Wadiz, 'Premium Traditional Spirits' Gaining Popularity… Secrets to Real-Time Ranking #1 Are 'Stories'

Wadiz, ‘Premium Traditional Spirits’ Gaining Popularity… Secrets to Real-Time Ranking #1 Are ‘Stories’

- This Year's Alcoholic Beverage Industry's 'Whisky' Craze Met with ‘Traditional Spirits’ Popular on Funding Platform... Real-Time Ranking #1 ‘Drawing Attention’

- ‘Naebyeonsan Distillery’'s 1-Year Aged Premium Spirits 'Baekje Soju 2022 Vintage' Achieved Funding Goal of 40 Million Won

- August 12-13, Traditional Spirit Tasting and Sales Event Planned at Wadiz Space

Amid the endemic summer peak season, premium traditional spirits are gaining popularity, particularly among younger generations seeking special 'solitary drinking' or 'home drinking' experiences.

Wadiz, a lifestyle design funding platform, announced on the 9th that traditional spirits, including premium spirits from ‘Naebyeonsan Distillery’ with 40 years of tradition, have been gaining significant popularity recently.

Operating the distillery for the second generation in Buan, Jeollabuk-do, ‘Naebyeonsan Distillery’ introduced ‘Baekje Soju 2022 vintage’, a 1-year-aged premium spirit, on Wadiz in May, receiving funding of approximately 40 million won from about 740 supporters. During the funding period, the maker drew attention by achieving real-time ranking #1 on Wadiz and receiving a full 5-star satisfaction rating after delivery. On the 8th, the maker released an encore funding with limited quantity and proved its popularity by attracting about 750 signups for ‘open notification requests’, a pre-launch popularity indicator.

Additionally, ‘Boksoondoga’, known as a premium makgeolli producer, and ‘Dancing Cider’, which creates spirits from Chungju apples, are representative traditional spirit makers who raised brand awareness through Wadiz funding. Boksoondoga drew attention by introducing authentic makgeolli and experience projects such as 'Making makgeolli in a traditional Korean house' on Wadiz, as well as new attempts like ‘Gwahaju’, a traditional Korean wine. Dancing Cider formed a brand fanbase by showcasing ciders made from regional agricultural products including Chungju apples, strawberries, melons, pears, and yuzu.

What these makers have in common is that they operate distilleries based in specific regions. Recently, as a culture of appreciating spirits through aroma and taste has spread among young people, the premium traditional spirit market that harmonizes well with Korean food culture is emerging as a new trend in the alcoholic beverage industry.

The reason premium traditional spirit makers are turning to funding platforms is that they can effectively communicate authentic brand philosophies and manufacturing stories. This is based on the judgment that Wadiz can differentiate itself as an alternative distribution channel for traditional brewers.

In an interview with Wadiz, Jung Kyung-rok, representative of Naebyeonsan Distillery, stated “I wanted to change the perception that traditional spirits, represented by makgeolli, are unconditionally 'cheap alcohol', and I thought Wadiz was the place to tell the story of 'Baekje Soju' which takes 13 months just to complete”, and added “I'm grateful for the great love from Wadiz supporters who are unafraid of new experiences and have high purchasing power”.

Meanwhile, Wadiz will hold a traditional spirit tasting session and sales event at ‘Wadiz Space’, a funding experience shop located in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, for two days starting from the 12th this weekend. You can directly taste premium traditional spirits including △‘Gamucci Soju’ made from Chungju hapsal rice △‘Nyangi Makgeolli White’ brewed three times with Kawaji rice △‘Nokgo's Tears’, an Inulin-fermented spirit from Jeju Island △‘Onaylik Universe Spirit’, a traditional spirit made from Yesan apples, and more. The tasting session operating hours are from 2 PM to 8 PM.