Hana Makgeolli MAQ8 Bubblocitea

Brooklyn, NY. 8% abv. Hana Makgeolli launched in 2020 as the first domestic producer of traditional Korean rice wine in the United States. Founded by Alice Jun and John Limb in Brooklyn, the operation is built on organic rice from a California family farm, traditional nuruk fermentation starter, and an honest commitment to no additives of any kind. Their MAQ8 line takes all of that foundation and packages it into single-serve cans, bringing Korean sool culture to new audiences without compromising on what makes it interesting. Bubblocitea is the most playful expression in the range: a collision of makgeolli and bubble tea that somehow makes complete sense. The naturally effervescent, lightly creamy character of rice wine turns out to be an ideal companion to the floral, tea-tinged sweetness of the concept. The result is light and bright, with a touch of tannin and a gentle fizz, landing somewhere between a grown-up sparkling drink and an afternoon treat you can't quite categorize. At 8% ABV it carries more weight than most canned beverages in this style, sitting closer to the jeongtongju tradition of stronger, more complex rice wines.