Munsamigong (moon320) Pine Nut Ju

Description

Mamaseupam Brewery in Gyeonggi-do produces Moon320 Pine Nut Ju by fermenting a blend of glutinous rice (19%), non-glutinous rice (13.16%), and nuruk (3.3%) with 1% pine nuts (jat) and purified water. Pine nuts are a luxury ingredient in Korean cuisine — prized for their buttery richness and delicate flavor — and adding them to a fermentation at this ratio is uncommon. At 12% ABV, the aroma is immediately distinctive: toasted pine nut oil layered over sweet sticky rice, with a hint of resinous warmth. The first sip delivers the expected chapsal density and nuruk-driven sweetness, but the pine nut contributes a unique finishing note — a gentle, oily nuttiness that lingers on the palate like a whisper. Midpalate, the two rice types create textural interest: the glutinous rice provides thickness while the non-glutinous rice adds a cleaner grain edge. The finish is moderately long, with warmth and that pine nut signature persisting. Compared to standard makgeolli, this is a contemplative drink — best sipped slowly, at cool room temperature, perhaps as a nightcap. It pairs surprisingly well with jat-juk (pine nut porridge), creating a pine nut dialogue across food and drink. Soft cheeses, walnut-studded tteok, and even dark chocolate make interesting companions.

Ingredients

찹쌀19.02%, 멥쌀13.16%, 누룩3.3%, 잣1.02%, 정제수63.5%

Tasting Notes

Food Pairings