Hana Makgeolli Brewery & Tasting Room
Brewery · Greenpoint ·
US-based makgeolli brewery reviving traditional artisanal methods
US-based makgeolli brewery reviving traditional artisanal methods
"The country’s only makgeolli producer has a taproom at the tippy top of Greenpoint, and you should change your weekend plans to include drinking Korean rice wine there. Get the makgeolli flight as a 101 crash course into the world of the milky-white drink. The three-glass flight ranges from a clarified and nutty yakju that’s made from the slightly oxidized liquid at the top of the tanks, to the sediment-heavy and fruity takju. But for anyone just looking to try one glass, we like the omija makgeolli best. It’s not distributed elsewhere, has a bright, lactic taste, and you’ll probably see a berry floating in your glass. Stop by Hana Makgeolli’s airy space with a friend or date for a several-hour heart-to-heart where you’ll get drunker than you realize. The food menu is small but totally mighty. Do plan to have a full meal here—ideally "linner" (lunner?) on a late weekend afternoon. The Hana 2 Set is pretty much the move. It comes with a scallion pancake, a boiled pork platter, and a carafe of takju for about $70 total, which keeps things easy for a party of two. But you can also order those things, some spicy cold bibim guksu noodles, and more a la carte. Food Rundown Pajeon A sincerely perfectly cooked scallion pancake. It's crispy on the edges so that it makes a loud crunch when you sink your teeth into it, but the middle layer is melty with garlic and chives. Excellent. photo credit: Arden Shore Anju Platter Nice big plate of protein to share. Build each bite strategically. Layer a bit of boiled pork, some jiggly tofu, a smidge of kimchi. Savor it. Take a swig of makgeolli. Enjoy your life. photo credit: Arden Shore Cocktails We really do recommend sipping some makgeolli straight up before dipping into the cocktails, but these are fun to end on. They change with the seasons, but you can always count on extremely adorable garnishes and obscure fruit juices to make their way into the mix. photo credit: Arden Shore" - Arden Shore
"A Greenpoint Korean rice brewery will host a one-night pop-up on Wednesday, April 23 when the visiting Hudson Valley restaurant takes over the kitchen; the venue will match offerings toward the mutual aid organization Shared Plate Fund (complementing the visiting restaurant’s 69 cents-per-dish donations), and timed reservations are available online." - Nadia Chaudhury
"This Sunday, gain a new life skill by learning how to make makgeolli at Hana Makgeolli. The Greenpoint brewery and tasting room—our favorite place to drink sool with a side of dried anchovies—is hosting another installment of their Makings of Makgeolli class with a tasting, a history lesson, and a rundown on how their sparkling rice wine is produced. You'll even leave with some makgeolli that you brewed yourself. The class starts at noon, and there are still tickets available." - neha talreja
"Hana Makgeolli isn't just a bar. It's a resource for anyone interested in learning more about the broad category of Korean alcohol known as sool. Alice Jun and business partner John Limb opened this brewery in Greenpoint around the start of the pandemic, and they now have a taproom up front where they serve a variety of Korean rice wines brewed in house. You can stop by and get a flight of rice wines (such as makgeolli) brewed with organic nuruk, and you can also grab some anju like dried squid and anchovies, dubu kimchi, and Korean fried chicken. The space is bright and airy with a handful of tables and a bar where you and a friend should park yourselves the next time you're in the neighborhood." - izzy chen, with warm welcome, neha talreja, bryan kim
"Brooklyn-based producer of Korean rice wine, Hana Makgeolli — which has held events in Los Angeles — is coming to Seattle for the Paju event on July 25, with founder Alice Jun on hand to serve her acclaimed drinks by the flight and by the glass." - Harry Cheadle