Apple Distilled Spirit 'Mungyeong Baram Oak 40%' Wins Gold at Prestigious International Liquor Competition

Manufactured at Ominara Distillery in Mungyeong

Ominara, a traditional liquor distillery in Mungyeong led by CEO Lee Jongki, announced on the 11th that its apple-based distilled spirit "Mungyeong Baram Oak 40%" has won a gold medal at a world-renowned liquor competition.

"Mungyeong Baram Oak 40%" by Ominara was awarded the Gold Medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) Spirits Selection, one of the world's largest distilled spirits competitions, held from September 3 to 5 in Guiyang and Renhuai, China.

Apple distilled liquor 'Mungyeong Baram Oak 40%' made by Om Inara, the gold prize winner

Celebrating its 26th year, the CMB Spirits Selection is the distilled spirits division of the international liquor competition "Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB)", which began in 1994. Among many international spirits competitions, it is known as the "Olympics of Distilled Spirits" due to its wide variety of categories and renowned judges. This award marks the first time a Korean distilled spirit has achieved such recognition. The decision was made after blind tastings by international judges from 40 countries, evaluating 2,811 products. This was a significant moment proving that Ominara produces world-class distilled spirits.

Ko Jaeyoon, president of the Korea International Sommelier Association, praised, "'Mungyeong Baram Oak 40%' harmonizes the flavor of apples with an elegant oak aroma, offering a deep body and smooth finish, making it outstanding in sensory quality. This spirit pairs perfectly with various dishes such as charcoal-grilled beef, grilled pork belly, and five-spice jokbal."

The award-winning "Mungyeong Baram Oak 40%" is one of the masterpieces of Ominara CEO Lee Jongki, who is recognized as Korea's leading distilled spirit expert. Carefully selected Mungyeong apples are fermented using traditional methods and distilled twice using atmospheric distillation, then aged in oak barrels to complete the product, setting a new standard for Korean traditional distilled spirits.

Ominara, with its maturation cellar designed like a museum, has become a popular tourist destination in Mungyeong through its distillery tour program. By offering professional docent services and wine etiquette education, it is also leading efforts to promote a healthy drinking culture.

CEO Lee Jongki stated, "We will continue to collaborate with local farmers to develop world-class liquors using Mungyeong apples and other regional agricultural products."