Yesnal Makgeolli 古

Description

Kooksoondang's Yesnal Makgeolli Go (古, meaning 'ancient' or 'old') is an 8% expression using domestic rice and nuruk in Gangwon-do that deliberately reaches back toward a pre-industrial makgeolli style. The nuruk fermentation is more prominent here than in the brewery's lighter commercial lines, bringing a warm, bread-dough aroma with earthy undertones and a faint whiff of overripe pear. On the palate at 8% ABV, the body is medium-full and creamy with a rustic grain sweetness that tastes less refined and more wholesome than modern sweetened makgeolli. The mid-palate carries a distinctive savory yeast note — almost like sourdough — and the finish is soft with a gentle fermented-grain warmth that encourages slow drinking. Compared to the same brewery's 1000eok Yusangyun or Daebak lines, the Go version trades streamlined cleanness for textural depth and character. This is the choice when you want makgeolli to taste like it came from a village tavern. Serve at 7-9°C with doenjang-jjigae where the rustic ferment echoes fermented soybean depth, or with bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) where the earthy grain-on-legume pairing is deeply traditional.

Ingredients

Korean Rice, Nuruk

Tasting Notes

Food Pairings