Elliot James Faber was awarded with the prestigious title of Sake Samurai in 2016. In 2015, he wrote a book “SAKE” which focuses on the background and the traditional of sake, shochu and Awamori brewery. In 2017, he co-founded Sake Central – a multifunctional retail space and bar that aims to provide an authentic understanding of Japanese food and beverage culture to people around the world.
Born in Toronto, Canada, Elliot graduated from the University of Calgary before working in the wine and sake industry in Canada for many years. As a Certified Sommelier and an Advanced Sake Professional, Elliot is a senior whisky advisor to Zachys Wine Auctions, a contributing editor to JamesSuckling.com.
He became the Managing Director of Merlo Vinoteca in 2007, a wine education and retail center in Calgary, before managing food and wine programs throughout the country. Elliot is a Sommelier accredited at various levels with the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, International Sommelier Guild and Court of Master Sommeliers.
In 2011, Elliot relocated to Hong Kong as part of the opening team of restaurant Yardbird, named as one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants by the prestigious San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants Award. He is the Beverage Manager and Sommelier for Yardbird Modern Yakitori Restaurant locating in Hong Kong.
The Sake Samurai Association
The Sake Samurai Association was established in 2004 as a junior council for the Japan Sake Brewers Association to protect sake and Japanese traditions at home and to promote them internationally. It has contributed to the increased popularity of sake and Japanese food overseas in recent years.