Agricultural company Daegu Jeontongju Co. said on the 20th that it is moving to target the premium liquor market by unveiling Mil72, a distilled soju that boasts the highest alcohol content among domestic traditional liquors.
Mil72 is a liquor that won the grand prize in the premium soju institutional sector at the 2026 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards. Mil72 is a high-proof spirit boasting 72% alcohol by volume, setting it apart from ordinary diluted soju or lower-proof distilled spirits. No artificial sweeteners or additives are used at all; only the topmost cut of distillate, obtained by traditionally distilling a base of carefully selected rice-brewed makgeolli, is bottled.
A Daegu Jeontongju official said, "The overwhelming figure of 72 proof not only means a high alcohol content, but also indicates that the rice's inherent flavors and esters (aromatic compounds) expressed during distillation are concentrated with the greatest density." It is characterized by a gentle impact, a subtle sweet rice aroma that spreads in the mouth, the savory nuttiness, and fruity notes.
In the brand name "Mil72," the character "mil (密)" simultaneously carries the meanings of "dense" and "secret." It symbolizes Daegu Jeontongju's precise distillation technology developed to achieve the highest proof and the rich, dense flavor completed through long aging.
Despite being a high-proof spirit, a specially engineered still was used to maintain bright aromas and a smooth texture. The heads and tails were discarded entirely, drawing out the pure crystallization of alcohol.
Mil72 is also gaining attention as a powerful base spirit that can replace vodka or gin. Thanks to its high proof, even a small amount mixed in allows you to enjoy a refreshing drink while preserving the distinctive character of traditional liquor.
A Daegu Jeontongju official said, "Mil72 was planned to showcase the pinnacle of Korean traditional distilling technology," adding, "We want to break the stereotype that a higher proof only means harshness and deliver to consumers the deep and rich spectrum of aromas our liquor offers."