Introducing Hana Soju 20
Single Pass Pot Distilled Rice Wine
375mL
20% ABV
We are thrilled to release Hana Soju 20 — a collaboration between Hana Makgeolli and Matchbook Distilling Co. Crafted from organic rice, nuruk, and time, this table-strength soju (20 % ABV) balances strength and drinkability with a dash of adventure. Rooted in the tradition of jeontongju, it showcases what true Korean soju was always meant to be: made with high-quality organic rice, naturally fermented without additives, and distilled with care to preserve depth and character. Designed for both casual sipping and elevated cocktail programs, Hana Soju 20 offers a modern gateway to Korea’s most iconic spirit.
The Story Behind the Distillation
Our original plan was straightforward: run a first pass on the pot still to separate alcohol and flavor from water and solids, then switch to a column still—selecting only the most delicate aromatics, as with Hana 60, a single pass pot column. But the liquid coming off the pot still stopped us in our tracks: cool, sweet-salty, and alive with tarragon and shiso. It recalled a just-shucked spring oyster—cucumber and melon over ocean brine, a wisp of umami kissed with rice wine. It was perfect.
So we adjusted the distillation on the fly—tightened the hearts cut, slowed the pace, and embraced a single-pass pot distillation. It’s an uncommon practice that leaves the spirit a little wilder—funkier, grassier, earthier—but here, that raw expressiveness is exactly the point. Post-distillation, we added just a pinch of salt and pinch of sugar to make the salty-sweet interplay sing.
How to Enjoy It
Hana Soju 20 drinks almost like a rice-wine vermouth. Mix it 50/50 with dry vermouth for a lower-ABV martini—dirty if you like, always with a twist. Pour it over ice with bubbly water for an effortless highball. And when shiso returns in spring, splash in a little shiso syrup for a bright, herbal refresher. Can’t wait to try it in a classic daiquiri variation.
A Modern Gateway to Korea’s Iconic Spirit
Whether you’re sipping casually at the table or crafting cocktails behind the bar, Hana Soju 20 offers a vibrant new expression of Korea’s most iconic spirit—one that honors tradition while inviting exploration. Happy discovering.