Korean Cheongju

Cheonbihyang Oyangju Yakju

Name: Cheonbihyang Oyangju Yakju
Brand: Joeun Sool

천비향 오양주 약주

ABV16%

Volume500ml

Description

Cheonbihyang Oyangju Yakju from Gyeonggi-do carries one of the most decorated track records in Korean traditional spirits: 2018 and 2020 Woorisool Grand Prize in yakcheongju, plus selection as a 2016 Blue House presidential banquet drink. The grain bill is pure — domestic rice and nuruk only — but the result suggests a more complex recipe. The nose is expressive, with white grape, steamed sticky rice, and a faint honey-beeswax note. On the palate at 16% ABV, the body is medium-full with remarkable viscosity, almost syrupy but saved from heaviness by a thread of acidity that runs through the center. The midpalate unfolds toasted pine nut and dried persimmon, while the finish is extended and gently bitter, like the skin of a white grape. Serve at 12-14°C with hongeo-hoe (fermented skate), where the drink's viscosity and acidity manage the skate's ammonia punch, or with hanwoo-gui (Korean beef), where the pine nut note harmonizes with the beef's marbled fat.