Baekje Soju 33° Wins Unanimous 'Double Gold' at International Spirits Competition

The 'Baekje Soju House Where Liquor Ripens Edition', presented in collaboration with Naebyeonsan Brewery, has received international recognition. According to a video on the House Where Liquor Ripens YouTube channel, the newly released Baekje Soju 33° won 'Double Gold' at the 'San Francisco World Spirit Competition', one of the international spirits competitions. Double Gold is an award given only when all judges unanimously grant a Gold grade among the Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers. The product was also named a final candidate for 'Best of Class' in the Soju category.

Composition of Baekje Soju 33° and 22° with Apple and Rose Aromas

This edition is offered as a single item of Baekje Soju 33°, or as a 22° set which blends barley soju with the 33° base rice soju. The 33° is made using 100% rice, and aroma analysis reveals characteristics of 'phenylethanol' which produces rose scents, 'ethyl caprylate' which produces apple blossom scents, and 'ethyl caproate' which produces pineapple scents. In the mouth, it has a structure where a mellow rice sweetness is felt, followed by the spreading of floral and fruit aromas, finishing with a sharp kick.

The included 22° has a different character due to the blending of barley soju. A dominant aroma of ripe apple prevails, and alongside the sharp scent unique to barley spirits, there is a nuance similar to whisky (spirit) before it is put into an oak barrel. It is characterized by a sweetness like white rice cake (baekseolgi) and an oily texture of barley. The video explains that the 22° is a product that lowers the alcohol content while reinforcing individuality by adding barley, for consumers who find high alcohol content burdensome.

Clean Taste Filtered Twice with German Distiller and How to Enjoy

Both products use domestic rice and barley and are manufactured using a German copper distiller known for capturing aromas well. In the first distillation process, the heads and tails are removed to extract only the fragrant section, after which it undergoes another distillation process where the heads and tails are removed again. Through this process, the final amount of liquor decreases, but the taste becomes cleaner. It is then aged in a container without additives.

'Airing' (contact with air) was suggested as a way to enjoy the liquor more deliciously. According to the tips introduced through the video, if you shake the bottle after pouring it into a glass or increase air contact like wine decanting, the aroma comes alive even more. In particular, the 22° pairs well with seafood when drunk cold, and the 33° allows one to feel the floral scent better the moment it enters the mouth when drunk from a whisky glass. Additionally, a variation was introduced where 10ml of Baekje Soju is mixed with 30ml of Scotch whisky 'Dewar's' with ice.

Packaging Suitable for Gifts and Purchase Information

This edition includes a paper case, a shopping bag, and a product description card designed with gift demand in mind. The product can be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight, and it is easy to store as it has no expiration date. As of the video release, the 33° single item is sold for 28,000 won, and the set containing both 22° and 33° is sold for 46,000 won. Free shipping applies for purchases of 50,000 won or more.

Purchases are limited to 10 sets and 10 single items per person, and they are scheduled to be shipped sequentially until September 11, 2026. For 100 bottles among the 22° products, a random event featuring the creator's handwritten signature will also be held.