Taedonggang

Infobox Korean name
context=north


caption=A bottle of Taedonggang beer as sold at a pub in Itaewon, South Korea.
hangul=대동강맥주
hanja=大同江麥酒
mr=Taedonggang maekchu
rr=Daedonggang maekju

Taedonggang is a brand of North Korean beer brewed by the state-owned Taedonggang Brewing Company based in Pyongyang. Technically, it is actually 4 brands [ [http://www.ratebeer.com/brewers/taedonggang-beer-brewery/4439/ Taedonggang Brewery] Ratebeer] , though the brand known simply as "Taedonggang Beer" is that described below. In 2000, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il purchased all of the dismantled formerly British-based and now-defunct Ushers Beer Brewery [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1009685.stm North Korea Buys English Brewery] BBC News November 6 2000] plant and all the necessary brewing equipment and components. The brewery uses German-made computerized brewing control technology and official production of beer started in 2002. With an alcohol content of 5% and a taste significantly more bitter than most Asian beers, indeed resembling a British ale, Taedonggang beer is targeted primarily at domestic consumers, but in 2005 limited export began to South Korea, where it is imported by "Vintage Korea", a company based in Dogok, Gangnam, Seoul. In mid-2007, however, availability of Taedonggang beer in South Korea began to lessen and it is widely believed now that it is no longer being imported into the country, after the brewery increased the price 70% without warning.

Taedonggang beer is named after the Taedong River, which runs through the center of Pyongyang.

ee also

*Korean beer
*Korean cuisine

References

External links

* [http://www.ratebeer.com/brewers/taedonggang-beer-brewery/4439/ Ratebeer: Taedonggang Brewery]
* [http://www1.korea-np.co.jp/pk/182nd_issue/2002072702.htm Pyongyang Report: Would you like a Taedonggang Beer?]
* [http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/DG30Dg01.html "Pyongyang Watch: Beer Leader" Asia Times article]