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Brewed for centuries in Belgium and trending in the past few years in North America, sours are relatively new in the Korean market. And thereâs no better place to start experimenting with your taste buds than at Sour Pongdang, the first bar in Asia to specialize in sours. Recommended by none other than Lee Inho, owner of Pyrus Taproom & Bistro, Sour Pongdang exudes a distinct personality in Seoulâs craft beer scene. Headed by BJCP- certified manager Jo Ye-lim, Sour Pongdang guides you through the infinite world of sour beer.Â
Serving as âcomfort foodâ of a sort for some and a new experience for others, the sour beer is not only diverse but also has a longer shelf life. While IPAâs with fragrant hops either lose their characters or change in a negative sense over a period of time, the sour beer can, in fact, develop a richer flavor and aroma over time.
Sour Pongdang currently offers 10 different kinds of drafts and over 80 bottles of imports. While the taps change quite regularly, the usual line-ups showcase both domestic and imported selections (such as Boon and Brooklyn Brewery). And while some beers are sold out within a week, the bar tries to order enough supply to last at least one to two monthsâso youâll be guaranteed a broader range of choices the more frequently you visit. One sour beer to check out is the âJeju Island Tangerine Gose,â which is created by exporting dried tangerines from Jeju to Oregonâs Upright Brewing, brewing such transnational, tangy batches...
In HBC, across from the Bonnyâs Pizza line-up, there is a little basement bar that welcomes a great mix of everybody for good chats and great music. Jack Ahn, the owner, and local celebrity Pounamu from New Zealand, have teamed up recently and set the stage for the welcoming atmosphere. âItâs a safe place that is about interacting with other people,â Jack says, as Pounamu adds: âItâs also about cheap therapy.â
The unusual thing about this bar is that the draft beers are only categorized, not named. When Jack opened in July of 2015, another neighborhood bar owner was slightly miffed that he was offering lower prices for the same beer. Wanting to be a good neighbor, this creative owner decided to keep his prices but not to show the brands of the beers. Customers, however, can always sample the beer to see if they like it before ordering, and Jack has come to enjoy the fact that people are not drinking for the brand but actually for the taste.
Cocktails and sandwiches are also on offer now. Jack makes his own homemade hibiscus ginger ale that he pairs with Jameson for a Hotel Juliette, and there is also the popular Bunker on Vacation, which is a mix of JĂ€ger, vodka, and pineapple juice. Another homemade specialty is the grilled cheese and pulled pork sandwiches â which, if I might say, are scrumptious both before and after a few Hotel Juliettes.
The food and drinks are sound, but the Bunker also really loves to support the arts. Musicians come in for jam sessions on...
There are some places you visit once and remember for a long time. The Pyrus Taproom & Bistro located in Itaewon is one of those places. A must-visit for a smooth introduction into the Seoul craft beer scene, the casual tap room is headed by Lee Inho, one of Seoul's innovative cerevisaphiles that have led the movement to promote craft beer diversity in a relatively homogenous market. This no-frills bar and restaurant celebrated its 3rd anniversary this May, a testament to the quality of the beer and food youâll find here.
One of the things that set Pyrus apart from competitors is its exclusive seasonal beers. In the spring, they offer âSpring Rain IPLâ, a lager with subtle notes of tropical fruits such as papaya, pineapple, mango and a hint of citrus. During the summer, the âOne More Pilsâ offers a refreshing take on the classic German pilsner by taking inspiration from the crisper pilsners made in Portland, Oregon. As the name suggests, one sip of this âAmericanized German pilsnerâ will easily have you calling out for just âone moreâ. If youâre not a fan of pilsner, thereâs always the âSunshine IPAâ for more of a fruity taste. In the fall (which seems so far away in this heat), the â(Rye) Brown Aleâ has a deep roasted-flavor from a combination of nuts and coffee. Finally, the âCacao Stoutâ is the perfect beer for the winter with its fragrant vanilla coffee bean notes. Aside from these seasonal varieties, you can also find many signature beers as well as imported tap and...
Tucked away on Usadan-ro 14gil, with wide windows reflecting all of the fun that is going on inside, the exterior of The Link Seoul is contrasted with that of the transgender bars nearby. Although it is now a quiet alley, where the bar is located is the area that used to belong to the âreal Itaewon.â As you open its large doors and walk inside, its comforting, loft apartment-like space welcomes you. It has got a nice terrace and a proper bar, where The Linkâs friendly owner and bartender greet you as if you are an old friend. With regularly held LGBTQ events and performances, The Link Seoul is indeed an LGBTQ-friendly bar. Yet, as its name suggests, this young bar constantly attempts to reinvent itself to become an even more inclusive hub of diverse cultures.
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Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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