Agricultural corporation 044 Distillery's 'Sak' has won the grand award in the Korea Wine & Spirits Awards for traditional spirits (between 25 and 40% ABV) in 2025.
044 Distillery combines an innovative brewing technique that involves fermenting and distilling rice syrup with modern brewing facilities to create its unique taste and aroma. In particular, it is applying a sixth industry model utilizing local agricultural products from Sejong City, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy.
Last year, 'Sak Black 50′ (50% ABV), held in Andong, also received an excellence award, recognizing its quality.
The company plans to develop low-alcohol fruit wine (liqueur) that general consumers can easily enjoy, expanding into the overseas market as well as domestically, taking this award as an opportunity.
A representative from 044 Distillery noted, 'We will use this grand award as a stepping stone to promote the excellence of traditional Korean liquor to the world.'
Meanwhile, the Korea Wine & Spirits Awards is the nation's representative liquor competition, now in its 12th year. ChosunBiz has been hosting the event annually since 2014 with the goal of discovering and widely promoting good domestic liquor and supporting the formation of a healthy drinking culture.
This year's event featured 236 companies presenting a total of 1,008 brands, making it the largest liquor competition in the country. Among them, 431 brands received the grand award.