Minhwa Spirits

The Korean American Distillers Behind the Craft Soju Boom

"An Atlanta-area grain-to-glass distillery that ferments rice with nuruk and uses traditional makgeolli brewing techniques from the founders' Geoje Island heritage, sourcing Arkansas rice and Georgia spring water and distilling on a pot still to retain flavor. The resulting high-ABV expressions include a 40% ABV rice soju with a burnt caramel finish and a touch of yeast-driven funk; the brand frames the spirit as very clean and closer to tequila in character. At its Doraville tasting room, popular pours include a Strawberry Fields clarified Milk Punch cocktail made with house strawberry syrup and white peach tea, and the producers recommend serving soju chilled (about 40–45°F) and pairing higher-ABV bottles with grilled meats, spicy Korean barbecue, fried chicken, or cuisines like Thai and Mexican, while celebrating communal pouring rituals." - Clara Wang