Sejong Chestnut Ju

Description

From the same Joeunsul Sejong Brewery in Chungcheongbuk-do, this 6% makgeolli adds domestic chestnuts to a rice-and-wheat base, creating a gentle nuttiness layered over the brewery's characteristically bready grain profile. The aroma carries steamed chestnut with a faint caramel edge, mellower than raw nut and more dessert-like. On the palate, the body is creamy and medium-weight, with chestnut sweetness rounding out the wheat flour's savory edge. The starch syrup (jeonbundang) in the recipe adds body without sharp sugar spikes, and lactic acid keeps the finish from becoming heavy by introducing a subtle tartness. Selected as a 2015 Chajaganeun Yangjojang, the brewery draws on Chungcheongbuk-do's strong chestnut-growing tradition — the Sejong-Gongju corridor is one of Korea's primary chestnut regions. Compared to the Tokssoneun Albam Dongdong (which is sparkling), this pours still and denser, with the wheat flour adding a heartier backbone. Serve at 6-8°C with galbi-jjim (braised short ribs) where chestnuts are traditionally part of the dish, or with injeolmi rice cakes for a textural harmony of nutty grain on grain.

Ingredients

Purified Water, White Rice, Wheat Flour, 알밤(국내산), Starch Sugar, Yeast, Lactic Acid

Tasting Notes

Food Pairings