries, they are the go-to destination for discovering new favourites or revisiting well-loved classics.
ZAKU Ho-no-Tomo
- Brewery/Producer: Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten
- Type of sake: Junmai
- Rice polish ratio: 60%
- ABV: 15.0%
- Best served: Chilled or warm
GOLD MEDAL ''International Wine Challenge'' 2024, BRONZE MEDAL ''International Wine Challenge'' 2023. Well-balanced fresh and ripe fruit on the nose, with a hint of lychee. Rice-like umami on the palate is followed by a clean, crisp finish. Smoothly sweet junmai sake, excellent with meat dishes such as steak, roast meat, or yakiniku, as well as vinegared dishes or fermented seafood.
Chiyomusubi ULTRA YUZU
- Brewery/Producer: Chiyomusubi Sake Brewery
- Type of sake: Fruit liqueur (Yuzu)
- Rice polish ratio: N/A
- ABV: 6.0%
- Best served: Chilled, with ice, mixed with soda, or as a cocktail with sparkling sake
Made with 25% natural yuzu juice, offering a refreshing aroma and bright acidity. Charming notes of pink grapefruit, earl grey tea, yuzu, and jasmine flowers, with full fruity flavours despite the low ABV and a beautiful ginger finish. Excellent with afternoon tea, club sandwiches, scones, or cakes.
Yamagata Masamune Torotoro Umeshu
- Brewery/Producer: Mitobe Sake Brewery
- Type of sake: Fruit liqueur (Umeshu)
- Rice polish ratio: N/A
- ABV: 10.0%
- Best served: Served with ice, mixed with soda or sparkling sake, or poured over shaved ice, yoghurt, or ice cream
Winner of HYPER JAPAN Sake Awards 2024 - People's Favourite! This rich umeshu features a luscious 'torotoro' creaminess from generous plum pulp. Sweet nectarine aromas and thick, velvety texture create a dessert wine experience, with subtle notes of fresh shiso leaves and orange marmalade. Perfect with sorbet or mochi ice cream.
In Japanese, UKiYO (浮世) translates as ‘floating world,’ describing the pleasure-seeking aspect of urban life. ‘Republic’ derives from the Latin res publica—the state in which supreme power is held by the people—and reflects our commitment to the equality of ingredients and our respect for our producers and partners. Operating since 2017, UKiYO Republic Ltd is a recognised independent importer and UK-certified distributor of Japanese sake, working with a growing number of brewers and breweries across Japan.
Hourai Brewer's Perfection - Tenju No Nyukonshu
- Brewery/Producer: Watanabe Shuzo
- Type of sake: Futsushu
- Rice polish ratio: 63%
- ABV: 15.0%
- Best served: Chilled
Complex sake with green gram and melon notes. Pear compote and floral. Fresh and balanced palate. Nama-like soft impression, showing candy floss and a touch of banana. Pleasantly gentle apple fruitiness with rice flour and yoghurt aromas.
Komachi Sakura
- Brewery/Producer: Watanabe Shuzo
- Type of sake: Futsushu
- Rice polish ratio: 68%
- ABV: 15.0%
- Best served: Chilled
Subtle aromas of white flowers, white asparagus and young rock melon. A fruity ume-plum suggestive driven palate with a lingering mineral aftertaste. Medium bodied and medium finish with a refined texture.
Komachi Sakura Betsukakoi
- Brewery/Producer: Watanabe Shuzo
- Type of sake: Futsushu
- Rice polish ratio: 68%
- ABV: 16.0%
- Best served: Chilled
Elegant, clean futsushu. Savoury, fruity, cereal nose. Fruity palate with red apple and pear. Rounded, creamy mouth feel. Balanced acidity, crisp, dry, peppery finish.
Founded in 1894 by Kamekichi Kitanishi in Ageo, Saitama Prefecture, Kitanishi Sake Brewery has been producing sake using crystal-clear water flowing from the nearby mountains. While brewing follows a scientific approach, the brewery continues to value traditional methods that engage all five human senses.
Bunraku Kimoto Junmai
- Brewery/Producer: Kitanishi Sake Brewery
- Type of sake: Junmai
- Rice polish ratio: 60%
- ABV: 15.0%
- Best served: Chilled, at room temperature, or warmed
This Kimoto junmai has a sharp and complex taste that never tires the drinker. It features a well-balanced combination of richness and acidity, achieved through the traditional “Kimoto” brewing method.
Nashi Pear Sake
- Brewery/Producer: Kitanishi Sake Brewery
- Type of sake: Fruit liqueur (Nashi pear)
- Rice polish ratio: N/A
- ABV: 11.0%
- Best served: On the rocks or mixed with soda
A perfect blend of Kimoto junmai and Japanese pear, this sake harmonises the fresh, seasonal pear flavour with the richness and subtle sweetness of the junmai.
Founded in 1842 in Fushimi, Kyoto, Takara Shuzo has a long history of producing sake, shochu, and liqueurs. With a long history of bringing sake to the world, it continues to promote Japanese beverages globally, offering a wide range of products that highlight the unique flavours and aromas of each.
