The inaugural Sake Matsuri Singapore that took place in September last year was, quite unexpectedly, a resounding success with tickets selling like hot cakes and crowds clamoring at every booth. Who knew there were so many here so into the alcoholic Japanese brew?

Not letting the hype wane, Sake Matsuri Singapore will be back on Mar 23, just six months after their very first event, for a special spring edition of the craft sake festival.

It’ll once again be a gathering of some of the best sake distributors here, offering more than 200 labels for tastings and purchase. Simply pay a flat $45 entrance fee, pick up a sake glass you can bring home, and taste as much as you want for six whole hours from 2pm-8pm. Then if so inclined, buy home the bottles you fancy at a discounted rate you won’t get to enjoy on a regular day.

The spring season means there’ll be seasonal and limited release brews only available during this time of the year. Expect a selection of fresh, unpasteurized nama sake to be on offer, in line with the coming of Japan’s cherry blossom season.

If that’s not enough, attend a masterclass (additional $25-$50) or two conducted by sake sommeliers, held at nearby Temple Cellars, where they’ll be showcasing premium bottlings, going through a cheese and sake pairing, and even walk us through the nuances of appreciating warm sake. Just don't come in a kimono or yukata for this; it's not that kind of matsuri.

Sake Matsuri Singapore 2019: Spring Edition happens Mar 23, 2pm-8pm at Skylight Atrium, UE Square. Tickets cost $45 and is inclusive of free-flow tastings and a sake glass.