The selection of sake featured during the event.
An interactive evening welcomed guests to World Sake Day, which marks the start of the traditional sake brewing season coinciding with the seasonal rice harvest.
Held at Sky51, EQ Kuala Lumpur’s rooftop bar, the event was graced by Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata.
The event was held in collaboration with Japanese food wholesaler JFC Malaysia and Japanese fine-dining restaurant Kampachi.
The evening featured a seminar where guests explored a variety of premium sake and curated culinary pairings while certified sake master Akane Yamada coordinated proceedings.
As the oldest Japanese restaurant in Malaysia, Kampachi has played a pioneering role in the development of local sake appreciation.
For example, artisanal labels such as Izumibashi, a 168 year-old brewery from Ebina, Japan, have been introduced to aficionados in Malaysia.
Representing this storied brand via livestream was sixth-generation master brewer Yuichi Hashiba, who provided insights into the craftsmanship and heritage behind their exceptional products.
A flagship in their lineup is the award-winning Junmai Ginjo Megumi Blue Label, which placed first among 824 sakes in a competition in 2020 and for which Kampachi is the exclusive importer in Malaysia.
Among those featured in the Kuala Lumpur segment included Izumibashi Junmai Ginjo Megumi Blue Label, Hiyashibori (Daiginjo), Deshin Yuki (Junmai Ginjo) and Yoshinosugi Taru Sake.
This range was complemented by a selection of canapes from Kampachi and EQ’s contemporary European and fine dining restaurant Sabayon.
They included daikagu imo (candied sweet potato), smoked salmon tartare, house-dried cherry tomato tart, chicken roulade, beetroot doughnuts and chocolate macarons.
“World Sake Day is an event that has grown from strength to strength,” said Equatorial Group chief executive officer Donald Lim.
“Kampachi has been at the forefront of promoting sake and we are proud to host this event at EQ.”
EQ Kuala Lumpur general manager Justin Lee said: “Our hotel prides itself on offering exceptional experiences in one of the most exciting cities in South-East Asia.
“We take great pleasure in curating events for our guests that pull together fantastic elements that individuals might not themselves have access to.”
