Let's get to know various kinds of Korean Rice Wine- Makgeolli

Makgeolli (Korean Rice Wine)
Makgeolli is a traditional Korean alcoholic beverage.

It got its name because it was only roughly filtered or strained.

It is made by fermenting starchy ingredients like rice with nuruk (a traditional fermentation starter) to produce a type of cloudy rice wine.

The sediment is removed to get clear liquor, and the remaining lees are filtered again to create the final brewed drink. Traditionally consumed by commoners,

it is still considered a rustic beverage both historically and today.

 

 

1. Seoul Jangsu Makgeolli

 

• Ingredients: Rice
• Production Area: Seoul
• Alcohol Content: 6%
• Storage: Refrigerate
• Taste and Aroma: Refreshing and clean

(Captured from " koreawine.co.kr" home page)

 

The most popular makgeolli is Seoul Jangsu Makgeolli! Its harmonious balance of sweetness, sourness, and bitterness makes it the top choice in the makgeolli market. Produced in Seoul, it is tailored to the diverse tastes of the city's residents, making it exceptionally popular.

Jangsu Makgeolli is designated as a Future Heritage of Seoul Special City.

 

2. Pocheon Idong Makgeolli

• Ingredients: Rice, Wheat
• Production Area: Pocheon
• Alcohol Content: 6%
• Storage: Refrigerate
• Taste and Aroma: Refreshing and sweet

 

(Captured from "Idong Makgeolli" home page)

 

Pocheon is said to have water that flows out without collecting from the outside, which is why it is named "Pocheon’s Inner River".

The name of Idong Makgeolli omes from the name of the area in Pocheon City, Idong-myeon, known for its excellent forest scenery and clear water. Made using granite bedrock water sourced from 200 to 300 meters underground, Idong Makgeolli is known for its outstanding refreshing quality and a diverse range of flavors, including sweetness and tartness. The unique umami taste of the mineral-rich water is also a key reason why Idong Makgeolli has gained a reputation as a leading makgeolli from Pocheon.

 

3. Baedari Makgeolli

• Ingredients: Rice, Wheat
• Production Area: Goyang
• Alcohol Content: 7%
• Storage: Refrigerate
• Taste and Aroma: Refreshing with a strong aftertaste

(Captured from "www.mygoyang.com" home page)

 

Baedari Makgeolli is characterized by its rich, natural sweetness that is distinctive of makgeolli. It maintains an alcohol content of 7%, which is 1% higher than most regular makgeolli.

This higher alcohol content helps preserve its traditional, rich, and refreshing taste that has been passed down through generations.

While some large makgeolli companies forcefully inject carbonation to enhance freshness, Baedari Makgeolli does not use this method.

Park Sang-bin, the representative of Baedari Makgeolli, explains, “Natural carbonation is created through natural fermentation, so there is no need for forced carbonation. In fact, the level of carbonation is just right, which makes it easy to drink and reduces burping and hangovers.”

 

4. Jeongseon Auraji Corn Makgeolli

• Ingredients: Corn
• Production Area: Jeongseon
• Alcohol Content: 8%
• Storage: Refrigerate
• Taste and Aroma: Sweetness of corn

(Captured from " Jeongseon Auraji Corn Makgeolli " home page)

 

Although corn is used as the ingredient, it has less of the expected artificial nutty aroma and corn flavor.

Instead, it is somewhat less sweet, but it retains a subtle corn-like richness and a moderate level of freshness.

After consuming it, a hint of corn flavor lingers in the mouth.

 

5. Daegu Bullo Makgeolli

• Ingredients: Rice
• Production Area: Daegu
• Alcohol Content: 6%
• Storage: Refrigerate
• Taste and Aroma: Refreshing and rich

(Captured from  "daegutakju.co.kr" home page)

 

The most popular makgeolli in Daegu, made with natural water from 170 meters underground in Palgong Mountain,

it is favored for its balanced richness and sweetness.

This is a pure, unsweetened rice makgeolli with a moderate level of freshness, smooth mouthfeel, and excellent body and flavor from the rice. It offers a natural softness and a pleasant texture.

The presence of live yeast enhances its distinctive umami taste, and the high content of pantothenic acid in the yeast stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting intestinal movement.

Additionally, it is rich in various nutrients that are beneficial for the body.

 

 

6. Busan Saengtak

• Ingredients: Rice
• Production Area: Busan
• Alcohol Content: 6%
• Storage: Refrigerate
• Taste and Aroma: Refreshing

(Captured from "ricewinekorea.co.kr" home page)

It is a liquor brand located in Busan Metropolitan City and is the second-largest company in South Korea in terms of sales, following Jangsu Makgeolli.

Busan Saengtak stands out for its taste differentiated by traditional makgeolli-making techniques and the natural carbonation from low-temperature aging. It is a clean, nutritious traditional drink. The combination of modern computerized production equipment and artisanal craftsmanship results in top-quality Busan makgeolli.

 

7. Gwangju Via Makgeolli

• Ingredients: Rice, Wheat
• Production Area: Gwangju
• Alcohol Content: 6%
• Storage: Refrigerate
• Taste and Aroma: Refreshing and sweet

(Captured from "biamaggoli.com" home page)

 

It has a milder taste compared to other makgeolli, and it is said that the best flavor develops 2 to 3 days after production when stored in refrigeration, as carbonation starts to form. Additionally, it is known among makgeolli enthusiasts for its delicate taste with a subtle hint of sweetness

 

It is actually about 90% made from wheat, making it a wheat-based makgeolli. Wheat makgeolli indeed provides a notably smooth mouthfeel, which differentiates it from Seoul Jangsu Makgeolli. Additionally, Bia Makgeolli has lower carbonation. If you prefer a smooth makgeolli, it’s worth trying.

8. Jeju Tangerine Makgeolli

• Ingredients: Rice, Wheat
• Production Area: Gapyeong
• Alcohol Content: 7%
• Storage: Refrigerate
• Taste and Aroma: Sweet and tangy

(Captured from "woorisool.kr" home page)

 

It is a sweet, refreshing makgeolli perfectly suited for enjoying on Jeju Olle trails or at the beach, offering a taste and spirit of Jeju that is especially favored among younger people.

It contains Jeju tangerines, allowing you to enjoy both the sweet and tangy flavor of tangerines and the natural umami taste of makgeolli. The added carbonation makes it even more refreshing.

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Which type of makgeolli would you like to try the most?