K-Food Newsletter

Arirang Brewery, a Natural Brewer of Raw RIce Wine and Soju
Date
2024-04-22 15:08:19
Hit
53
Email
d-n@daum.net

Arirang Brewery is an agribusiness corporation located at the foot of Mt. Chilgap in Cheongyang-gun, South Chungcheong Province. Its origins date back to "Cheongyang Juga," which was established in 2009. Arirang Brewery's offerings include "Yuseongbyeol Raw Makgeolli," "Chilgapsan Raw Chestnut Makgeolli," "Gugija Raw Makgeolli," and "Sandeodeok Raw Makgeolli," all of which contain 6% alcohol by volume. Among them, "Chilgapsan Raw Chestnut Makgeolli" is available in 750ml and 1,000ml and features a blend of hand-ground chestnut, wheat, gardenia and chestnut flour. Another highlight is Gugija Raw Makgeolli, available in two varieties (750ml and 1,200ml), which combines rice powder with the essence of wolfberry. Finally, "Sandeodeok Raw Makgeolli," finely ground from Deodeok, is presented in a 1,200ml bottle.  

 


The flagship product, "Sulgongbang 9.0", is a thick rice wine with no sweeteners and made from 100% rice. It contains 9% alcohol by volume. This artisanal brew is meticulously made with homemade yeast and premium Cheongyang new rice, free of processed additives. During fermentation, minimal water is added to suppress fermentation, allowing the rice to age naturally for approximately one month, preserving its authentic flavor profile. Sulgongbang 9.0 captures the complexity of natural fermentation and delivers a deep flavor and a velvety texture reminiscent of classic makgeolli. With a bold departure from sweetness and elevated alcohol content, makgeolli pairs harmoniously with traditional Korean cuisine, especially wild vegetable salad and jjigae (stew). With an average monthly domestic sales volume of 1,200 bottles, this product has also made its mark overseas, with exports to destinations such as Hong Kong. Enjoy Sulgongbang 9.0 within its recommended one-month shelf life to enjoy its unparalleled freshness and quality. This makgeolli goes well with wild vegetables and stews.

 


Arirang Brewery offers a selection of beverages crafted from locally sourced gugija (wolfberry), a prized regional ingredient. Among them is "Gugi Hongju 14," available in 375ml and 750ml sizes. This clear spirit boasts a delicate aroma and 14% ABV, with rice and wolfberry extract as the main ingredients.Another standout is "Gounhong Gugiju," available in 1,000ml and 1,700ml. This 11% alcohol fermented beverage showcases the distinctive aroma and flavor of Cheongyang's famous wolfberries. It embodies the essence of the region and is made from wheat, rice and wolfberry extract. Arirang Brewery also produces a range of high-alcohol distilled spirits, including Winter Soju 25, Winter Soju 45, and After Winter 35. Winter Soju 25 is a blend of rice and distilled alcohol with an ABV of 25%. Winter Soju 45 is 100% distilled liquor with a robust 45% ABV. Finally, After Winter Gina 35 offers a unique twist with its 100% oak-aged distillation process, resulting in a subtly oaky flavor profile at 35% ABV.

 


Our ancestors traditionally brewed alcohol using natural brewing methods. This approach relies solely on traditional yeast and does not involve the use of enzymes. Because it is a time-consuming method with a higher risk of failure, many breweries opt for the simpler conventional brewing method, using Japanese-style koji and enzymes for fermentation. Arirang Brewery distinguishes itself by adhering to natural brewing practices, a departure from the conventional methods used by most breweries. This commitment means using approximately 1.5 times more ingredients, twice the fermentation time, and three times the effort compared to conventional brewing techniques. At the helm of the operation are owners Lee Yoon-bum and Lee Dong-mi, who personally oversee the production of their alcohol. With an annual production capacity of approximately 2,500 kl, including 2,400 kl of takju (raw rice wine) and 20 kl of distilled soju, Arirang Brewery maintains its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Its products are available through various channels, including Nonghyup Hanaro Mart stores in South Chuncheong Province, Daejeon, Gyeonggi and Seoul, nationwide branches of Lotte Mart, GS Convenience Store outlets in Daejeon, and prominent online platforms such as Naver, Kakao, Market Kurly, Coupang, Sooldamhwa and Soolfarm, as well as liquor wholesalers. In addition, Arirang Brewery has expanded its reach internationally, with exports to Hong Kong underway and discussions for potential exports to Germany.
Arirang Brewery became an agribusiness corporation in 2012 and obtained ISO 22000 certification, further solidifying its commitment to quality and safety standards. Over the years, the brewery has been recognized for its exceptional products. In 2017, Yuseongbyeol Makgeolli won the prestigious Grand Prize in the Korean Liquor Category at the 2017 Korea Liquor Awards. Continuing its streak of success, Sulgongbang 9.0 was recognized as one of the top 10 liquors from South Chungcheong Province for consecutive years from 2019 to 2020. It also secured the Grand Prize at the 2020 Korea Liquor Awards. Gugi Hongju received the Excellence Award at the 2020 Korean Sool Award. Arirang Brewery's Winter Soju was honored as the featured liquor for January at the 2021 Sooldamhwa. Winter Soju 45 won the Grand Prize in the Distilled Spirits Category at the prestigious 2023 Korean Sool Award. 

 

'Arirang Brewery, a Natural Brewer of Raw RIce Wine and Soju' 저작물은 "공공누리 2유형 출처표시 + 상업적 이용금지" 조건에 따라 이용할 수 있습니다.