From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 40s
Chicago Brews Korea’s Oldest Drink
Chicago’s Yido Brews makes makgeolli, Korea’s oldest alcoholic drink.
In brief
Chicago’s Yido Brews makes makgeolli, Korea’s oldest alcoholic drink. Chicago’s Yido Brews founder Peter Chung now produces makgeolli, a naturally fermented rice wine from Korea, after years of home brewing. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Yido Brews Launches
Chicago’s Yido Brews produces makgeolli, Korea’s oldest alcoholic drink.
Makgeolli Explained
Makgeolli is an unfiltered rice wine naturally fermented with a starter culture.
Peter Chung’s Story
Peter Chung, born in Chicago, discovered makgeolli during a 2018-2019 fellowship in Seoul.
Chung’s Home Brewing
Chung brewed makgeolli at home for years before opening Yido Brews in Chicago.
Early Challenges
Chung faced failed batches with solvent or bitter flavors during home brewing.
White Tiger Makgeolli
Yido’s flagship White Tiger makgeolli is sweet with a creamy texture.
Three Years of Experiment
Chung spent three years perfecting makgeolli batches before opening Yido Brews.
Chicago’s Makgeolli Scene
Chicago now has Yido Brews as its only local makgeolli producer.
Yido’s Name Meaning
Yido is a Korean term for ‘Second City,’ referencing Chicago’s nickname.
Chung’s New Role
Chung left his Sierra Club Illinois job to focus on Yido Brews full-time.
Future Plans
Chung aims to open a brewpub serving as a community space for Chicago.
Makgeolli’s Popularity
Makgeolli is popular in South Korea with over 760 licensed breweries producing 2,000 varieties.
Yido’s Impact
Yido Brews fills a gap in Chicago’s craft beverage scene with authentic makgeolli.
Chung’s Motivation
Chung felt others would brew makgeolli, but he was the first to do it in Chicago.
The short version
Chicago’s Yido Brews founder Peter Chung now produces makgeolli, a naturally fermented rice wine from Korea, after years of home brewing.
