North Korea ‘invents​ ​hangover-free​ alcohol’

North Korean scientists claim to have invented the “world’s first” hangover-free alcohol, seen by imbibers as “suave”.

Scientists in North Korea claim to have invented the “world’s first” hangover-free alcohol

An article in the state-controlled Pyongyang Times, entitled ‘liquor wins quality medal for preserving national smack’, claims scientists have replaced the sugar in the ginseng-based drink with “scorched, glutinous rice” that eliminates both bitterness and hangovers.

Called Koryo Liquor, the drink is made at the state-run Taedonggang Foodstuff Factory, which has reportedly been testing different formulas over the last few years.

Ginseng is commonly used in both North and South Korea on the basis of being a medicine. In the past, the country’s media has claimed medical products containing extracts from the plant could cure Mers, Sars and even Aids.

The article reads: “Koryo Liquor, which is made of six-year-old Kaesong Koryo insam [ginseng], known as being highest in medicinal effect, and the scorched rice, is highly appreciated by experts and lovers as it is suave and causes no hangover.”

The “hangover-free” claims were quickly disputed by experts, including Andray Abrahamian, director of research from Choson Exchange, which supports North Korean entrepreneurs through business, economics and legal knowledge-sharing

Abrahamian told NK News: “There are some high quality liquors made in North Korea, though in my experience there is no such thing as hangover-free booze anywhere in the world.”

“I haven’t tried that brand I think, though I have had some other Insam liquors. They’re ok – I associate ginseng with its medicinal properties, though, so am not that keen on it as a tasty treat.”