North Korea invents hangover-free alcohol

(Photo from Flickr/Lindsey Gira)

MOSCOW – The Taedonggang Foodstuff Factory in North Korea has invented an alcoholic drink that promises not to inflict a hangover on anyone who drinks it, the Pyongyang Times reported.

In what may be a boon for barflies the world over, North Korea’s Taedonggang Foodstuff Factory has managed to come up with the holy grail of alcoholic drinks – an inebriating beverage derived from ginseng and rice than promises not to give the user a hangover.

“As part of efforts to drastically improve the quality of products in the food industry sector, the Taedonggang Foodstuff Factory has unveiled Koryo Liquor,” the Pyongyang Times reported.

“The main ingredients of this alcoholic drink are indigenous Kaesong Koryo insam (ginseng) and glutinous (sweet) rice cultivated by an organic farming method in the country.”

Ginseng for the drink is cultivated in the region of Kaesong, which was the capital of the Koryo dynasty, explained the Pyongyang Times. The dynasty ruled the Korean peninsula from 935 to 1392, and the name ‘Korea’ is derived from its name.

The Kaesong region is ideal for growing ginseng because it has country’s most favorable natural and geographical conditions, said the newspaper.

“That is why Kaesong Koryo insam is ranked top among the best tonics peculiar to Korea.”

“Koryo Liquor, which is made of six-year-old Kaesong Koryo insam, known as being highest in medicinal effect, and the scorched rice, is highly appreciated by experts and lovers as it is suave and causes no hangover.”

The drink has an alcohol content of 30 of 40 percent, and has already taken first place at North Korea’s fifth national liquor exhibition. It was also awarded the December 15 Medal of Quality which is given to the best products in the country, revealed the Pyongyang Times.