Paju25 from Mium Net Distillery in Paju, Gyeonggi, was selected for the top honor, "Best of 2026," in the distilled soju institutional sector at the 2026 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards.
The award-winning Paju25 is a distilled soju made with 100% rice grown in Paju. It features local identity by using local agricultural products and the region's name in the brand.
Paju25 uses house-made nuruk and undergoes long fermentation at low temperatures of 15 degrees or below, yielding a subtle tropical fruit aroma. It then goes through at least two rounds of atmospheric pot distillation and ages for more than six months to enhance the completeness of its flavor.
Mium Net Distillery is a new distillery that blends modern brewing technology with Joseon-era traditional soju-making methods. Since its founding in 2022, it has introduced products that emphasize locality and quality. Aiming to popularize traditional-style soju, it targets relatively low alcohol by volume and reasonable prices.
Paju Soju currently consists of three products—Paju25 (25%, 375ml), Paju (19%, 375ml), and Paju25 Miyako Blue Edition (25%, 500ml)—and Paju26 (26%, 375ml), developed in collaboration with Paju's professional soccer team, is set to launch soon.