MAKGEOLLI
Naru 11.5: weighty green apple in Seongsu
Deep sweetness, weighty texture, and green-apple and melon aroma. Hangang Brewery brings an old riverside landing into today’s bottle.
Sweetness and body are high. The producer records green apple and long finish; an independent shop records light bitterness, sweetness, pear and melon, and a texture without carbonation. Acidity strength is not established.
Meat dumplings or donggeurangttaeng bring savory juice and fat. Sooldamhwa suggests a small glass or ice to let Naru 11.5's weight clear fatty flavors.
- Product
- 11.5% ABV takju · 100% Gyeongbokgung rice · no sweeteners or additives
- Flavor
- Deep sweetness · weighty texture · green-apple aroma · long finish
- Independent tasting
- Light bitterness followed by sweetness · Korean-melon and melon aromas · no carbonation
- Pairing
- Meat dumplings or donggeurangttaeng · suggested in a small glass or over ice
- Reviewed
- 2026-08-30
The first taste is deep and sweet, followed by green-apple aroma over a weighty texture and a long finish. It is an 11.5% ABV takju, an unfiltered Korean rice drink, made only with Seoul-grown Gyeongbokgung rice and without sweeteners or additives; meat dumplings or donggeurangttaeng, Korean pan-fried meat patties, fit the weight.
Masillog travel note
A reconstructed travel note, not an on-site report: after a day in Seongsu, pour one sip into a small glass and imagine the old river crossing behind the name.
Behind the bottle
Naru names old Han River landing places where boats carried people and goods. Hangang Brewery says the connection between past and present belongs in its first drink’s name.
Before the trip
Hangang Brewery is in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong District. Confirm purchase locations and visits before setting out.
Sources
- Hangang Brewery · Makgeolli Naru 11.5's product details, flavor, naming background, and brewery location.
- Sooldamhwa · Naru Fresh Makgeolli 11.5% Independent tasting record, food pairings, and serving suggestions.