MIO Sparkling Sake
- Brewery/Producer: Takara Shuzo
- Type of sake: Sparkling
- Rice polish ratio: N/A
- ABV: 5.0%
- Best served: Chilled
Made only from rice and rice koji, MIO Sparkling Sake is a smooth, easy-drinking low-alcohol sake. Its fruity flavour, subtle sweetness, and refreshing bubbles make it a perfect companion for meals or quality time with friends and loved ones.
SAKE CAN “SORA” Junmai SAKE
- Brewery/Producer: Takara Shuzo
- Type of sake: Junmai
- Rice polish ratio: N/A
- ABV: 15.2%
- Best served: Chilled
Brewed with the pure, soft waters of Fushimizu in Kyoto, this canned junmai sake offers a refined dryness and a smooth, rich rice finish. Its convenient 180ml can makes it easy to enjoy sake anywhere, while the cherry blossom design adds a touch of elegance.
Takara Shochu Highball Lemon
- Brewery/Producer: Takara Shuzo
- Type of sake: Chu-Hi
- Rice polish ratio: N/A
- ABV: 7.0%
- Best served: Chilled
Takara Shochu Highball delivers the crisp, refreshing taste of the original 1950s Tokyo Chu-Hai, with a tangy lemon flavour and a revitalising kick. Perfect for enjoying with meals or as a refreshing drink anytime.
Founded in 1978, Tazaki Foods is Europe’s leading importer and distributor of authentic Japanese food and beverages. Working with brewers across Japan, the company offers one of Europe’s most extensive selections of sake and shochu, featuring over 170 labels. Products are available at the Tazaki Cash & Carry in Greenwich or online via Yutaka Shop Online, with delivery across the UK.
Kubota Senju
- Brewery/Producer: Asahi Brewery
- Type of sake: Ginjo
- Rice polish ratio: 53%
- ABV: 15%
- Best served: Chilled or warm
Conceptualized as a versatile Ginjo-style sake to enjoy with food. Aromas of dried fruits, nutmeg, and banana yogurt cake greet the nose. The palate is light and dry, with notes of dried pineapple, coconut, and a subtle kick of coffee beans, making it an elegant accompaniment to a variety of dishes.
Nanbu Bijin Umeshu
- Brewery/Producer: Nanbu Bijin Brewery
- Type of sake: Sake-based Umeshu
- Rice polish ratio: N/A
- ABV: 9%
- Best served: Chilled and neat
An infused sake with Ume plum in All Koji Sake. The base sake is naturally rich and sweet, with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Pronounced aromas of Ume plum and chestnuts are complemented by a subtle hint of bitterness, creating a well-rounded, elegant umeshu.
Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai
- Brewery/Producer: Nanbu Bijin Brewery
- Type of sake: Tokubetsu Junmai
- Rice polish ratio: 55%
- ABV: 15%
- Best served: Chilled or lukewarm
A signature sake from Nanbu Bijin. Aromas of ripe banana precede a smooth, rounded texture with light, clean sweetness reminiscent of melon and pear. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and umami, delivering richness and depth in every sip.
Urakasumi Umeshu
- Brewery/Producer: Saura Brewery
- Type of sake: Sake-based Umeshu
- Rice polish ratio: N/A
- ABV: 12%
- Best served: Chilled and neat
This umeshu features a beautiful pink-gold or rose hue. Intense aromas of plum skin, amaretto, and cranberry are followed by a moderate tartness and gentle sweetness, enriched with delicate almond and cinnamon notes. A refined choice for enjoying chilled.
Chiebijin Junmai
- Brewery/Producer: Nakano Brewery
- Type of sake: Junmai
- Rice polish ratio: 70%
- ABV: 15%
- Best served: Chilled or lukewarm
Beautifully balanced with gentle sweetness and refreshing acidity. The bright nose leads to a juicy palate full of umami, while maintaining a clean and clear mouthfeel. A well-rounded junmai that showcases both elegance and depth.
Tosatsuru Azure
- Brewery/Producer: Tosatsuru Brewery
- Type of sake: Ginjo
- Rice variety: 55%
- ABV: 15%
- Best served: Chilled
A smooth ginjo with a pristine, clean finish. Brewed with deep-sea water that has journeyed for 2,000 years at the ocean’s depths, this water offers an exceptionally balanced mineral profile. The result is a sake that is both pure and beautifully unique.
*Details of exhibitors and featured drinks may be updated prior to the event.
Q&A (Quick guide)
Who can attend?
18+ only.
What’s included with my ticket?
Your ticket gives you access to 17 different sake and Japanese alcoholic drinks. Each is served in a 20ml sample size, and you can try them one by one during your visit.
How long does it take?
Around 30 minutes. Please allow enough time, as entry will close 30 minutes before the end of the session.
Do I need a specific time slot?
No time slots – you can visit anytime during opening hours. Afternoons around 2–4 PM tend to be busiest, so visiting earlier or later may let you enjoy a more relaxed experience.
How do I get a ticket?
Day tickets may be available, but we recommend buying in advance to avoid disappointment.
Can I bring children?
Children are allowed, but we recommend that younger ones be supervised elsewhere if possible, so everyone can enjoy the tasting comfortably.
Can I buy the drinks I try?
Yes – drinks are available at our on-site sales tables at special event prices. Please note that availability may be limited.