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Makgeolli (rice wine) is a traditional Korean liquor that's a common tipple in Korea. Beloved by many Korean drinkers, makgeolli has a growing fanbase outside of Korea as well. In recent years, makgeolli makers have gotten creative with flavoring and modern makgeolli comes in more flavors now than ever before. Check out tasting notes on 5 flavors of makgeolli to see a small sample of the wide and wonderful range of flavors available in Seoul!
Calling All Cheese Fans
Alcohol Content ★★★
Buzz Factor ★☆☆
Smoothness ★☆☆
Price 2,200 won (at Lotte Mart)
Tasting Notes
Makgeolli and cheese. Perhaps not the most intuitive flavor pairing, but adventurous drinkers will want to try this unusual cheese flavored makgeolli. The makgeolli's color is a richer yellow than the other makgeolli featured in the article, thanks in part to the presence of actual cheese bits in the drink. The makgeolli has a strong cheese flavor (similar to a mild camembert) while being sweet and slightly fizzy. Makgeolli in general has a relatively low alcohol content, and the cheese makgeolli clocks in at just 3%. Despite the low alcohol content, it's likely that most drinkers will not be inclined to overindulge. Though fine in moderation, the cheese flavor quickly intensifies on the palate and may become overwhelming as time passes. Cheese makgeolli is worth trying, even if only for the experience. It is available at Lotte Mart for just 2,200 won.
Tally
★★☆☆☆
Nutty for Chestnuts
Alcohol Content ★★★
Buzz Factor ★☆☆
Smoothness ★★★
Price 2,000 won (at GS25)
Tasting Notes
Chestnuts are found in many Korean dishes and drinks. This chestnut makgeolli has a
sweet and tastes strongly of chestnuts. With a 6% alcohol content, it is the strongest of the 5 makgeolli featured here and it was also a clear favorite for some members of the tasting panel. Strong but smooth, the sweetness helps mask the alcohol content. Chestnut makgeolli pairs well with pajeon (green onion pancake) and this particular makgeolli has flavors reminiscent of yogurt. Interestingly, though the makgeolli does not feel too fizzy on the palate, in the bottle, the makgeolli is very bubbly and splashes out of the bottle when disturbed. This bottle can be found at convenience stores for 2,000 won.
Tally
★★★☆☆
Banana Time!
Alcohol Content ★☆☆
Buzz Factor ★☆☆
Smoothness ★★☆
Price 1,700 won (at Emart)
Tasting Notes
Fruit flavored makgeolli is all the rage these days in Seoul. Though this banana makgeolli smells a bit like banana milk, don't be fooled as the flavor is very different. As soon as the bottle cap is off, the fragrance of bananas wafts up. The banana makgeolli has a clean, tart taste with a relatively low (just 4%) alcohol content. Makgeolli purists may not be fans of this nontraditional flavoring, but this fruity drink is a refreshing treat. Reflecting the wide popularity of banana flavored snacks and drinks in Korea, banana makgeolli is readily available for purchase at many locations and Korean supermarkets such as Emart and Lotte Mart. This particular makgeolli is just 1,700 won.
Tally
★☆☆☆☆
Zesty Citron Makgeolli
Alcohol Content ☆☆☆
Buzz Factor ★★☆
Smoothness ★☆☆
Price 1,680 won (at Emart)
Tasting Notes
Citron is a not the most common fruit on the market, but its sweet zesty flavor goes well with almost everything. This citron makgeolli’s fragrance jumps out as soon as the bottle is uncapped, and tiny bubbles burst out. Though the makgeolli has a low alcohol content, the drink feels stronger, perhaps because it’s so fizzy. Though the citron fragrance is strong, the citron flavor is less assertive. The citron makgeolli makes for a tasty beverage, but it lacks that distinctive rice flavor that characterizes good makgeolli. This makgeolli is a little bit harder to track down than the others, but it's available for sale at Emart at the bargain price of 1,680 won.
Tally
★★★☆☆
Peaches and Makgeolli
Alcohol Content ★☆☆
Buzz Factor ☆☆☆
Smoothness ★★☆
Price 1,700 won (at Emart)
Tasting Notes
A peachy ending for the makgeolli tasting panel! This peach makgeolli’s fragrance is delightful, but there’s something missing in terms of flavor. Though pleasant to drink, nothing about the makgeolli stands out to make it exceptional. Thanks to its low alcohol content, the peach makgeolli goes down easily, like a soft drink. Peach makgeolli is a decent introductory drink to the world of makgeolli however, and it’s readily available at supermarkets like Emart and Lotte World. At just 1,700 won, the peach makgeolli is sure to be an attractive drinking option, even to the most frugal of travelers.
Tally
★★☆☆☆
#Alcohol #Drink #Flavors #Traditional Liquor #Makgeolli #Fruit Makgeolli #Modern #Rice Wine