[Edaily Reporter Kim Ji-woo ] CU, a convenience store chain operated by BGF Retail(282330), is launching “Kisomak,” a ready-to-drink (RTD) product that blends premium distilled soju and craft beer. The strategy aims to strengthen the brand’s competitive edge in the alcoholic beverage market by reinterpreting the familiar soju-and-beer culture as a premium beverage product.

CU announced on the 2nd that it will launch “Kiso-Mac” on the 3rd, a product jointly developed by the premium distilled soju brand “KHEE” and the craft beer brand Saenghwal Beer.

Kiso-Mac is a ready-to-drink (RTD) product with a 500-milliliter capacity and an alcohol content of 6.0%. RTD refers to alcoholic beverages that can be consumed immediately in formats such as cans, cups, or bottles. Unlike traditional soju-and-beer mixes, which combine diluted soju with lager beer, Kiso-Mac is characterized by its blend of distilled soju and craft beer. The price is 5,400 won, and a pack of three cans is sold for 12,900 won.

According to the company, the product contains no artificial additives and features distilled soju made from 100% domestically grown fresh rice. Citrus-aroma hops from the U.S. are added to impart a tropical fruit aroma. The company explains that the unique rice and floral notes of Ki Soju, combined with the flavor profile of a pale ale, create a smooth finish.

Ki Soju is a premium distilled soju brand launched by Eva Chau, a Korean-American cultural figure. This product was developed to introduce “so-maek”—a representative Korean drinking culture—to consumers both in Korea and abroad. The domestic craft beer brand Saenghwal Maekju participated in the joint development.

CU plans to use Kiso-maek to spread Korea’s familiar soju-and-beer culture to consumers both domestically and abroad, while introducing a new “K-liquor” experience.

Kiso-Maek will be released on the 3rd and is priced at 5,400 won. A pack of three cans costs 12,900 won.

Hwang Cheol-joong, MD of the Beverage Team at BGF Retail, said, “As customer demand for differentiated products continues to grow, we plan to expand our collaborations with influential figures and brands across various fields,” adding, “We will continue to provide new consumer experiences through CU’s unique products and content.”