Arine said on the 30th that its traditional liquor "Mihong" won the grand prize in the traditional Korean rice wine fresh makgeolli institutional sector at the 2026 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards.
Mihong is a premium Korean rice wine developed by adding a modern sensibility to the essence of traditional fermentation. It features a soft pink hue achieved through a fermentation process using carefully selected glutinous black rice and Baekjinju rice.
The flavor opens with a bright berry-like aroma, followed by sweetness reminiscent of yakgwa and fresh chocolate, with deep nuances of Kakao weaving together to create a multidimensional structure. Arine said a smooth texture and balanced acidity keep the sweetness from becoming excessive while delivering a high level of balance.
Arine said it is focusing on expanding traditional liquor beyond a simple drinking product into a "culinary experience." The company said Mihong is currently distributed mainly through leading Korean fine-dining restaurants, traditional liquor bars, and bottle shops, expanding its footprint in the premium market.
An Arine official said, "This award recognizes our brand philosophy of maintaining the depth of traditional fermentation while incorporating a modern sensibility," adding, "we will strengthen our competitiveness in the global culinary market with a lineup of traditional liquors that harmonize with diverse dining."