Local Spirits Shine at K-Sool Trend Awards 2026, ‘Poet’s Rock D’ Among Platinum Winners
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
The K-Sool Trend Awards 2026 honored Korean local alcoholic beverages through multilayered consumer-focused judging—assessing quality, product-market fit, pairing, branding, and popularity. Super Platinum went to Breeze & Stream’s “Namuljin,” a Korean herb-infused gin (GIN) made by adapting traditional British dry gin methods and storytelling about wild mountain herbs; it also won platinum in mouthfeel, pairing and design. Platinum overall winners included Mill & Nonilda’s “Poet’s Rock D” (an oak-aged soju matured 42 months, double-casked in rye and sherry barrels, inspired by a local rock and the poet Toegye Yi Hwang), J1’s high-alcohol rice takju “Gyeongtakju,” Chef Brewery’s mugwort takju “Ssukcre” (using traditional nuruk and spring mugwort), Soolbbineun Horangi’s honey-and-hop mead “Hopihop,” and Sulawon’s hybrid fermented-and-distilled “Gyeongseong Gwaha-ju” (based on a 1670s recipe). Multiple entries earned Pairing Platinum for food compatibility, and several popular brands also scored Platinum for public appeal and branding—highlighting both craft creativity and market readiness. The awards emphasized real consumer experience—flavor, story, and use—so winners are likely to represent Korean drink trends in domestic and international dining and retail scenes.
