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When it comes to drinking in Korea, the culture of mixing alcohol is well known, with drinks like somaek (soju + beer) and makgeolli beer. But have you ever heard of Maksa, a unique blend of makgeolli and soda?
Kuksundang Maksa (국순당 막사) is a makgeolli product manufactured and sold by the Korean brewery Kuksundang. Launched in 2019, it sold 1 million bottles within its first 100 days on the market in Korea.
This product adds carbonation to traditionally brewed Korean makgeolli, creating a balance of smooth rice flavor and refreshing fizziness. It has gained popularity across various age groups. The alcohol content is 5%.
Pouring Maksa into a glass…
The color closely resembles that of makgeolli beer.
For more details on makgeolli beer, check out the following:
Read more about Makgeolli Beer
The aroma that rises as you take a sip is quite distinctive. It combines the flavors of makgeolli and soda while also giving off a slightly herbal scent.
However, despite its uniqueness, it doesn’t taste off-putting. It seems like the combination of rice and soda—or perhaps a unique characteristic of one of the ingredients—creates this special flavor.
The aftertaste is reminiscent of amazake, leaving a lingering smoothness of rice on the tongue.
Although it’s called a soda mix, the carbonation isn’t too strong. Compared to makgeolli beer, Maksa has a milder fizz.
Since it’s mixed with soda, Maksa has a refreshing quality while still being easy to drink.
Despite being diluted with soda, the sweetness of the rice remains, allowing you to fully enjoy the taste of makgeolli.
With a low alcohol content of 5%, it’s a great option even for those who aren’t heavy drinkers. Additionally, it contains zero sugar, making it a suitable choice for those on a diet or watching their health.
Maksa can be enjoyed straight or with added fruit and ice for a fun twist. It also pairs exceptionally well with Korean cuisine, so be sure to give it a try!
