CU, Exclusive Sale of 'Kim Chang-su Pick' Scotch Whisky and Diablo Distilled Spirits

Gillydu, CEO Kim Chang-su Selects Distillery and Raw Materials
Launched with Exceptional Value at Around 10,000 KRW
Distilled Spirits Collaborating with Popular Game 'Diablo' Also Available

CU, a convenience store operated by BGF Retail, announced that it will exclusively launch a variety of differentiated alcoholic beverages in Korea this month, including authentic Scottish blended whisky and a collaborative distilled spirit with the popular game 'Diablo'.

First, reflecting the recent widespread interest in whisky, CU is releasing the Scotch whisky 'Gillydu' (40%, 12,900 KRW). Gillydu is a product made by 'Angus Dundee', a globally renowned producer of Scotch whiskies. It is characterized by a smooth and sweet flavor, achieved by blending malt whisky and grain whisky from Scotland's Speyside region and aging it in ex-sherry and bourbon oak barrels.

Scotch whisky Gilledu sold by CU. Provided by BGF Retail

CU collaborated with CEO Kim Chang-su of 'Kim Chang-su Whisky Distillery', who is leading the domestic whisky trend, to discuss the selection of the base spirit, bottling, and whisky labeling as part of the branding process. During this process, advice was also sought from experts such as popular YouTubers 'Jutopia' and 'Whisky Navi'.

CU's strategy is to lead the popularization of Scotch whisky among domestic consumers by offering authentic Scottish whisky from its homeland at an affordable price in the 10,000 KRW range.

Additionally, CU is exclusively launching 'Diablo Soul of the Devil' (25%, 16,000 KRW) in Korea, in collaboration with Blizzard Entertainment's popular game Diablo. This product uses the IP of the long-loved 'Diablo II: Resurrected'. Diablo Soul of the Devil is a red-hued distilled spirit made by infusing Cheongyang chili peppers into a Spanish wine distillate, based on the concept of a 'Devil's Potion'. It features a harmonious blend of subtle spiciness and the smooth, sweet taste and aroma of the wine distillate.

Furthermore, CU plans to introduce the Heart Brothers Legend Collection 'Macallan 32-Year Single Cask' (46.8%). This rare single cask whisky was aged for 32 years from 1991 in a sherry octave cask, with only 68 bottles produced worldwide. Of these, 24 bottles allocated to Korea will be sold exclusively at CU. Priced at 8.9 million KRW, which is cheaper than the local price, this product will be available through CU's whisky open-run event 'Let's Go' at liquor specialty stores and CU bars within PocketCU.

CU is focusing on launching differentiated alcoholic beverages centered on whisky and distilled spirits this month because the sales proportion of high-alcohol beverages increases in winter, replacing beer. Looking at CU's liquor sales last year, sales of high-alcohol whisky and distilled spirits increased by 22.2% and 10.1%, respectively, in winter (December to February) compared to summer (June to August).

Lee Seung-taek, head of BGF Retail's liquor team, said, "As the weather rapidly gets colder, we have exclusively secured special products mainly focused on high-proof spirits, which see a surge in demand during winter." He added, "CU will continue to closely monitor sales trends to proactively respond to customer demand and do its best to provide a differentiated purchasing experience."

Meanwhile, to commemorate the launch of these products, CU has prepared discount benefits. Gillydu will be discounted to 9,900 KRW until the end of December, and Diablo Soul of the Devil will have a 20% QR discount applied when paying with Hana or Toss Pay until the end of this month.