About this event
A special Sake Master class, we will focus on one of the most important elements of sake. sake rice.
Same brewery. Same rice polishing ratio. The only difference is the rice variety itself.
And yet, simply changing the rice can completely transform the character and expression of the sake.
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This is not just another sake masterclass.
For this special evening, we dive into the world of sake rice. Have you ever compared sake from the same brewery, with the same polishing ratio, where the only difference is the rice variety used?
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Yamada Nishiki, Omachi, Miyamanishiki, Aiyama. Discover how different rice varieties influence aroma, texture, umami, structure, and finish.
This is a rare opportunity to experience the unique character of sake through rice.
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For this event, we are also collaborating with Hojae for a special pairing experience. Each dish created by Hojae brings surprise, creativity, and flavours you won’t easily find elsewhere. It is opening up entirely new possibilities for sake pairing.
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FOOD MENU:
1st course
• Pacific Oyster with Hibiscus jelly Mignonette and Black Caviar
2nd course
• Seafood treasure
• Dry aged Salmon with Orange zest and Okura
• Shio koji cured White fish with Duxelles and Ankimo Cream
• Shime Bonito with Yuzu Beurre blanc and Pomme Puree
• Calamari with Nori dressing and Asparagus
• Aburi scallop with Nitzume and Cauliflower Puree(hommage Sushi On)
3rd course
• Hotaru ika and Pickled Mussel with Karashi Miso and Spicy Ichiban Dashi Emulsion
And the main dish? It’s something everyone loves. (Not Japanese food) But probably not something you would ever imagine pairing with sake.
Yet the combination works far better than you expect.
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Join us for an evening that challenges expectations and explores a completely new sake pairing experience.
This is a limited seating event. Early booking is highly recommended.
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Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Time: 7:00pm Start
Place: 177 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Price: $138.97 (Early bird: available until the end of May) $154.85 (standard price)
Ticket includes:
- 4 sake selections from the same brewery with different sake rice varieties
- 4 special pairing dishes by Hojae
- A guided sake masterclass focused on sake rice character
Please note that we’re unable to accommodate any dietary requirements or allergy requests for this event.
Sake will be available for purchase to take home after the event.
She is a Melbourne-based SSA sake sommelier educator and the founder of Sake Journey, a platform dedicated to presenting Japanese sake with precision, elegance, and a contemporary sensibility. Through meticulously curated tastings, bespoke pairings, and exclusive dining collaborations, she creates elevated, immersive experiences that reveal the quiet complexity and refined beauty of sake.
Her events are designed to guide guests through the nuanced world of sake—exploring differences in rice varietals, regional identity, and brewing techniques—while maintaining a sense of ease and refinement.
At the core of her work is a deep respect for craftsmanship and storytelling. By connecting guests with the people, places, and philosophies behind each bottle, Kana offers a perspective that elevates sake beyond the glass. Her approach positions sake as both a luxury beverage and a cultural art form, creating moments of discovery that are intimate, polished, and memorable.
HOJAE is defined by intention, refinement, and precise attention to detail, where exceptional ingredients are treated with respect, restraint, and purpose.
Rooted in Japanese sensibility and French culinary technique, HOJAE creates contemporary dining experiences that are elegant, considered, and balanced. Every element is carefully composed—from ingredient sourcing to final execution—allowing simplicity to reveal depth and clarity.
Ingredient-led, experience-focused, and thoughtfully composed, HOJAE reflects a modern culinary expression developed in Melbourne, where craft, balance, and emotion are conveyed through every detail on the plate.
NOMU Saketen is a Melbourne-based sake importer, dedicated to showcasing the depth, diversity, and heritage of Japanese sake.
Working closely with carefully selected breweries in Shizuoka, Japan, NOMU curates a refined selection that reflects craftsmanship, regional identity, and tradition.
Through tastings and curated experiences, NOMU bridges Japanese sake culture with contemporary dining in Australia, offering an introduction that is both approachable and considered.
