By a Whiskey-Loving Explorer with a Passport and a Curious Palate
The 2025 Seoul International Wine & Spirits Expo (SIWSE) once again delivered a dazzling showcase of flavors, culture, and craft from across the globe. Held at the ever-bustling Starfield COEX Exhibition Center, this annual event is a mecca for both seasoned connoisseurs and curious tasters eager to sip something new.
As a U.S.-based whiskey enthusiast (and self-proclaimed flavor adventurer), I make it a point to attend this Expo whenever Iâm in town. It’s not just about the drinksâthough, letâs be honest, the drinks are fantasticâit’s about discovering brands you can’t find at your local shop, and connecting with fellow lovers of spirits from Korea and beyond.
The Layout: A Delicious Maze
This yearâs venue was as sprawling and tempting as ever. With international vendors pouring out samples of wine, whiskey, sake, and everything in between, the Expo had all the buzz of a bustling street marketâwith a far higher ABV. My only gripe? The whiskey booths werenât grouped together, which meant I had to trek across the hall, often distracted by stunning displays and delicious side stops. (Spoiler: I did not resist them all.)
Coolhappytash drinking a sample of Arizwellâs The Rhythm Hangover Drink
Letâs Talk Whiskey
Now, Iâm not a whiskey sommelier, nor do I pretend to be. Iâm just someone who appreciates a well-crafted bottle and the stories behind each label. Normally, I reach for Crown Royal Vanilla or Buchananâs Deluxeâeither on the rocks or in a highball with ginger ale. But the Expo gave me a chance to explore beyond the familiar. And friends, let me tell youâit was worth every step (and every sip).
Here are my standout discoveries:
đĽ The Busker (Ireland) â Smooth, Easy, and Friendly
This was a great intro for anyone new to whiskey. The Buskerâs range was approachable, with subtle flavors that didnât overpower. Each pour was smooth on its own, yet versatile enough to mix if needed. It’s a solid Irish whiskey with just enough depth to keep things interestingâbut never intimidating.
Vibe: Laid-back starter whiskey
Price: Very affordable
Great for: New drinkers or casual gatherings
đ thebusker.com
đĽ Bankhall (UK) â Smooth Sophistication with a Fresh Twist
Bankhall made an impression with its single malt aged in bourbon casksâfirst served to me as a highball (1-2-2 ratio), then neat. Smooth, confident, and surprisingly balanced for such a young brand (launched in 2023), it immediately reminded me of my big brotherâcool, composed, and just the right amount of bold.
Vibe: Confident and charming
Price: Reasonable for the quality
Great for: Gifting or sipping with someone you respect
đ bankhallwhisky.com
đĽ Goldcock Peated (Czech Republic) â For the Refined and Ready
Yes, the name caught my eye. But the taste kept me intrigued. The Goldcock Peated, with an ABV of 45%, delivered smoky, robust flavors meant to be savored solo. I did get to sniff the elusive Goldcock 20âa limited release aged 20 years with only 100 bottles in Korea. A dream for another day. Until then, the Peated is my mature, earthy go-to.
Vibe: Grown-up, no-nonsense richness
Price: Peated: mid-range / 20-Year: luxury splurge
Great for: Whiskey purists and smoke lovers
đ goldcock.cz
đĽ Fly Supreme (Scotland) â Sleek Bottle, Bold Soul
Donât let the modern bottle fool youâthis Blended Scotch delivers old-school complexity. I picked up warm notes of chocolatey toffee, while my friend raved about a spicier citrus finish. The rebranding clearly worked; we saw plenty of younger adults queuing up for a taste.
Vibe: Stylish outside, deep inside
Price: Budget-friendly
Great for: Curious newcomers looking for a mature taste
đ (Available online)
đĽ Natterjack (Ireland) â Bold, Spirited, and Cola-Worthy
Bold without being too sweet, Natterjack was a surprise for me. While it doesnât have the vanilla or caramel notes I typically gravitate toward, I still appreciated its warmth. Iâd mix it with cola, but itâs worthy of sipping too.
Vibe: Bold and energetic
Price: Super affordable
Great for: Whiskey with a cola twist
đ natterjack.com
(Pro tip: Donât pack it in your carry-on⌠RIP to my bottle that didnât make it past security.)
