South Korea’s Craftbros Whips Out Exotic Woods From Amburana To Mizunara & Rioja Wine Casks For Latest Kimchangsoo JEGI Collab & Galaxy Express 999 Edition

Following on from two of Craftbros' ongoing series, the pioneering South Korean craft beer brewer and whisky and gin distiller is readying a set of releases that kick it up a notch with both a second collaboration with fellow local distiller Kimchangsoo, along with also the use of some very interesting new casks, some of which have never been done before not just in South Korea, but likely across Asia!

First off, Craftbros is bringing back its friendship JEGI Collaboration project with Kimchangsoo, where the two South Korean distillers have worked together prior in the first edition of the JEGI series. This time, there will be two expressions from this Craftbros and Kimchangsoo collaboration, both of which showcasing a blend of South Korean single malt whisky from Kimchangsoo and cask aged IPA spirit from Craftbros.

JEGI Collaboration Series Craftbros x Kimchangsoo IPA Gimpo Kim

Single Malt Whisky & Distilled IPA Spirit Blend

Named after Gimpo city where both Craftbros and Kimchangsoo distilleries are located, with also the name "Kim" in reference to Kimchangsoo, the IPA Gimpo Kim is a blend of 4 Year Old South Korean single malt whisky from Kimchangsoo that has been aged in Spanish new oak casks, together with Bourbon cask aged distilled IPA spirit from Craftbros. The expression was blended and bottled by and at the Craftbros Brewery & Distillery.

"Spanish new oak casks allow the inherent character of the oak itself to come through directly. Characterized by vanilla, coconut, subtle spices, and a rich tannic quality, it adds structure to the whisky. Since the whisky’s weight comes to the forefront, we chose a name that captures both the place and the people. When IPA is distilled, much of the bitterness disappears, leaving only the hops’ characteristic citrus and tropical fruit aromas; however, as it matures in a Bourbon cask, a hint of vanilla is layered on top. With the weight created by Spanish new oak and the aroma of distilled IPA spirit layered on top, this combination might seem a bit unfamiliar at first, but after taking a sip, you’ll understand why it was named this way. It’s a spirit with a clear starting point: the whisky establishes its presence first, and the distilled IPA spirit blossoms on top of it."

The IPA Gimpo Kim is bottled at cask strength of 55.7% ABV, and is due for release on 9th June 2026, priced at 158,000 KRW (US$105).

JEGI Collaboration Series Craftbros x Kimchangsoo IPA Gimpo Po

Single Malt Whisky & Distilled IPA Spirit Blend

The second of the Craftbros x Kimchangsoo JEGI Collaboration Series is the IPA Gimpo Po, which is also a blend of 4 Year Old Kimchangsoo South Korean single malt aged in Rioja Red Wine casks from Spain along with Bourbon cask aged distilled IPA spirit from Craftbros. As this expression showcased a more pronounced IPA character, it was thus named IPA Gimpo Po. The expression was also blended and bottled by and at the Craftbros Brewery & Distillery. Whilst both JEGI releases share a similar format and blend of spirit types, they vary in the ratios use, as well as the type of whisky used for the blend.

“As these Rioja casks are infused with Tempranillo wine, the aroma of red fruits like cherries and blackberries has deeply permeated the spirit. The aroma is quite vibrant, and the taste features the characteristic acidity and tannins of Rioja, which come through attractively. Craftbros blended this whiskey - aged for over four years in Rioja red wine casks - with distilled IPA, a spirit distilled from the brewery & distillery’s previously released IPA which was then aged for over two and a half years in Bourbon casks.  Here ‘the distilled IPA spirit takes center stage, while the cherry notes and acidity from the Rioja casks quietly support it from the background. Just when you’re about to forget you’re drinking whisky, the cherry and acidity subtly emerge - it’s truly captivating. Although it started from the same point as Gimpo Kim, it has become a spirit with a completely different direction, just as its name suggests."

The IPA Gimpo Po is bottled at cask strength of 54.8% ABV, and is due for release on 9th June 2026, priced at 158,000 KRW (US$105).

Following on from the first two Galaxy Express 999 releases from Craftbros featuring World Malt whiskies, the series continues to bring back the nostalgia with its tribute to the cult favourite anime from the 1970's which follows a young boy, Hoshino Tetsuro, who travels through the galaxy aboard the Galaxy Express 999 train in search of the power to avenge his mother, which inadvertently results in Tetsuro finding the multi-faceted meanings of life! This time, we have two more Galaxy Express 999 world malt whiskies, each featuring a first-ever in Korea cask finish, showcasing the use of Amburana (which might just well be the first time it's used in Asia!) and the legendary Japanese Mizunara!

Craftbros Galaxy Express 999 Emeraldas

World Malt Whisky

For the Emeraldas release, Craftbros has used Amburana as a finishing cask for the world malt whisky - the first of its use in Korea, and possibly the first in Asia. Amburana is a tropical tree native to Brazil where it's known as Cerejeira, and has traditionally been used to age cachaca, Brazil's native spirit made with sugarcane. The wood eventually found popularity first with the craft beer community in the USA, before eventually taking off with Bourbon producers as well, where it has become an incredibly trendy ageing cask for its unique flavour profile and rarity, offering sweet and exotic spice notes of cinnamon, vanilla and coconut, with tannins softer compared to standard oak casks. Despite its massive popularity in the USA, the wood has not yet found its way to the Asian spirits scene.

The Craftbros Galaxy Express 999 Emeraldas World Malt Whisky is an unpeated whisky finished in Amburana cask, and is bottled at 49% ABV. It is due to be released on 4th June 2026, and is priced at 98,000 KRW (US$65.15).

Craftbros Galaxy Express 999 Captain Harlock

World Malt Whisky

For the Craftbros Galaxy Express 999 Captain Harlock expression, Craftbros has finally brought to Korea the famed Mizunara oak that Japanese whisky fans would be familiar with. Also known as the Water Oak due to its porousness which makes the wood particularly difficult to work with, Mizunara is highly prized for offering flavours of sandalwood and coconut, and can only be harvested from incredibly old Mizunara trees which are protected by the local government. Unlike typical oak trees, Mizunara trees do not grow vertically and tends to curve making it difficult to cooper, and can predominantly be found in the cold climate of Hokkaido, Japan. 

The Craftbros Galaxy Express 999 Captain Harlock World Malt Whisky is an unpeated whisky finished in Mizunara cask, and is bottled at 51% ABV. It is due to be released on 4th June 2026, and is priced at 98,000 KRW (US$65.15).

Those purchasing via South Korea's Daily Shot can also be eligible for a very special gift - their very own genuine Ariake Sangyo Mizunara stick! 20 winners will be selected by lottery from those who have bought the Craftbros Galaxy Express 999 Captain Harlock and had written a purchase review during the event period from 30th May to 3rd June 2026. Winners will get a Mizunara stick from the iconic Japanese cooper Ariake Sangyo, and are encourage to immerse the oak stick in the whisky to deepen its Mizunara flavour! *Check Craftbros' Instagram for details.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team