Chuyeondang
추연당
Traditional brewery in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, producing refined clear liquors and yakju.
- Region
- Gyeonggi
- Address
- 경기도 여주군 가남읍 금당리 531-2
Products (4)
Korean Makgeolli
Baengnyeonhyang
백년향
Chuyeondang in Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do — a heritage brewery known for cheongju and yakju — takes a minimalist approach with rice, nuruk, and water for this 10% makgeolli. The aroma is classic: warm steamed rice, a gentle lactic haze, and a hint of dried jujube. On the palate, the body is plush and generously creamy, with a sweetness that builds like warm rice porridge drizzled with honey. Acidity is deliberately subdued, making each sip enveloping rather than sharp. The finish is medium-length with a mellow rice-starch warmth. Serve at 8-12°C. Ideal with kimchi-jjim braised kimchi and pork belly where the plush body cushions the fermented heat, or hobakjuk pumpkin porridge for a comforting, viscous harmony.
Warm steamed rice and dried jujubeLactic haze on the noseHoney rice-porridge building sweetness
kimchi-jjim braised kimchi with pork bellyhobakjuk sweet pumpkin porridge
10% ABV500ml
Korean Cheongju
Sunhyangju
순향주
Sunhyangju is a 15% ABV yakcheongju from Gyeonggi-do that won the Excellence Award at the 2020 Korea Traditional Liquor Quality Contest, and the award feels earned rather than ceremonial. The grain bill is spartan — rice, nuruk, water — but the fermentation coaxes out a fragrance of ripe Asian pear and dried jujube that elevates a simple recipe into something layered. On the palate, there is a gentle oiliness that coats the tongue without heaviness, followed by a mid-palate note of roasted chestnut and a finish that fades slowly with a hint of warm rice straw. The clarity is remarkable; hold it to light and it gleams pale gold. Pair it at 10-13°C with gwangeo-hoe (raw halibut), where the fish's firm texture mirrors the drink's restrained precision, or with doenjang-guk (soybean paste soup), whose fermented depth resonates with the nuruk backbone.
Ripe Asian pearDried jujubeRoasted chestnut
gwangeo-hoe (raw halibut)doenjang-guk (soybean paste soup)
★Awards
15% ABV375ml
Korean Cheongju
Soyeogang
소여강
Soyeogang is a 42% ABV cheongju-style spirit from Gyeonggi-do, built on Gyeonggi rice, domestic nuruk, and purified water. Despite its cheongju classification, the 42% strength places it firmly in distilled territory, suggesting this is a clear spirit produced through traditional fermentation followed by distillation. The simplicity of the ingredient list — just three components — means the quality of each must carry the result. The nose opens with a striking clarity: polished rice, a clean mineral edge, and a subtle nuruk-derived floral-yeast complexity. On the palate, the body is medium with a silky, refined texture that belies its strength. The rice character is pristine — warm, slightly sweet, and grain-forward without any roughness. The nuruk contributes a delicate umami layer and a hint of fermentation complexity that separates this from neutral grain spirits. The alcohol integration is impressive for 42%; there is warmth but no burn, structure but no harshness. The finish is long and elegantly dry, with persistent rice warmth and a mineral close that echoes Gyeonggi's water character. The 375ml bottle is sized for focused appreciation. Serve neat at room temperature for full expression, alongside delicate Korean dishes like hwae (raw fish), steamed abalone, or clean-flavored namul where the spirit's purity complements rather than overwhelms.
CleanSmooth
Korean full course (hanjeongsik)grilled fish
42% ABV375ml
Korean Soju
Soyeogang 25%
소여강 25%
Soyeogang 25% is a rice soju distilled from Yeoju rice, one of Korea's most reputed rice-growing regions in Gyeonggi-do. Produced by Chuyeondang Brewery, the spirit uses only two ingredients — rice distillate and purified water — resulting in an unusually transparent flavor profile. At 25% ABV and 375ml, it sits in a comfortable mid-strength range that works both as a standalone sipper and a meal companion. The Yeoju rice origin gives it a subtle sweetness and roundness that sets it apart from generic diluted soju, while the finish stays dry and clean. It is a dependable everyday craft soju that rewards simplicity.
CleanSmooth
grilled meat (galbi)bossam
25% ABV375ml
