Oak barrel-aged soju experiences shortages amid growing demand

Hwayo XP

Oak barrel-aged soju, known for its whiskey-like taste and aroma, is currently experiencing a shortage in South Korea.

According to liquor industry sources on Sunday, Hwayo XP, an oak barrel-aged soju launched by KwangJuYo Group in 2011, has become so scarce that even the company headquarters is struggling to keep it in stock.

“The import of oak barrels has not been smooth for a while, preventing us from increasing production,” said a company official.

Data from the Korea Customs Service shows that the import volume of oak barrels increased to 500 tons annually in the early 2010s but plummeted to 100 tons per year between 2016 and 2019.

Given that Hwayo XP requires over five years of aging, production has been inherently limited. Despite its high price of 175,000 won ($127) for a 750ml bottle, Hwayo XP boasts a rich flavor rivaling premium whiskey, earning it a loyal following.

Smaller breweries are also facing similar shortages with their oak barrel-aged soju products.

Mahan Oak, produced by Smart Brewery, founded by former SK hynix Inc. President Oh Se-yong in 2019 in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, is particularly notable.

This soju, aged in domestic oak barrels, is classified as traditional liquor under Korean liquor laws and can be purchased online. However, the recent surge in popularity has led to stock depletion.

Other products, such as Poet’s Rock, an oak barrel-aged soju of Jinmaek Soju in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, are also seeing increased sales thanks to the growing interest in oak barrel-aged soju.