Yeoncheon Brewery
농업회사법인 연천양조㈜
Agricultural brewery in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, producing dongdongju and traditional liquors using local ingredients.
- Region
- Gyeonggi
- Address
- 경기도 연천군 마산면 청정로 1738번길 15
Products (2)
Korean Makgeolli
Yeoncheon Job's Tears Dongdongju
연천 율무 동동주
Yeoncheon Brewing takes locally grown yulmu (Job's tears) from the fertile plains near the DMZ border area and layers it into a rice fermentation driven by traditional nuruk and yeast. At 14% ABV, this is far removed from casual session makgeolli — the alcohol provides a warm, persistent backbone that carries the grain flavors longer across the palate. The yulmu addition is what sets it apart: it contributes a toasted, almost barley-tea nuttiness alongside a subtle savory edge that you would not find in a pure rice brew. Pour it and the aroma opens with cooked grain and a whisper of sourdough from the nuruk. The first sip is surprisingly plush given the strength, with a rounded mouthfeel that belies its punch. Midpalate, the yulmu nuttiness emerges clearly, and the finish carries mild bitterness alongside lingering warmth. Compared to standard 6% makgeolli, this drinks closer to a rustic farmhouse ale in weight and intention. Serve it lightly chilled — around 8-10°C — alongside haemul pajeon, where the seafood oil needs a drink with enough structure to stand up to it, or with smoky dwaeji galbi straight off the grill.
NuttyToasty
Korean pancakes (jeon)fried chicken
14% ABV750ml
Korean Makgeolli
Yeoncheon Aju
연천 아주
Yeoncheon Brewing's Aju keeps the ingredient list to just three items — domestic rice, nuruk, and purified water — a minimalism that forces every element to earn its place. At 8% ABV, it sits in an interesting middle zone: stronger than casual 6% pours but not as demanding as 12%+ styles, giving it a versatility that works across meal contexts. The nuruk fermentation introduces a gentle earthiness and faint sourdough tang that straight koji-fermented makgeolli often lacks. On the nose, expect fresh-milled rice flour and a subtle yeasty warmth. The first sip delivers a rounded sweetness carried by a medium body, then the nuruk character emerges midpalate as a mineral, almost chalky undertone. The finish is moderately long, with a pleasant grain warmth that lingers. Compared to the same brewery's yulmu dongdongju, this is simpler and more rice-focused, without the nutty overlay. It pairs naturally with doenjang jjigae, where the nuruk's earthy ferment echoes the soybean paste, or with a simple plate of dubu kimchi — the cool tofu and spicy kimchi are both complemented by the makgeolli's balanced sweetness.
EarthyNuruk-driven
Korean pancakes (jeon)fried chicken
8% ABV750ml
