Korean Traditional DrinkVisit Brewery

Buja

Name: Buja
Brand: Baehyejung Doga

부자

ABV10%

Volume375ml

Description

Baehyejeong Doga in Gyeonggi-do has built a reputation on this 10% label — twice honored at the Korea Traditional Liquor Awards (2013 Top Prize and 2016 Grand Prize in the sterilized makgeolli category) — by tuning rice-and-yeast fermentation for maximum smoothness and consistency. High-fructose corn syrup (gogwadang) sweetens the base, which sounds industrial but in practice delivers a rounder, less grainy sweetness than raw rice ferment alone. The aroma is clean and polished: mild steamed rice, a whisper of caramel from the syrup, and no rough yeast edges. On the palate, the body is smooth and balanced, with sweetness and acidity in careful equilibrium. There is no single flavor that jumps out — the design philosophy is harmony rather than drama. The finish is clean with medium length, leaving a faint malt-like warmth. At 10% ABV, the alcohol is present but integrated, providing a gentle scaffold rather than a burn. Compared to craft-forward, nuruk-driven makgeolli, this reads more refined and less wild — think of it as the tailored suit of the makgeolli world. Also holds 2016 Chajaganeun Yangjojang status. Serve at 7-10°C with sashimi-grade raw fish where the drink's neutral elegance refuses to compete with the fish, or with bulgogi where the caramel undertone mirrors the marinated beef's soy-sugar glaze.