3,000 Bottles a Week... CU Convenience Store Also Sells 'Third World Whiskey'

Rising Prices Spotlight Cost-Effective Whiskeys
Additional Launch of Australian Whiskeys Cheaper Than Local Options

As the domestic whiskey market expands and inflation rises sharply, cost-effective whiskeys are selling like hotcakes. In particular, whiskeys from the Third World, rather than established whiskey houses, are gaining attention.

According to CU, a convenience store operated by BGF Retail, the Indian Third World whiskey 'Roulette Premium Whiskey,' which was exclusively sold at the end of last year, sold out its limited quantity of 3,000 bottles within a week. Priced affordably under 30,000 KRW with excellent quality gaining word of mouth, additional supply brought total sales to 5,000 bottles over about a month, proving the popularity of cost-effective whiskey.

As Third World whiskeys gain popularity, CU is expanding its product range to include Australia this month. Australian whiskey is gaining popularity among global whiskey enthusiasts because its wide national area offers unique whiskeys based on diverse regional climates.

The Australian whiskey 'NED Whiskey (40% alcohol by volume, 700ml)' launched by CU this time is produced by Top Shelf Distillery in Melbourne, Australia. It embodies the spirit of challenge of 'Ned Kelly,' remembered as one of the people's heroes who fought against oppression, positioning itself as a representative Australian whiskey.

This product uses 100% Australian grains without artificial additives and is a mash sour whiskey blended with bourbon and single malt whiskey. It was recognized for its excellent quality and was selected as Australia's Whiskey of the Year in 2022.

In particular, CU offers NED Whiskey at 29,900 KRW, about 50% cheaper than the market price sold locally in Australia.

Juhyeon Don, MD of the Liquor Team at BGF Retail, said, "With the recent diversification of drinking culture, there is a clear consumer demand to enjoy new tastes and types of alcohol centered on cost-effective whiskey. We will continue to discover products that have excellent quality at reasonable prices but are not yet well known domestically to provide customers with new fun and experiences."