Gyeongseong Gwahaju Soju

Description

Gyeongseong Gwahaju is a 20% spirit from Gyeonggi-do that bridges traditional yakju and modern distillation, built on Yeoju glutinous rice with nuruk and a rice distillate from Gyeonggi grain. The 'gwahaju' (過夏酒) name references summer-enduring wines of the Joseon era — spirits strong enough to survive warm months without spoiling. The nose is direct and slightly sharp, with raw rice grain, white pepper, and a faint rubbing alcohol edge that softens after a moment in the glass. On the palate, the rice distillate provides a clean, linear backbone while the nuruk-fermented base adds a brief, honeyed roundness at the midpalate. The finish is dry and warming, with a lingering white pepper tingle. Designated a 2021 Visiting Brewery. Serve at room temperature (16-18°C) with yangnyeom-galbi (marinated grilled short ribs), where the sweet soy-garlic marinade is sliced cleanly by the spirit's dry bite, or sip it alongside jeotgal (salted fermented seafood), where the intense brine calls for alcohol strength.

Ingredients

Glutinous Rice, Nuruk, Purified Water, 쌀증류원액(경기미)

Tasting Notes

Food Pairings