Wonjo Sogokju
원조소곡주
The original sogokju brewery in Hansan, Seocheon, preserving the authentic recipe of this renowned traditional clear rice wine.
- Region
- Chungcheongnam
- Address
- 충남 서천군 한산면 한마로 34
- Website
- xn--399aq98a4sa14uq6p.com/
Products (2)
Korean Traditional Drink
Original Sogokju
원조소곡주
Wonjosogokju from Chungcheongnam-do is built on a generous 36% glutinous rice base with just 3% nuruk — a ratio that heavily favors the grain's natural sweetness and richness over the fermentation starter's bite. At 16% ABV, the result is a rounded, almost honeyed yakju where the rice's starchy sweetness dominates the midpalate and the minimal nuruk softens into a background yeast-bread note rather than a forward funk. The texture is dense and glycerin-like, coating the glass with visible legs. The finish is warm, long, and tinged with caramelized grain — like the crust of nurungji (scorched rice). Winner of the 2018 Woorisool Excellent Award (yakcheongju). Serve at 14-16°C with soondae (blood sausage), where the drink's honeyed weight matches the pork's minerality, or with maeuntang (spicy fish soup), where the rich body absorbs the broth's chili heat.
Honeyed rice sweetnessNurungji (scorched rice crust)Glycerin-like density
soondae (blood sausage)maeuntang (spicy fish soup)
★Awards
16% ABV720ml
Korean Soju
Hansan Sogok Hwaju
한산 소곡화주
Hansan Sogokhwaju is a 41% ABV distilled spirit from Chungcheongnam-do, built on a traditional foundation of glutinous rice, non-glutinous rice, and nuruk (Korean fermentation starter). Sogokhwa (literally 'small grain flower') is one of the oldest named brewing traditions in the Hansan region, and this spirit carries that lineage with evident care. The nuruk-driven fermentation creates a deeper, more complex aromatic base than modern yeast-only approaches, contributing grain depth and subtle umami undertones. The nose is elegant and grain-led — toasted rice, dried chrysanthemum, and a warm, slightly honeyed quality. On the palate, the body is medium with a smooth, polished texture. For a 41% spirit, the delivery is remarkably refined: the alcohol integrates cleanly with the grain character, creating a warm, flowing experience rather than a sharp burn. There is a subtle savory quality in the mid-palate that nods to the nuruk's enzymatic work. The finish is long, with a gentle toasted-grain warmth and a clean, aromatic tail. A commendation in the distilled category at the 2016 Korea Traditional Liquor Awards confirms craft quality. Bottled at 300ml. Serve neat at room temperature or slightly warmed, with raw fish (hoe) where the spirit's clean grain cuts richness, alongside bossam, or with galbi.
CleanSmooth
raw fish (hoe)grilled meat (galbi)
★Awards
41% ABV300ml
