Ki One unveils ‘world’s first’ red pepper cask whisky
South Korean Ki One Whisky Distillery, also known as Three Societies Distillery, has released a limited edition single malt aged for three years in red chilli pepper-infused casks.
The limited edition was unveiled in a press conference on 16 December in Seoul.
Created in collaboration with Kentucky-based whisky writer and chef Edward Lee, the South Korean single malt is said to capture the heat of hong-gochu red chilli peppers.
Speaking at the press event, Lee commented to The Korea Times: “Whisky is quite limited in terms of the ingredients you can use. Whether it’s Bourbon or single malt, you can’t just use any ingredient.
“Korean cuisine is becoming increasingly popular in America, and pairing it with this whisky makes perfect sense. When you pair spicy foods with traditional whisky, the spice can overpower the whisky, making it hard to truly enjoy. However, with a spicy whisky, you can appreciate both the drink and Korean dishes, many of which are spicy.”
The peppers were sourced from Jayang Traditional Market in Seoul’s Gwangjin District by Andrew Shand, Ki One’s master distiller and blender.
The three-year-old whisky was matured exclusively in barrels infused with red peppers. To achieve this, seven first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels were filled with chopped red peppers and hot water. After months of soaking, the casks were emptied and refilled with the distillery’s unpeated new make spirit for three years.
Bottled at 56.9% ABV, the whisky displays aromas of red chilli, vanilla, and ripe fruits on the nose, followed on the palate by ‘an explosive bang’ of chilli spice.
According to the distillery, the ‘world’s first’ red pepper cask-aged whisky can be enjoyed with rich, savoury Korean dishes to elevate the flavours, as well as used as a base for innovative cocktails.
Ki One Red Pepper Cask x Chef Edward Lee Edition is limited to 1,500 bottles, of which 200 are destined for the US.
The whisky debuted in South Korea on GS Retail’s Wine25 Plus online platform, priced at 198,000 won (US$134) for a 700ml bottle.
Bryan Do established the Three Societies Distillery in Namyangju in 2020.
The distillery released its first flagship single malt in 2023. It made its UK debut at The Whisky Exchange in August 2024.
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