Traditional liquor producer Kooksoondang’s rice wine (makgeolli) flavored with banana has hit the market, attracting in particular the young generation.
Released in early April, the Rice Makgeolli Banana recorded more than 2 million bottles of sales in two months, the company said.
Kooksoondang’s rice wine with banana flavor.
The unique traditional beverage with 4 percent alcohol combines Korean methods of brewing makgeolli with banana puree.
The product is sold in Korea and 11 other countries, including the U.S., U.K. Japan, China and Guatemala.
With the aim of targeting foreign customers, Kooksoondang came up with its own ways to harmonize traditional makgeolli with fruit flavors over the past two years.
In order to ensure the quality of its Rice Mageolli Banana, the company conducted taste tests at food fairs in Japan and Hong Kong.
The product won awards at a number of international competitions such as the Critics Challenge International Wine and Spirits Competition and the International Eastern Wine Competition.
Upon further research, the company is planning to release more fruit flavors of its rice wine.
