This study evaluated the degree of harmony of food pairing with Korean traditional liquors according to the taste and flavor. In-depth interviews were performed with eight experts from May 7 to 17, 2016, to screen Korean traditional liquor and food. For traditional liquor, Sanseong-makgeolli, Hansansogokju, Damsol, Gamhongro, and Andong Soju were chosen. For foods, pan-fried beef, squid with vinegar dressing, clam soup, honey-filled rice cake, prune, grilled mushroom, Swiss cheese, pistachio, honey, and chocolate cake were chosen. Harmonization of the analytical results Sanseong-makgeolli, between honey and Pan-fried Beef achieved the most harmonious results. Hansansogokju with honey and prune were harmonious. Damsol and Gamhongro, which are distilled liquor and containing added ingredients, were perfect matched with chocolate cake and squid with vinegar dressing. In the degree of harmony between Andong Soju and food, it was confirmed that squid vinegar and Swiss cheese were the most harmonious. Through the results of this study, it was found that the degree of harmony with food was different depending on the characteristics of alcoholic beverages. In addition, it is believed that not only taste and flavor, but also the alcohol content of alcoholic beverages will play an important role in the harmony with food.

The purpose of this research was to appraise physicochemical properties by utilizing different Mit-sool, Juk, Seolgi-tteok, and Godubap, to produce traditional liquor. In all experimental plots, pH and amino acidity tended to increase with duration of fermentation. Titratable acidity displayed a very high number on the second day but then tended to decrease as fermentation progressed. Sugar contents were highest on the fourth day and tended to decrease with time. Alcohol content increased sharply at the initial stage of fermentation and increased gradually. On the 15th day, traditional liquor made with Godubap recorded the highest alcohol content. Common free sugar components were glucose and sorbitol. Common free organic acid components were lactic, succinic, citric, tartaric, malic, and acetic acids. Volatile flavor compounds were six alcohols, five esters, three aldehydes, and two ketones. Regarding overall acceptability in the sensory evaluation, traditional liquor using Seolgi-tteok as Mit-sool scored the highest. Overall, even though different types of Mit-sool had different physicochemical properties, there were no significant differences in volatile flavor compounds or sensory evaluation scores.

The quality characteristics of Hwanggeumju (a type of traditional Korean rice wine), which has been described in an ancient document (Sangayorok), were investigated. During its fermentation, its pH gradually decreased from 4.23 to 3.96); and after four days of fermentation, its sugar content significantly decreased. After seven days, its alcohol content rapidly increased to 15.8 percent. Its major organic acid is lactic acid, but malic, succinic, citric and acetic acid were also detected in it. The free amino acid analysis showed relatively high alanine, arginine, asparagine, glutamic acid and leucine contents. The sensory evaluation resulted in high scores for color, turbidity and taste.