If you've resided in Korea long enough, you might be knowledgeable about some of Korea's well-known traditional liquors and alcoholic beverages. One liquor out of the many existing that may sound familiar to you is Korean Traditional Rice Wine, or 'Makgeolli.' For those of you who are not so familiar with the popular drink, 'Makgeolli' is a fermented rice wine beverage with an alcohol content lower than Soju. It is a traditional alcoholic staple that dates to Korea's country beginnings and has become an integral aspect of Korean dining and food culture.
Did you know that a few premium specialty makgeolli brews originated straight from Pyeongtaek? Here's a short introduction to a few of them!
1. Taeki Makgeolli (Joeunsul Brewery) – Known for its variety of makgeolli brews, Joeunsul Brewery's representative 'Taeki Makgeolli' is a classic brew with an 8% alcohol volume. It is made traditionally through the natural fermentation process of glutenous and non-glutenous rice with no additives. The makgeolli's taste has been noted as subtle and smooth, with a clean yet sweet savor. You can even try to make your makgeolli from the brewery's makgeolli-making experience classes! (Address: Joeunsul-108 Sukseongtteul-gil, Oseong-myeon, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do)
2. Horangi Baekkop Saengmakgeolli – Come to be known by many through their television appearance, Horangi Baekkop Saengmakgeolli's tasty beverage has become popular amongst many residents around Pyeongtaek. The brewery's secret component to its delicious brew has been revealed through its 100% pure rice fermentation process. While most makgeolli drinks are commonly brewed with regular short-grained white rice malt ferment, Horangi Baekkop brews their makgeolli by grinding unpolished brown rice to soak for direct fermentation. Unlike your common makgeolli, Horangi Baekkop's specialty makgeolli's fermentation process takes a little longer, enabling the creation of the best flavors from within. Another specialized alcohol called 'SOHO,' signifying 'the laughing tiger,' is also sold at their brewery. It's distinctively made from a germinated hulled brown rice and nonglutinous rice base, holding an even stronger alcohol content of 56%. (Address: Horangi Baekkop - 37 Chungyeol-gil, Poseung-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do)
3. Pyeongtaek Butsaengmakgeolli – A staple popular and familiar to many Pyeongtaek residents, this makgeolli can be easily found in numerous restaurants and markets all over the Pyeongtaek region. As a refreshingly energizing rice wine, Pyeongtaek Butsaengmakgeolli is made straight from the fresh and natural components and flavors of Pyeongtaek-grown rice.
Its tanginess and fizziness leave its consumers feeling comforted and warm. (Address: Seo Pyeongtaek Takju - 5 Anhyeolloseo 9-gil, Anjung-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do)
4. Sosabeol Makgeolli – Birthed from your local neighborhood, Sosabeol, Pyeongtaek. Only producing a small quantity of 600 bottles, this makgeolli distinguishes itself from other makgeolli brews, excluding most makgeolli's typical bubbly fizz. Despite this, consumers of this makgeolli claim it to possess a smooth and clean sweet taste prone to fit the taste buds of many.
(Address: Sosabul Makgeolli - 12-58 Bijeon 9-gil, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do)
As part of the summer's rainy season still seems to be lingering, the next time it rains, make your way over to one of these Pyeongtaek-local breweries to pick up a fresh bottle of makgeolli to enjoy with some crispy and savory jeon(pancakes)!
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