17, 25, 41 sounds like someone about to buy lottery numbers, but they’re actually the numbers to describe a particularly winning soju from Korea – those are the alcohol percentages of Hwayo’s three expressions. 

Hwayo is a standout premium soju (means “fire alcohol”) and its distinctive flavour is all natural and free from preservatives and additives: derived from 100% Korean rice; pure water from 150m underground; a single distillation process over very low heat and pressure, as well as an aging process that takes place in ongi, or hand-made clay vessels. (The mass-market versions are made with varying types of grains).

Soju is a Korean staple – Psy proclaimed it to be his “best friend” – but Hwayo artisanal with make you rethink your own relationship to this most quaffable of drinks. And because the Hwayo ranges are artisanal and delicate, it’s also great for making cocktails with (recipes below).

Hwayo 17 ($29.90): At 17% ABV, this is not only softer (in nose and flavour) than most wines, but has lovely notes of pear and cucumber, and dangerously drinkable. It’s wispy and will disappear very quickly. And we mean like blink-of-an-eye quick.

Hwayo 41 ($79.90): This is whisky-level type strength, but taste nothing like. It’s bracing yes, but also great for making cocktails because of its potency.

Hwayo 25 ($45.90): This is my favourite of the lot, balanced as it is with vigour, flavours and succinct notes. Like Barney in How I Met Your Mother, this one is smooth, deceptive and fun.

Lullaby Pear

4 cubes cucumber, 4 cubes pear, 25 ml simple syrup, 20 ml fresh lemon juice, 30 ml Hwayo 41

Muddle cucumber and pear, add in simple syrup, fresh lemon juice and Hwayo 41; shake and strain into chilled coupe glass.

Garnish with sliced pear.

Mr. Barley

30 ml barley tea syrup, 20 ml fresh lemon juice, 45 ml Hwayo 41

 Shake and strain into chilled martini glass.

Garnish with floating mint leaf.

You can find Hwayo in most bars (and Korean restaurants), or purchase it at Gain Brands: contact Michelle Fisher at michelle@gainbrands.com or tel: 8128-0462

www.hwayo.com​

Like this? Here’s how to Asian-ise your cocktails – 11 ingredients to use

Save

Save

Save

4