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Three Fruit-Based Korean Spirits Perfect for Hansik Fine Dining
Sool-Topia
The concept of ‘Fine dining’ conjures familiar images: meticulously crafted dishes created from the fingertips of a skilled chef, artistic presentation, and a glass of wine that enhances the enjoyment of the meal through its subtle harmony with the food.
Pairing food and drink is an essential element in completing the aesthetics of a meal. Especially in the realm of Hansik fine dining, it's only fitting that traditional Korean spirits, infused with the flavors of domestic ingredients, take center stage. Here, we introduce three traditional liquors made from local fruits that pair beautifully with the delicate tastes of Hansik.
264 White Wine
Introduction of the Traditional Liquor
Inspired by the poem ‘Cheongpodo’ by independence activist and national poet Yi Yuksa, this traditional Korean wine uses the domestic grape variety ‘Cheongsu’, developed by the Rural Development Administration. A notable feature is the use of stainless steel tanks during the aging process instead of the more commonly used oak barrels, which enhances the fruity aroma. With each sip, you can experience the refreshing acidity unique to Cheongsu. It has a medium-sweet level of sweetness that is not overly sugary, making it an excellent choice as an aperitif. It is recommended to serve chilled. Alcohol Content 11.5%, Volume 750ml.
Recommended Hansik Accompaniment
This wine pairs beautifully with light namul dishes (salad). Seasonal namul (seasonal vegetable), each showcasing distinct flavors and aromas infused with the essence of nature, serves as a versatile and transformative ingredient in fine Korean dining. By skillfully combining textured greens like gosari (bracken) with fragrant herbs like chamnamul (short-fruit pimpinella salad), chefs create a simple yet elegant appetizer that elevates the dining experience.
OmyRosé Kyol
Introduction of the Traditional Liquor
Omynra’s ‘OmyRosé Kyol’ is the world's first omija sparkling wine made from matured omija berries from Mungyeong. This acclaimed beverage has been chosen as a toast and dinner wine for various international events, earning recognition on the global stage. Omija, which means ‘five-flavor berry’, possesses a unique combination of sour, sweet, salty, spicy, and bitter tastes, and OmyRosé Kyol captures this diverse flavor profile beautifully. The sweetness and tartness blend harmoniously with the effervescence, leaving a refreshing aroma on the palate after each sip. For the best experience, it is recommended to serve it chilled at a temperature of 5-8 degrees Celsius. The unique packaging design also has an interesting story behind it. The bottle is inspired by the traditional Joseon-era ‘Baekja Cheolhwa Ggeunmuni’ (white porcelain with rope design in underglaze iron-brown) and is modeled after a bottle from Épernay, France, a renowned champagne region. This design captures the distinctive identity of ‘OmyRosé Kyol.’ The wine has an alcohol content of 12% and comes in a 750ml bottle.
Recommended Hansik Accompaniment
In an elegant dinner, meat is an essential element. You can enjoy galbi (short ribs) paired with OmyRosé Kyol. The refreshing acidity and clean finish balance the richness of the meat, while the sweetness of the omija harmonizes naturally with the sweetness of the marinade, creating a complementary flavor experience.
Chusa 40
Introduction of the Traditional Liquor
Chusa 40 is an apple spirit made by distilling and aging the high-quality Yesan apples, known for their sweetness. Aged in oak barrels for an extended period, it features a strong oak flavor with the subtle sweetness and aroma of apples. Despite its high alcohol content, it has a smooth finish and leaves a warm sensation. The sweet notes make it an excellent choice for a digestif to conclude a fine meal. It is recommended to enjoy it chilled on the rocks. The name ‘Chusa’ is derived from the pen name of Kim Jeong-hui, a noted scholar from the Joseon Dynasty, who hailed from Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do. Alcohol content 40%, Volume 500ml.
Recommended Hansik Accompaniment
Chusa 40 pairs well with meats, but it also creates a unique flavor when enjoyed with desserts like cookies or chocolate. It complements Korean desserts exceptionally well, and when paired with yakgwa, a traditional Korean honey cookie that has become a staple in the latest dessert trends, you can experience an even richer sweetness.
* Caution: Excessive drinking can lead to strokes, memory impairment, or dementia. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects.