Geumsan Ginseng Liquor Fresh Ginseng 500

Description

Geumsan Ginsengju Susam 500 is a 43% ABV ginseng spirit from Chungcheongnam-do that places fresh Korean ginseng (susam) at the center of its identity. Crafted by Korean Food Master No. 2, Kim Chang-su, in the heart of Korea's ginseng capital, the spirit treats ginseng not as a supplement but as a primary flavor driver. The nose is deeply earthy — fresh ginseng root dominates with its distinctive soil-and-bark character, accompanied by a subtle grain sweetness from the rice base and a faint, almost mushroom-like umami depth. On the palate, the body is medium-full with a dense, slightly viscous texture. The fresh ginseng character is assertive and multi-layered: an initial earthy bitterness gives way to a complex sweetness that feels root-like rather than fruity, followed by a peppery warmth in the back palate. The rice backbone provides structural clarity beneath the ginseng's intensity, preventing the spirit from becoming purely medicinal. The mid-palate shows a distinctive mineral quality from the region's terroir. The finish is long and deeply warming, with ginseng's bitter-sweet duality persisting and a dry, earthy close. Its 2011 Korea Sool Awards recognition confirms the craft. At 500ml, serve at room temperature alongside nuts, dried fruit, or rich protein dishes where the ginseng depth can match the food's intensity.

Ingredients

Korean Rice, 국내산 인삼

Tasting Notes

Awards

• ★2011 대한민국우리술품평회 장려상 (일반증류주 부문)

Food Pairings