CJ CheilJedang's premium distilled spirit brand 'Jari' has proven its product competitiveness by winning multiple awards at prestigious global spirits competitions ahead of its entry into the U.S. market this fall.
On September 8, CJ CheilJedang announced that all three of its entries—'Jari Munbaeju 24', 'Jari Munbaeju 41', and 'Jari Gamuchi 24'—received awards at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) and the 2026 International Spirits Challenge (ISC).
At the IWSC, 'Jari Munbaeju 24' and 'Jari Munbaeju 41' each won silver medals, while 'Jari Gamuchi 24' took home a bronze. 'Jari Munbaeju 41' scored 94 points, and 'Jari Munbaeju 24' received 91 points, with judges praising their fruity aromas, smooth textures, and balanced flavors.
In the ISC, 'Jari Munbaeju 24' was awarded a gold medal, while 'Jari Munbaeju 41' and 'Jari Gamuchi 24' each received silver medals. The ISC is recognized as one of the top three global spirits competitions, alongside the IWSC and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), where spirits are evaluated by a panel of expert judges through blind tastings based on quality, flavor, and craftsmanship.
'Jari' is a premium distilled soju brand made from original extracts produced at traditional Korean liquor breweries. In July, CJ CheilJedang launched 'Jari Munbaeju 24' and 'Jari Gamuchi 24' in South Korea in collaboration with Munbaeju Brewery and Danong Bio.
CJ CheilJedang plans to introduce 'Jari' to the U.S. market this fall, aiming to promote the brand as a distilled spirit that can be enjoyed alongside K-food, thereby expanding opportunities for consumers to experience Korean cuisine and beverages together.
A representative from CJ CheilJedang stated, "It is meaningful to have 'Jari' recognized for its quality at global spirits competitions. We will continue to collaborate with domestic breweries to promote the appeal of K-spirits and expand opportunities for global consumers to experience the diversity of Korean food culture."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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