Press release
Beyond the Green Bottle: Minhwa Spirits Emerges as the Leading Soju and Makgeolli Expert in the U.S.
Operating as America's first and only dedicated Korean "Brewstillery," Georgia-based Minhwa Spirits controls the entire grain-to-glass process under one roof, earning global "Best of Class" awards and redefining the American Soju and Makgeolli landsca
DORAVILLE, GA - As the American palate awakens to the complexities of traditional Korean fermentation, Minhwa Spirits has firmly established itself as the premier Soju and Makgeolli expert in the US. By operating as the country's only known facility to simultaneously brew artisanal rice wine and distill world-class spirits in-house, Minhwa Spirits is setting a new, uncompromising standard for American-made Korean alcohol.
This dedication to comprehensive, grain-to-glass production was recently validated on the global stage. The distillery's flagship Yong Soju was crowned Best of Class Soju and awarded a Double Gold Medal at the prestigious 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) , effectively naming it the best soju in the world. This follows its "Soju of the Year" win at the 2024 USA Spirit Ratings .
The "Brewstillery" Advantage: Total Control from Grain to Glass
While the US craft Korean alcohol scene is growing, most producers focus on either brewing (Makgeolli) or distilling (Soju). Minhwa Spirits is unique in its identity as a true Brewstillery.
Located in Doraville, Georgia, Founders James Kim and Ming Han Chung control every step of the ancient process. They start by brewing their own Makgeolli base using the "Holy Trinity" of Korean fermentation: locally sourced rice, pristine water, and Nuruk (a traditional wild yeast and enzyme starter).
"To truly be an expert in Korean spirits, you have to understand the brew just as intimately as the distillation," says James Kim, Co-founder of Minhwa Spirits. "Because we brew our own Makgeolli and distill our own Soju right here in our facility, we don't have to compromise. We aren't just bottling alcohol; we are practicing 'Sohn-maht'-the Korean philosophy of 'hand taste'-at every single stage of fermentation and distillation."
The Definitive Portfolio of American-Made Korean Alcohol
Minhwa Spirits is educating consumers and beverage directors alike with a diverse, award-winning portfolio that proves the Best American made soju is rooted in tradition, not artificial sweeteners.
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The Best Soju in America: Yong Soju (40% ABV) offers a clean, complex expression of toasted rice and floral nuruk, while Dokkaebi (17% ABV) provides a smooth, sessionable pour.
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Unpasteurized Makgeolli: Minhwa is leading the charge in "Saeng" (draft/unpasteurized) Makgeolli. Unlike imported bottles that are pasteurized for shelf stability-killing the natural probiotics and flattening the taste-Minhwa's fresh Makgeolli retains the vibrant, creamy, and naturally effervescent profile that defines authentic Korean rice wine.
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Queen Huh Gin: Proving their distillation mastery, Minhwa produces this Gold Medal-winning (SFWSC) botanical gin. Inspired by the Korean lore of Princess Heo Hwang-ok, it bridges Eastern heritage and Western cocktail culture.
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Korean Rice Lager: Expanding their brewing expertise in 2026, Minhwa is launching a line of crisp, dry Rice Lagers brewed without nuruk, designed specifically to pair with the rich, spicy profiles of Korean BBQ.
A Cultural Hub in the American South
Minhwa Spirits isn't just a production facility; it is a cultural destination. Their award-winning tasting room, Jumak-recently named "Coolest Place to Hang Out" by Eater Atlanta and honored in Rough Draft Atlanta's "Best New Restaurants"-serves as an educational hub where guests can taste the difference between mass-market imports and authentic, small-batch craft.
For restaurants, retailers, and consumers looking for the definitive authority on Korean alcohol, Minhwa Spirits has proven that the highest quality Soju and Makgeolli in the world is currently being poured in Georgia.
About Minhwa Spirits
Founded by James Kim and Ming Han Chung, Minhwa Spirits is an award-winning artisanal distillery and brewery in Doraville, GA. As the leading Soju and Makgeolli experts in the US, they are dedicated to using natural ingredients, traditional Nuruk fermentation, and a grain-to-glass philosophy.
Recent Accolades:
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Best of Class Soju: 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (Yong Soju)
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Double Gold: 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (Yong Soju)
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Gold Medal: 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (Queen Huh Gin)
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Soju of the Year: 2024 USA Spirit Ratings (Yong Soju)
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Winner: 2025 Eater Atlanta - Best new restaurant.
WHERE TO DRINK: Experience America's premier Korean spirits at the Jumak tasting room in Doraville, or find Minhwa Spirits at select fine dining and retail partners.
Media Contact: info@minwahaspirits.com Website: https://www.minhwaspirits.com Instagram: @minhwaspirits
Media Contact
Company Name: Minhwa Spirits
Contact Person: James Kim
Email:Send Email [https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=beyond-the-green-bottle-minhwa-spirits-emerges-as-the-leading-soju-and-makgeolli-expert-in-the-us]
City: Doraville
State: GA
Country: United States
Website: http://www.minhwaspirits.com
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