Noah Sain

Noah, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a Certified Sake Sommelier and Sake Educator with a deep passion for sharing the world of sake. Noah is a Florida native with over a decade of experience in the service industry, having worked in restaurants across St. Petersburg since 2012.

As the beverage director of a Tokyo-inspired vinyl listening and sake bar, where he discovered his passion for sake, Noah blends his love for music and sake culture to create an authentic, immersive experience. With expertise in pairing sake with a rotating food menu, Noah offers a unique perspective on both traditional and contemporary styles.

In addition to running a sake bar, Noah teaches Certified Sake Sommelier courses and hosts a monthly ‘Sake Club,’ fostering a growing community of sake enthusiasts in the area.

Haidar Hachem

Born in Miami, Florida, Haidar Youssef Hachem began his career as a civil engineer before transitioning into brewing. After earning certifications as a Certified Cicerone and BJCP Beer Judge, his interest expanded to sake—a discovery that became his true passion. He pursued sake education through WSET Level 1, Certified Sake Professional (John Gauntner), and Certified Sake Sommelier (SSA). In 2024, he became the sixth SSA-certified Master of Sake, training at Nishiyama Shuzo in Tamba, Hyogo. Haidar co-founded Shōjō Brewing Co with his wife Marilyn in 2020 and opened Florida’s first sake brewery and bar, Shōjō’s Dojo, in 2023. He is dedicated to sharing sake culture and education with audiences across the U.S. and beyond.