Korean Makgeolli

Yagwanmun Rice Makgeolli

Name: Yagwanmun Rice Makgeolli
Brand: Jirisan Unbong Brewery

야관문 쌀 막걸리

ABV6%

Volume750ml

Description

Yagwanmun (Lespedeza cuneata) is a wild herb native to Korean mountains, traditionally used in folk medicine for its purported vitality-boosting properties — and this Jeollabuk-do makgeolli incorporates its leaf and stem extract directly into the fermentation. The puffed rice (paenghwami) base ferments with wheat-based nuruk (gokja) and yeast, building a rounded, airy body that the yagwanmun extract then marks with a distinctive earthy-green bitterness. On the nose, dried herb and hay-like notes sit above the standard grain softness. The palate opens with familiar milky sweetness, but within seconds the herbal bitterness pushes through the mid-palate, adding a dimension that plain makgeolli simply does not have. The finish is medium-length with a dry, vegetal tail. At 6%, it is easy to drink despite the herbal assertiveness. The bottle carries serious credentials: IFFE awards including a Ministry of Agriculture commendation (2018), and a San Francisco World Spirits silver medal (2015). Pair with raw fish (hoe) where the herbal bitterness cuts through the fatty slices, or with haemul pajeon whose scallion notes harmonize with the green aromatics.