The Do Han Cheongmyeongju 15, made by Han Young-seok Fermentation Research Institute, recorded the highest score in the Korea Wine & Spirits Awards Korean rice wine (non-turbid) institutional sector and received Best of 2026.
The Korea Wine & Spirits Awards is Korea's representative liquor evaluation event, now in its 13th year. ChosunBiz has hosted it annually since 2014 with the goal of "discovering and widely promoting good domestic liquor and supporting the formation of a sound drinking culture."
A total of 260 companies submitted 1,118 brands to this year's event. It is the largest among domestic evaluation events that cover comprehensive liquor. Of these, 449 brands won the grand prize.
Han Young-seok Fermentation Research Institute is a brewery in Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province, that pursues the modernization of Korea's traditional liquor based on traditional nuruk and natural fermentation methods. Under the philosophy that "nuruk makes the liquor," it aims for a fermentation process with minimal artificial intervention.
Representative Han Young-seok is Korea's first master of nuruk. While inheriting traditional brewing techniques, Han also incorporates a modern sensibility to lead the premium traditional liquor market. In particular, natural fermentation and long aging draw out deep flavors.
Do Han Cheongmyeongju 15 is a premium yakju that modernly reinterprets a seasonal liquor drunk on Cheongmyeong, one of the 24 solar terms. Using traditional nuruk, it is fermented and aged at low temperatures for a long period, resulting in a soft yet deep texture, with a gentle sweetness and acidity and a harmonious, complex aroma.