Unlocking the Art of Sake: Certified Education in Singapore with SSI and SSS

Whether you are a hospitality professional aiming to refine your beverage program or an enthusiast eager to elevate your tasting palate, Singapore has become one of Southeast Asia's premier hubs for certified sake education.

Among the most respected qualifications available globally are those awarded by the Sake Service Institute (SSI) and the Sake Sommelier Association (SSS / Certified Sake Sommelier). Here is a breakdown of what these programs cover, the time commitment, course fees, and why learning under top industry figures like Joshua Kalinan makes all the difference.

1. Sake Service Institute (SSI) – International Kikisake-shi

Founded in Japan in 1990, the Sake Service Institute (SSI) is a pioneer in standardized sake education. Its flagship international qualification—International Kikisake-shi (Sake Sommelier / Specialist)—is designed specifically for global audiences and non-Japanese speakers.

What You Will Learn

• Production & Science: Rice polishing ratios (Seimai-buai), water composition, koji mold, and fermentation control.

• Classification: Understanding Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo, Honjozo, and traditional brewing techniques like Kimoto and Yamahai.

• 4-Style Sensory Evaluation: Categorizing sake into K薫酒 (Aromatic), S爽酒 (Light & Refreshing), J醇酒 (Rich & Umami-forward), and J熟酒 (Aged & Complex).

• Service & Food Pairing: Serving temperatures, glassware selection, and pairing dynamics with local and international cuisines.

Course Time & Fee

• Time Required: 16 hours over 2 days (typically intensive weekend or full-day weekday sessions), followed by a 3-part exam.

• Estimated Cost: ~SGD 1,300 nett per candidate. (Includes official study textbook, workbook, guided tasting of ~20 sakes, and first exam sitting. Eligible for SkillsFuture Credit and NTUC-UTAP support at participating academies like The Beverage Clique).

2. Sake Sommelier Association (SSS) – Certified Sake Sommelier

The Sake Sommelier Society (SSS), established in the UK, focuses heavily on global hospitality, practical floor service protocols, and international dining pairings.

Key Highlights

• Hospitality Focus: Geared toward sommelier duties, cellar management, menu curation, and sales presentation.

• Practical Tasting: Extensive blind tasting sessions evaluating profiles across varied sake grades.

• Omakase & Western Pairings: Learning how to match sake with Japanese omakase as well as Western dishes.

Upon completion, candidates take a practical and written examination to earn the Certified Sake Sommelier lapel pin and official credential.

Course Time & Fee

• Time Required: 2 full days (approx. 14–16 hours of instruction and practical assessment).

• Estimated Cost: ~SGD 1,100 – SGD 1,400 nett. (Covers certification registration, study materials, tasting samples, and the examination fee).

3. Learn from the Best: Master Sake Sommelier Joshua Kalinan

A major highlight of pursuing sake credentials in Singapore is the opportunity to learn from world-class educators. Prominent among them is Joshua Kalinan.

Why Learn with Joshua?

• Award-Winning Credentials: Joshua made history in 2018 as the first Singaporean to win the prestigious Sake Sommelier of the Year award and earn the coveted Master Sake Sommelier title.

• Industry Experience: Beyond teaching, Joshua has curated international sake programs for major brands like Singapore Airlines and educated generations of trade professionals across Singapore.

• Practical Philosophy: Joshua’s teaching cuts through pretension—focusing on palate balance, texture matching, and practical advice (such as "match weight, not prestige").

Learning from an instructor with real-world experience ensures that beyond memorizing textbook facts, you gain practical confidence in tasting, recommending, and serving sake.