Makgeolli (막걸리)

Makgeolli used to be known as a 'farmer's liquor' or 'nongju' (same meaning in Chinese when written in hancha- 农酒.) An entire PR campaign by the Ministry of Food revived the languishing 'national drink' and brought it to be the hipster drink now. You can find plastic bottles of these fermented rice wine in the Korean supermarkets and restaurants in Singapore. However, those aren't nice. The really good ones are probably homemade, and the ones in Seoul will blow your mind. They range from either a tad sour, medium sweet to very sweet. They can be bubbly or not at all. Ironically, makgeolli exports are shrinking. Unsurprising, as people get adventurous and start making their own.

Initially, I was suspicious of makgeolli. Com'mon, isn't it similar to arak and toady (palm wine)? Except that makgeolli has a significantly lower ABV at about 8%. So the chances of dropping dead from drinking a few glasses are proportionately lower. Don't ever say nil. Makgeolli has moved into being a craft beverage that's much more easily enjoyed than the stronger soju. Monica Kluge and Julia Mellor founded 'Makgeolli Mamas & Papas' (MMPKorea) in a concerted effort to pool together information for English-speaking expatriates and tourists. The group holds regular monthly gatherings at makgeolli houses to try out the different brews. If I live in Seoul, I'd be so enthusiastic in hanging out. :)

After all the various tastings, and gulping, I've learnt that my body can polish off a one-litre bottle of makegeolli effortlessly. Oh dear. Of course! I'm not like...in love with the beverage. But it does grow on me, and makes a good drink if I don't want anything stronger for the evening. While we didn't get into the spirit to enrol in makgeolli-making classes, we managed to check out two makgeolli bars- Moon Jar and Wolhyang, and learnt about how the Korean rice wine may also be infused with fruits and beans to offer different flavors to the customers. Tasting portions are always available. All makgeolli bars serve a pretty decent selection of food. Dinner needn't be done at a separate venue. One could easily eat as one drinks. Heh.