Popular Release of 3 Types of Fresh Makgeolli Containing the Scent of Suncheon
Suncheon City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu) announced the official toast drink of the 2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo, the ‘Hyeonhak (玄鶴)’ Makgeolli, has been officially launched in three varieties.
‘Hyeonhak (玄鶴)’ interprets the black crane, the symbolic bird of Suncheon City, as ‘Hyeon (玄)’ meaning black and ‘Hak (鶴)’ meaning crane. The ‘Hyeonhak’ Makgeolli aims to be a premium draft makgeolli that resembles the nobility of the black crane.
The city started developing the official toast drink for the expo in July last year to create income for local farmers, foster the traditional liquor industry, and contribute to the successful hosting of the 2023 Garden Expo.
In November last year, Suncheon Brewery (CEO: Jo Dae-jin et al.) was selected as the manufacturer and seller through a public contest, and a production business agreement (MOU) was signed. After four months of mass production testing and tastings, three types of ‘Hyeonhak’ Makgeolli?‘Hyeonhak 7%’, ‘Hyeonhak 9%’, and ‘Hyeonhak 12%’?were finally launched.
All three types of ‘Hyeonhak (玄鶴)’ are premium makgeolli brewed primarily using local agricultural products from Suncheon, such as Suncheonman black crane rice, passion fruit, crown daisy, and kiwi, without any artificial sweeteners added.
‘Hyeonhak 9%’ is a limited-edition makgeolli with 9% alcohol content, made by adding Suncheon’s crown daisy syrup and kiwi syrup. It will be used as the official toast drink and souvenirs at various events of the 2023 Garden Expo.
‘Hyeonhak 7%’ is a 7% alcohol makgeolli with added passion fruit syrup from Suncheon, characterized by a fresh aroma and a light, sweet finish, targeting female consumers and the MZ generation. ‘Hyeonhak 12%’ is the standard makgeolli with 12% alcohol content, brewed using traditional nuruk (fermentation starter) and undergoing long-term low-temperature fermentation to deliver a rich and deep flavor.
To promote the expo, on the Black Crane Day last month on the 28th, the city pre-released two types, ‘Hyeonhak 7%’ and ‘Hyeonhak 12%’, at selected restaurants and retail stores in Suncheon. Receiving favorable reviews from the food service industry, the city is currently recruiting ‘Hyeonhak (玄鶴) retailers’.
Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu of Suncheon said, “I thank everyone who worked together to create ‘the most Suncheon-like liquor, Hyeonhak’ in such a short time since July last year.” He added, “We will continue to support promotion so that Hyeonhak can establish itself as a local specialty liquor, contributing to income generation for local farmers and revitalization of traditional liquor.”
Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr
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