Braveheart Sake is Singapore’s first dedicated sake-cocktail bar and is redefining how we drink, perceive, and enjoy sake.
Braveheart Sake has emerged as Singapore’s only sake-cocktail bar! And it only solidifies the trend that sake is becoming the new cool girl in the beverage world. Dreamt up by friends James Li and Ong Jun Quan (otherwise known as JQ), these sake enthusiasts have created their very own sake playground, and all are invited! I hopped into this new bar in Singapore to see what the fuss is about and left with an even greater appreciation for sake.
Braveheart Sake bar review: Details at a glance
Must-tries: Hedonic; Rose-A-Pet; sake flights
Best for: Sake enthusiasts looking to try a variety of drinks; sake beginners who want to learn more
Price: Sakes start from $64 per carafe; cocktails start from $21
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 3pm to 12am; closed on Monday
Address: Braveheart Sake, 83A Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088504
Who knew learning about sake could be this fun?
Something I loved about Braveheart Sake’s execution was the way the duo made sake learning accessible, even from the moment you order. The sake menu has been thoughtfully laid out to show you which ones are more floral, savoury, milky, and malty. So you’re not flying completely blind, even as a newbie! I also really liked the option to have sake in carafes rather than ordering whole bottles. That means you can sample multiple sakes without completely breaking the bank. And yes, you can request hot sakes if you want!
For my visit, sake sommelier JQ customised a flight just for me. My spirited discussions with him unlocked my alcohol-nerd side, and JQ does an amazing job of making the experience less intimidating. Willingness to explore is key here. To make the most of your tasting experience, I would recommend opening up and asking as many questions as you’d like.
The team jokes that the Tsuki Wine (from $94 per carafe) is a Riesling pretending to be sake. And it’s true! The flavours are bright and wine-like, not as fermented as your other sakes.
The Daishichi Kimoto JM (from $67 per carafe) was also a favourite, but a far cry from the Tsuki Wine. Made with the rare traditional kimoto (paddle style) method, this sake takes longer to develop as the spirit is fermented naturally by laboriously stirring the mash. The result is a stronger and savoury sake. I recommend having this one warm!
Sake cocktails that taste like beer
The highlight of Braveheart Sake’s offerings is its sake cocktails. The use of sake in the cocktail menu varies, with the fermented rice sometimes being the main star, and other times supporting the drink in the background.
Many of James’s concoctions transform sake into other classic drinks like beer, wine and whisky. It’s a wild concept to turn one alcoholic beverage into another, but I think it shows sake’s flexibility as a base.
Lager ($22) tastes a lot more like beer than regular beer. It’s made with a hops sake with bitters and a homemade hops tincture. And to really seal that beer-like appearance is the foam. This cocktail tasted surprisingly like beer, and I was fascinated by that!
If you enjoy peated whisky, try the Wild & Free ($24). James loves peated whisky, and drew inspiration from Scotland to create this cocktail. While I’m personally not a fan of the smokey flavour, it was an interesting sipper which will mellow out as the ice melts.
One of my favourites is the Hedonic ($22). It’s hard to go wrong when you combine sweet treats like pistachio, chocolate, and whipped cream. It drinks like a sweeter and more decadent espresso martini, a drink I would order over a dessert any day. It can lean a little too sweet for some palates. But to me, it was perfect.
Is Braveheart Sake worth visiting?
For budding sake lovers and long-time enthusiasts, Braveheart Sake offers a varied experience for everyone. I came in not knowing much about sake, but ended up spending a fabulous few hours learning the basics of sake. Including its various preparation methods, how different ferments affect flavours, and learning how to identify nuanced tastes.
It’s one of those bars that can be considered a bit niche. But I witnessed many groups gathered for hearty banter and cosy dates. There was even a man dining solo, enjoying a carafe of sake while reading a book.
If you were ever curious about the world of sake, I’d highly recommend dropping by for one of Braveheart Sake’s discovery flights. JQ and James do a fantastic job of keeping the whole process fun and lighthearted, letting you explore your palate and understanding at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are only sake bottles available?
Braveheart Sake offers sake in carafes (from $64), so you can try a variety of labels without ordering a whole bottle.
Can I have the sake warm?
Yes! Braveheart Sake’s menu highlights a few sakes which are best served warm, and the team is happy to accommodate requests.
Is it more of a cocktail bar or a sake bar?
Braveheart Sake can be considered both a sake and cocktail bar. The signature cocktail menu focuses on cocktails using sake, but you can also find a small selection of classics.
What are the sake tasting flights?
There are three flight experiences available, depending on what kind of flavours you’re looking for:
- Familiar But Fun ($38)
- Umami Discovery ($46)
- Wild & Curious ($58)
What is the “banana” sake?
One of the major talking points at Braveheart Sake is the Amabuki Banana label. We highly recommend giving it a try! It smells and tastes like ripe banana peels. It’s not overly sweet or fermented, so it’s suitable for most palates.