Honorable Mentions (aka The âNot Whiskey, But Wowâ Club)
đ¤ Shankyâs Whip â A thick Irish whiskey liqueur with rich, creamy notes. Over vanilla ice cream? Game changer.
đ shankyswhip.com
đś Kuroobi Yuyu Sake â Clean, crisp, and almost refreshing. Iâm still thinking about it.
đ fukumitsuya.co.jp
đ Magpie Pear Wine (South Korea) â Made from 40% native mountain pears. Light, elegant, and undeniably Korean. A perfect tribute to local craftsmanship.
Final Sip: Why You Should Go Next Year
The SIWSE is far more than a booze bazaar. Itâs a cultural tasting menu, an international mixer, and a celebration of craftsmanship all in one. Whether you’re a whiskey loyalist, a wine wanderer, or just curious about what the world is drinkingâthis Expo deserves a spot on your calendar.
Until next yearâcheers to bold flavors, curious spirits, and stories shared over a glass. đĽ
Additional highlights https://photos.app.goo.gl/rSpRQNWk5kYjyrAw5
—- CoolHappyTash
#2025SeoulInternationalWineandSpiritsExpo #SIWSE #Korea #kcrush #wine #whisky #spirits #kculture #glassofwine #TheBusker #Irland #BankhallfromUK #Bankhall #GoldcockPeatedCzechRepublic #CzechRepublic #FlySupreme #Scotland #NetterJackIrland #NatterJack #ShankysWhipIrishwhiskey #KuroobiYuYuSakeJapan #MagpiePearWine #KoreanMagpiePearWine #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #wineandspiritscoverage #koreaexpomediacoverage
User Review
( votes)Related Articles
5 Kdramas to Watch this August 2025
Looking for the perfect k-dramas to binge on this August? Whether you are craving heart-fluttering moments, rime-travel, riveting fantasy, or a unique twist of royalty, these 5 k-dramas will keep you hooked. 1. My Lovely Journey Launching in... Read More
2025 Plus-Size Korean Fashion Trends
The rise of plus-size fashion in Korea isnât just a fashion momentâitâs a cultural shift. While thereâs still progress to be made in representation, 2025 shows potential for significant visibility to curvier bodies in a society long... Read More
The Rose ‘Once Upon a WRLD’ Tour Toronto, 2025 Performance by Carolyn Hinds
The lights go down. The auditorium hushes with a palpable low hum of anticipation. As the sound of âě¨ Breathââthe opening instrumental track on WRLD, the latest album from South Korean indie rock band The Rose begins to playâ plays through... Read More
âDoctor Xâ – Japanâs Longest-Running Medical Drama
âDoctor Xâ – Japanâs Longest-Running Medical Drama In the world of Japanese dramas, few series have carved a legacy as bold and enduring as âDoctorâXâ. Since its debut in 2012, this medical drama has captivated viewers with its... Read More
K-Pop Demon Hunters: Netflixâs Animated K-Fantasy Storming Global Charts
Netflixâs K-Pop Demon Hunters, released June 20, 2025, is topping streaming charts and music playlists worldwide. Mashing K-pop spectacle with supernatural fantasy, this animated phenomenon claims the #1 spot in over 40 countries and has fans... Read More
2008 – 2012 Top 10 Girl K-pop Groups
Between 2008 and 2012, K-pop saw the rise of powerful girl groups that not only topped domestic charts but also helped fuel the global Hallyu wave. Here are the top 10 K-pop powerhouse girl groups from that golden era who skyrocketed K-popâs... Read More
BTSâs SUGA â Completes Military Service & a Letter to ARMY
On June 21, 2025, BTSâs SUGA officially concluded his military service after serving as a social service agent due to a prior shoulder injury. Although his final working day was June 18, his formal discharge occurred on June 21 following accrued... Read More
BTS: To Make a FullâGroup Comeback in 2026!
K-popâs global titan BTS is officially aiming for a fullâgroup comeback in March 2026. According to insiders, BTS is rumored to make a group comeback in 2026. The follows the final member, Suga, scheduled to complete his mandatory military... Read More
BTS Post-Military Comeback: What 2025 Could Look Like?
BTSâs return in 2025 isnât just about music – itâs a cultural moment set to reshape the global pop scene once again. As the countdown begins for BTSâs long-awaited full group comeback in 2025, ARMYs are buzzing with excitement. After a... Read More
Leave a Reply