Hello, Toronto! When you think of Korean alcohol, do you only picture those ubiquitous green soju bottles you knock back with Korean BBQ? If so, get ready to be pleasantly surprised by the trend we're introducing today. As Toronto's food and beverage scene evolves, premium traditional Korean liquors are receiving immense love. We're talking about everything from carefully brewed craft makgeolli to artisanal distilled soju. Today, let's embark on a sensory exploration of three captivating local bars right in the heart of Toronto where you can fully immerse yourself in the charm of premium Korean liquors.

Gyopo Brewery: Fresh Craft Makgeolli in Little Portugal

The moment you step into Gyopo Brewery on Dundas West, it feels like you've been transported to a hip pocha (street food tent) in Seoul, infused with a trendy Toronto vibe. The smoky, mouth-watering aroma of LA galbi grilling over charcoal in the open kitchen fills the air. However, the real star of the show here is deliciously fermenting away in their basement brewery.

Gyopo Brewery is Toronto's first-ever craft makgeolli brewery. Founded by brothers Hansang and Juwon Lee, alongside head brewer Dohyun Kim, this space—as its name ('Gyopo,' meaning Korean diaspora) suggests—deeply reflects the identity of Koreans living abroad. When I chatted with the team at the shop, I could truly feel their passion for reconnecting with their roots and sharing Korean culture more broadly. They brew their creamy, sweet-and-sour, magical makgeolli right on site!

• Vibe: Watch as the bartender pulls milky, sparkling makgeolli right from a draft tap. The moment the makgeolli, served in a cold metal bowl, touches your lips, it delivers a clean, refreshing finish that perfectly cuts through the deep umami of traditional jang (fermented paste) based dishes.
• Pro Tip: Be sure to order the 'Superdry' draft makgeolli. It goes down as crisply as a craft beer while retaining the subtle sweetness characteristic of traditional rice wine.
• Contact: 1456 Dundas St. W. | Website: gyopobrewery.com | Instagram: @gyopo_brewery_

Comma: An Elegant Drink on Queen West

When you want to catch your breath from the busy city life, head over to 'Comma' on Queen West. Just like its namesake punctuation mark (,), this modern Korean cocktail bar is thoughtfully designed to be a beautiful resting spot in your day. Under soft lighting, the sophisticated interior is filled with the cheerful clinking of glasses and the warm hum of friendly conversations.

Comma is a place that elevates Korean liquor into an art form. Alongside premium distilled soju, they showcase rich, artisanal craft makgeolli in collaboration with local Toronto brands like 'Wondermak.' However, what truly captivated my palate and my heart was their creative mixology.

• Vibe: Imagine the 'Comma Martini'—an unconventional yet perfectly balanced concoction of gin, green chili gin, and dry vermouth, finished with a drop of kimchi brine. It’s savory, subtly spicy, and visually stunning. Pair it with their juicy galbi sliders, and your taste buds will feel truly pampered.
• Pro Tip: Grab a seat at the bar. The knowledgeable bartenders will gladly recommend premium soju and cocktail pairings.
• Contact: 490 Queen St. W. | Website: commatoronto.com | Phone: (416) 350-5556 | Instagram: @comma.toronto

Seoul Shakers: A Hip and Cozy Neon-Lit Hideaway on Bloor West

The grand finale of our traditional liquor tour is 'Seoul Shakers,' located on Bloor Street West near Lansdowne Station. The moment you open the door behind its unassuming, signless exterior, a space of unexpected charm unfolds, blending soft neon lighting with a vintage Asian diner aesthetic. Thanks to its trendy yet comfortable, hideaway-like atmosphere, it's always bustling with local foodies.

This spot is famous for its bold, stereotype-breaking Korean fusion tapas menu and a sensational liquor selection that perfectly complements it. In particular, they offer creative cocktails and premium liquors based on makgeolli, which brings out the subtle flavor of rice, allowing you to intuitively experience Toronto's evolving Korean bar culture.

• Vibe: Sit at the dimly lit bar with atmospheric music playing in the background, and order a refreshing yuzu or strawberry makgeolli cocktail. When paired with their signature crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside fried fish cakes, or their fusion dishes featuring sweet and spicy sauces, the intense harmony of flavors delivers a delightful shock to the palate.
• Pro Tip: Since they operate strictly on a walk-in basis with no reservations, we recommend arriving right at their 5 PM opening time or visiting late at night for a second round. As the night deepens, its uniquely hip, late-night diner vibe becomes even more pronounced.
• Contact: 1241 Bloor St. W. | Website: seoul-shakers.goto-restaurants.com | Phone: (416) 535-8606 | Instagram: @seoulshakers.1241

Premium traditional liquors are moving beyond a simple trend to become a new mainstream staple in Toronto's dining scene. In these captivating spaces that offer a fresh twist on the taste of home, why not discover a special glass perfectly suited to your palate this weekend?