The Art of Pairing: Discovering Nobu Hokusetsu Sakes at Nobu Bar, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

As dusk settles over Orchard Boulevard, Nobu Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore reveals itself as a quiet alcove of warmth and refinement. This is a place where evenings unfold gently, guided by craft, culture, and the subtle elegance of Japanese tradition. Beneath soft lighting and polished wood, one of Nobu’s most celebrated signatures takes center stage: Hokusetsu sake, brewed only for Nobu restaurants across the world.

Crafted on the remote shores of Sado Island, Hokusetsu sakes have been produced by the Hazu family for more than 150 years. They are shaped by pristine water sources, an ideal coastal climate, and a deep respect for the centuries‑old art of sake brewing. Their partnership with Nobu began in the 1990s, when Chef Nobu Matsuhisa secured an exclusive agreement that would make Hokusetsu the defining sake of Nobu’s global culinary experience.

At Nobu Bar, this legacy becomes a journey of discovery. Guests are invited to explore the menu to see how each sake reveals new dimensions of Nobu’s signature dishes, from the pristine clarity of sashimi to the smoky richness of char-grilled selections.

1. Begin with Balance

Lighter, cleaner sakes such as Junmai Ginjo, known for their smooth, medium-bodied profiles and balanced umami, pair beautifully with delicate dishes like sashimi or white fish. Richer, more full‑bodied expressions such as Junmai Daiginjo, The Sake, complement dishes with deeper flavours or a touch of fat, allowing the sake’s complexity to unfold with each bite.

2. Pair Dryness with Richness

Exceptionally dry sakes like Onigoroshi, Devil Killer, with sharp, smooth and spicy notes, cut through the richness of grilled or fried dishes and refresh the palate in between. Semi‑dry expressions with citrus or peppery undertones, such as Honjozo Yuki No Hibiki, pair well with dishes featuring subtle heat or savoury depth.

3. Let Umami Lead the Way

Sakes like Nobu Junmai Ginjo 71, which balances umami with clean acidity, naturally enhance Nobu’s signature preparations such as Yellowtail Jalapeño or Nobu-style sashimi. For dishes with a touch of smoke or char, a rounder and fuller Junmai or Junmai Daiginjo creates a harmonious counterpoint.

4. Explore the Experience Through Sake Tasting Flights

For guests who prefer a guided journey, the sake tasting flights at Nobu Bar offer an elegant way to sample the breadth of Hokusetsu’s craftsmanship. The Classic, Exploratory, and Premium flights present curated progressions that move from lighter, smoother styles to richer and more expressive pours. Each flight can also be paired with a trio of Nobu dishes or bar bites, creating a thoughtful combination of flavours designed to highlight the nuances of every sake.

With these principles in mind, the flavours of Hokusetsu sake unfold with even greater clarity, guiding guests toward a deeper exploration of the craft behind each pour. It is a journey best enjoyed slowly, with space to pause and appreciate the subtleties that make Hokusetsu sake so distinctive. As the evening softens and the bar settles into its gentle rhythm, guests are invited to linger, savour, and discover how a well-chosen sip can transform the simplest moment into something memorable.