Introduction
Craft whisky from South Korea isn't something I come across often, so when I had the chance to sit down with the Craftbros JEGI Series – particularly the double malt collaboration involving Kimchangsoo and Soorok – I was genuinely curious. This isn’t just another craft whisky; it claims to be the first Korean double malt whisky, and that alone gave me a good reason to pay attention. I didn’t walk into this tasting expecting a typical single malt profile or heavily oaked influence. Instead, I kept my expectations flexible, knowing this was a newer chapter in Korean whisky.
Nose
Right off the pour, the aroma was light but expressive. There were clear cereal grains up front – not surprising, given the malt/grain blend – with a mellow sweetness similar to cornflakes and malted milk biscuits. A bit of dried grass and honey followed once it breathed a little. One thing I noticed was how ‘clean’ the nose felt overall – very little cask influence in terms of spice or tannin. There’s an underlying rice or barley tea quality that gave it a gentle, almost warming aroma, though far from intense.
Palate
Tasting it, the first thing I noticed was how smooth and light the mouthfeel is. The grain component comes through quite clearly, giving it a rounded base of corn sweetness, while the malted barley lends a subtle earthy character. Flavours stay in a fairly mild spectrum – cereal, soft vanilla, and just a whisper of orchard fruit, like apple skin or pear juice. Nothing pushes too far – it’s conservative, but deliberate. There’s a low alcohol prickle, which kept everything feeling composed and easy-drinking. No sharp edges, no heavy oak or spice. Just a clean, fairly dry profile that leans into its ingredients rather than the barrel.
Finish
The finish is quick and tidy. There’s a bit of lingering sweetness – maybe from the grain – and a light touch of maltiness right at the end. But it doesn’t hang around. It fades out quietly, leaving just a faint impression of grain and tea. It’s not complex or evolving, but it fits the rest of the whisky’s restrained style.
Price and Value
When evaluating price on a whisky like this, I have to consider its origin and intent. It’s not trying to compete with long-aged Scotch or deeply matured Japanese bottles – and it’s priced accordingly. For a collaborative Korean whisky that steps into new territory, it feels like a fair ask. Yes, the flavour profile is modest, but the execution is thoughtful and shows clear purpose. If you're coming at it as someone interested in regional or early-stage whisky development, there’s good reason to give it a try.
Background
Craftbros has made a name for itself in Korea more for beer, but they’ve recently stepped into spirits, collaborating with local distillers like Kimchangsoo and Soorok on this JEGI Series. What’s interesting here is the use of both malted barley and grain whisky – making it a true double malt – with distillation and blending done in Korea using local water sources. The transparency of the process and the close partnership with emerging Korean whisky creators make this release stand out. For more on the people behind this bottle, you can check the official Craftbros and Kimchangsoo websites.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? As someone interested in regional whiskies and first attempts, yes. It’s not one I’d reach for regularly, but there’s something about experiencing a country's early steps into whisky-making that’s genuinely engaging. Is it beginner-friendly? Absolutely. Its light, clean flavour and low burn make it very approachable. What kind of moment suits this whisky? I’d say it works best as a casual sipper – a quiet whisky for relaxed evenings or sharing among curious friends. As for comparisons with others in the region, it’s far lighter and more straightforward than some Japanese craft offerings, but it feels more authentic than the often vague origins of many “Asian” blends on the market.