Korean Cheongju

Neungiju

능이주

ABV 13%

Volume 375ml

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Visit official site Naeguk Brewery Naeguk Brewery See the brewery Chungcheongnam Browse same-region drinks Songiju Compare a similar drink · Korean Cheongju · Chungcheongnam · 13% Songiju Try another from this brewery · Korean Cheongju · Chungcheongnam · 13%

Description

Neungiju is a 13% ABV cheongju from Naeguk Brewing in Chungcheongnam-do, built on domestic rice and nuruk with neungi mushroom (Sarcodon aspratus) concentrate - a wild mushroom prized for its intense earthy aroma, even more pungent than songi. The neungi concentrate introduces a deep, almost truffle-adjacent earthiness that sets this apart from standard grain-forward cheongju. The nose is immediately distinctive: damp forest soil, dried porcini, and a faint smoky quality. On the palate, the body is medium-light and smooth, but the umami depth is substantial - it creates a long, savory finish that keeps unfolding well after the sip. The 375ml bottle encourages deliberate, mindful drinking. Serve at 10-13°C with songi-tang (pine mushroom soup) or galbi-tang where the rich bone broth's depth matches the drink's earthy backbone, or with tofu-based dishes where the mushroom note provides the savory counterpoint that plain tofu lacks.