Introduction
I’ve been keeping an eye on Korean spirits lately, and when I heard about the JEGI Project by CraftBros, curiosity got the better of me. They’re better known for beer, so it was intriguing to see them collaborate with local distilleries on what they're calling the world’s first "blended double malt" whisky from Korea. The concept alone made me want to see what direction they’re taking Korean whisky in, especially as the industry is still in its infancy.
Nose
On the nose, the whisky is approachable and light. I picked up toasted grain, a gentle sweetness reminiscent of puffed rice and barley candy, and a faint floral quality—almost like dried chrysanthemum or chamomile. It’s not particularly intense, but there's a clarity to the aromas that I appreciated. With a few minutes in the glass, a subtle hint of white chocolate and steamed rice began to show. The overall impression leaned clean and delicate.
Palate
It enters the mouth with a soft, almost creamy feel, which surprised me given the light aroma. There's a mellow grain profile up front—porridge, steamed rice cake—followed by milky tea and a trace of dried pear. The structure is gentle, without sharp edges or aggressive spice. A nuttiness lingers mid-palate, like roasted chestnut, and there's a fleeting herbaceousness that reminds me of Korean mountain herbs. The whisky feels restrained, never trying to overpower, but it rewards attention.
Finish
The finish is modest—medium length, with lingering notes of rice starch and light honey. There’s a touch of oaky dryness right at the end, but no burn or bitterness. It fades neatly, leaving behind a slightly savory aftertaste that reminded me of miso broth. It's subtle, and I found it quite consistent with the whisky’s overall tone: clean, mild, and well-behaved.
Price and Value
Considering this is a limited release from a craft producer entering the whisky scene, it’s fairly priced. You're essentially paying for a chance to experience early expressions of Korean whisky blending rather than for age or rare cask provenance. If you're someone who appreciates trying new regional styles, this offers a good starting point. But if you're seeking intense sherry cask richness or peaty boldness, this likely won’t deliver that kind of depth—at least not in this bottle.
Background
CraftBros is tapping into whisky distillation through collaborative efforts with Korean distilleries under their JEGI Project. Their goal appears to center on blending locally distilled single malts to explore a distinctly Korean whisky character. From what I understand, they worked with at least two different malt whisky producers for this release—details are minimal, but the transparency will hopefully improve as the project evolves.
Blending malts isn’t new, but branding this as a "double malt" points to a union of two single malt whiskies, distilled separately but then combined. There are no age statements or heavy claims, which I actually found refreshing. It’s not trying to prove itself as something it’s not. You can learn more about CraftBros direct from their website here: CraftBros.
Final Notes
So, would I buy this bottle again? Probably once more, mainly out of interest in how future batches might evolve. It’s not a bottle I’d reach for weekly, but I appreciate what they’re trying to do. Is it accessible to newcomers? Absolutely—there’s no overwhelming profile or high heat, so it would work well for someone just beginning to explore lighter-style whiskies.
For me, this would suit a quiet evening when you're looking to sip something calm and contemplative without distraction. It also raised a natural question: how does this compare to other Asian whiskies? It’s in the softer camp, more akin to younger Japanese grain or blended malts than to something like Kavalan. But it has its own tone, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for wherever CraftBros takes their whisky next.