Sunday, October 18, 2009

Makgeolli onboard Asiana Airline

Makgeolli, also known as Takju is a traditional Korean rice wine. This milky white drink may well be the oldest Korean liquor. Makgeolli, the once-overlooked drink, is now gaining popularity in Korea and Japan, and has made its way onto passengers airplanes. Asiana Airines said it will served the thick, white rice wine to all customers for free on all 22 flights linking Korea and Japan.
The in-fllight makgeolli is a specially modified strain made with fermented raw rice. Without odor, it is rich in dietary fiber and decarbonated. A company official said makgeolli is popular because it's healthier than other alcoholic drinks and tastes good. The carrier has decided to serve the rice wine on board to help promote Korean cuisine abroad and boost the consumption of rice. A fad for makgeolli in Japan encouraged the airline to serve it on flights from and to Japan first, nearly 90 percent of Korea's makgeolli exports go to the island country. Asiana will soon serve other Korean side dishes like an assortment of tofu and kimchi, and fired mung bean patties.
(Source: The Chosun Ilbo)

(Makgeolli I bought from Korean Festival last weekend)
As for the growing interest in this milky liquor, many makgeolli makers have added twist by inventing 'makgeolli cocktail', the colorful drink mixed with fresh fruits which hit young and old fans especially women.

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