what's a good liquors?
백세주과하, 과하주를 외국분들에게 소개하고 싶으시면 이글을 참고해주세요.
Translated into GPT, so there may be a mistranslation.
What is the difference between dongdongju and makgeolli?
Do you happen to know the difference between makgeolli and dongdongju? If you didn’t, you’ll now have one more piece of knowledge to impress your friends with.
Let me explain the difference between makgeolli and dongdongju in a simple way from now on.
makgeollimakgeolli
it has a manufacturing meaning in the meaning of freshly filtered liquor and is classified as unrefined wine.
dongdongjudongdongju
Unlike makgeolli, it's a name that expresses rice grains floating on a clear drink.
So, the difference between makgeolli and dongdongju is that rice is used as the main ingredient, but it depends on whether the grains of rice are precipitated or not. If you know this, you will be able to say something to your friends.
*What is takju?
Takju is a traditional Korean alcoholic beverage made by fermenting grains such as rice or wheat. It has a slightly cloudy appearance with a white or pale milky color and offers a mildly sweet flavor with a low alcohol content.
Gwaha-ju, 100 years older than port wine.
Shin Yoon BoK, JUSAGEBAEThe drink that comes to mind when you think of summer, Gwaha-ju
While a refreshing beer is often what comes to mind in summer, as a lover of traditional drinks, there’s another beverage I always seek out in summer: Gwaha-ju.
At first glance, the name Gwaha-ju might suggest it contains 'fruit,' but it’s composed of the characters '과' (過) meaning 'to pass' and '하' (夏) meaning 'summer,' signifying 'a drink for passing the summer.'
This traditional liquor has been passed down since the Joseon Dynasty, crafted to retain its flavor without spoiling even in the heat. Knowing that it dates back to the Joseon era makes it even more appealing, doesn’t it?
Every year, I make it a point to enjoy this drink, thinking, 'Let’s have a good summer this year!
Surviving Summer with Traditional Liquor: The Emergence of Gwaha-ju
Gyeongseong Gwaha-juProduct Name: Gyeongseong Gwaha-ju
Volume: 375 mL
Alcohol Content: 20%
Brewery: Sul-a Won
Traditional liquors like makgeolli, yakju, and cheongju that we commonly know are mostly fermented beverages. They taste great, but they have one significant drawback.
That drawback is their tendency to spoil easily during the summer. In the old days, when there were no refrigerators, this issue was even more severe. So, after much consideration, our ancestors created a liquor called 'Gwaha-ju.'
Gwaha-ju is a traditional liquor made by blending a base of yakju with a high-proof distilled spirit. Why mix in a high-proof liquor, you might wonder? The reason is simple.
When the alcohol content increases, it halts the activity of the yeasts that change the flavor of the liquor. Once the yeast activity stops, fermentation ceases, preventing the liquor from spoiling. This allows us to enjoy a delicious drink even in the sweltering summer heat.
Gwaha-ju and Port Wine
The method of adding high-proof alcohol to fermenting liquor is called 'fortification.' It may sound like a complicated term, but there are actually quite a few familiar drinks that utilize this technique.
A prime example is Port wine from Portugal and Sherry wine from Spain, both made using this principle. However, what’s even more astonishing is that the history of Gwaha-ju predates Port wine by a full 100 years!
The method for making Gwaha-ju was recorded in our country's ancient text, 'Eumsik Dimibang,' around 1670, while the production of Port wine began in the early 1700s.
Forgotten Famous Liquor
The popularity of Gwaha-ju in the past was remarkable. During the Japanese occupation, it received favorable reviews among the Japanese and was even exported through a joint Korean-Japanese company, which is particularly interesting.
However, this fame did not last long. After the liberation, changes in liquor policies led to the disappearance of many traditional liquors, and Gwaha-ju was not able to escape this trend, which is quite regrettable.
Meeting of Tradition and Modernity: Gyeongseong Gwaha-ju
Fortunately, there have been ongoing efforts to recreate Gwaha-ju through ancient texts. As a result, the number of breweries producing and selling traditional-style Gwaha-ju has increased, and the drink is gradually gaining attention again.
Among these, Sul-a Won Brewery in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, is receiving special attention. They are meticulously adhering to the historical records in the ancient text 'Eumsik Dimibang' to craft 'Gyeongseong Gwaha-ju.'
The most significant characteristic of Gwaha-ju is that during the process of adding high-proof liquor, the sugars from the grains remain intact, allowing it to achieve a natural sweetness without any added sweeteners. When you take a sip of Gyeongseong Gwaha-ju, you can immediately feel this distinctive feature.
As you smell it, a sweet floral aroma tickles your nose, and when you taste it, you experience a sweet and tangy flavor accompanied by a slightly rich body. With an alcohol content of 20%, it is relatively high, but surprisingly, it doesn’t have a strong alcoholic scent, making it easy to drink. However, one should be cautious, as if you get carried away by its smoothness and drink too quickly, you may find yourself tipsy before you know it.
addition to Gyeongseong Gwaha-ju, they also offer the 'Gwaha-ju Sula' series, which represents the four seasons. Each sip evokes the characteristics of a specific season, so if you’re interested, it might be worth trying. Check out. @sul-a won Instagram
A drink that makes summer special
Thanks to the commercially available Gwaha-ju, we can more easily experience a traditional liquor rich in history. How about making this last summer special with a glass of Gwaha-ju? I hope you enjoy creating your own summer stories while savoring this refreshing traditional drink.
Pairing Smoked Intestines with Gwaha-ju
Gwaha-ju typically has a high alcohol content and a full-bodied character, which often leaves one pondering what side dishes to pair it with. This time, I bought some fatty frozen intestines to enjoy alongside it.
The advantage of frozen intestines is that they can be easily cooked by simply using an air fryer. This allows you to prepare a quick and simple side dish without a complicated preparation process.
PEACOCK Smoked IntestineContents: 250g x 2 pieces, 50g Doenjang Sauce x 2 packs
Cooking Method: Air fryer for 10 minutes
국순당 Baekseju GwahaAlcohol Content: 18%
Volume: 500 mL
A taste that washes away greasiness
'Baekseju Gwaha' is a summer limited edition product made with the well-known Baekseju as its base, enhanced with rice soju that has been brewed with our rice and aged for over 10 years. The distinctive herbal aroma of Baekseju is subtly present, and there is a delightful floral scent reminiscent of chrysanthemums.
At first, you can experience a refreshing acidity, which gradually transitions to a sweeter flavor as you sip. With an alcohol content of 18%, it is relatively high. However, while the alcoholic scent is not overpowering, you may feel a slight alcohol sensation after swallowing.
If you want to enjoy it even more deliciously
I recommend storing it in the refrigerator and then drinking it after letting it sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes. As the temperature of the liquor rises slightly, the hidden aromas and flavors become more vibrant.
When enjoyed cold, the refreshing taste stands out, but as the temperature increases, a subtle sweetness and complex aromas fill your mouth. I had a piece of intestines and a glass of Gwaha-ju, and it felt as though the lingering greasiness in my mouth was thoroughly cleansed
You’ve worked hard this week.
Have a great weekend!
