Koreans have a long and celebrated history of brewing and consuming beer. This rich heritage has led to the creation of numerous popular beer brands that are enjoyed by drinkers in the country. From light lagers to dark ales, there is something for everyone in Korea's extensive range of beers. In this article, we take a look at the most popular beer brands in Korea and explore why they have become so beloved by drinkers around the world.
The History of Beer in Korea
Beer is thought to have been brewed in Korea since as far back as 3000 BC, with records indicating that it was consumed by royal families for religious ceremonies. Korean brewers were known for their expertise in producing strong beers made with rice and grains, such as barley and wheat. Brewing techniques evolved over time, leading to the development of new styles of beer including pilsner lagers, stouts, and ales. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), beer production was strictly regulated by law due to its strong alcoholic content.
In modern times, beer has become an integral part of Korean culture. It is often served at social gatherings and celebrations, with many different varieties available from local brewers or imported from across the globe. As well as having a great variety of beer styles on offer, Korea also benefits from its unique climate which makes it perfect for growing hops – one of the key ingredients used in making beer.
Popular Beer Brands In Korea
There are several popular local beers available in Korea that are brewed using traditional methods and ingredients. Here are some of the most well-loved brands:
Hite: Hite is one of the most widely consumed beers in South Korea and has been produced since 1933 by Hite Brewery Co Ltd. It is a light lager made with rice and hops which gives it a crisp finish with low bitterness but plenty of flavor.
OB: OB (Oriental Brewery) is another popular Korean brand which has been around since 1958 when it was founded by US-based Anheuser Busch InBev NV. The flagship product – OB Golden Lager – is an easy drinking pale lager with refreshing citrus notes that pairs perfectly with spicy Korean dishes such as kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew).
Cass: Cass is one of South Korea's oldest surviving breweries, established back in 1948 by Tae Kwon Do master Lee Byung Chul who wanted to create an authentic Korean beer that could be enjoyed by all . Their flagship product – Cass Fresh Lager – is a light pale lager made with malt, hops and rice extracts which gives it a subtle sweetness balanced out by hop bitterness on the finish.
Makgeolli: Makgeolli (also known as milky rice wine) is an unfiltered white ale brewed using traditional methods dating back centuries ago . It has become increasingly popular among younger Koreans looking for alternatives to mainstream beers such as Hite or OB due its unique sweet-tart flavor profile . Makgeolli can be served chilled or over ice , making it ideal for hot summer days or cold winter nights alike .
Imported Beers : South Koreans also love imported beers from around the world including Heineken , Budweiser , Corona Extra , Sapporo , Asahi Super Dry , Guinness Draught Stout , Kirin Ichiban Shibori , Stella Artois , Carlsberg , Beck's Blue Non Alcoholic Lager Beer , Estrella Damm Lager Beer etc . All these imported beers are easily available at convenience stores across South Korea at reasonable prices .
What Is The Most Popular Beer In Korea?
The most popular beer in Korea is Heineken with a brand power index of 35.6 points. Heineken is fllowed by Hoegaarden with around 33 points, and Tsingtao with around 31 points.
What Is Korea's Number 1 Beer?
Hite Extra Cold is Korea's most popular beer. It is a lager that is best served chilled and has a sweet, golden taste. It is comparable to Budweiser in the United States.
Is Cass Beer Korean?
Yes, Cass beer is a Korean beer. It is made by Anheuser-Busch InBev, wich is the largest brewer in the world. Cass has a crisp and refreshing taste, and is often paired with spicy Korean food.
Is Cass Beer Good?
Cass beer is one of the most popular beers in South Korea. It is often thought to be the best tasting beer in the country, and it has won the best beer award for the past five years.
There are a few thins that make Cass beer stand out from the other top beers in South Korea. First, it has a more distinct and iconic taste. Kloud, Hite, OB, Max and Terra all have a more bland and watered-down flavor compared to Cass. Second, Cass has a higher alcohol content than most of the other Korean beers. At 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), it is slightly stronger than Kloud (4.3% ABV) and Hite (4% ABV). This makes Cass a more satisfying drink, especially for those who enjoy a bit of a buzz.
Overall, I wold say that Cass is one of the best beers in South Korea. It has a unique and memorable flavor, and it is slightly stronger than most of its competitors. If you are visiting South Korea, I definitely recommend giving Cass a try!
What Beers Do Koreans Drink?
There are a variety of beers that Koreans drink, depending on their preferences. Some of the most popular beers in Korea include Hite, OB, and Cass. These beers are all made with Korean ingredients and have a distinctly Korean flavor. Other popular beers in Korea include Kloud, Gangseo Mild Ale, ARK Pale Ale, and Imperial IPA.
Is Soju A Beer Or Wine?
Soju is a distilled beverage, meaning that it is made by distilling fermented grains or fruit. This process separates the alcohol from the water and other components of the original liquid. Soju is typically made from rice, though other grains such as barley are also used. Soju is sometimes compared to vodka, as it has a similar high alcohol content (usually around 20-40%) and can be consumed straight or mixed with other drinks. Soju is most popular in South Korea, where it is the most consumed alcoholic drink.
What Beer Do They Drink In Korea?
There are numerous types of beer popular in Korea, but the three most popular brands are Hite, Cass, and OB Lager.
Hite is a Korean beer that was first created in 1973. It is a light lager that is made with rice and malted barley. Cass is also a light lager that was first brewed in 1996. It is made with rice, malted barley, and corn. OB Lager is a pilsner-style beer that was first brewed in 1968. It is made with malt, hops, and yeast.