Korean chili peppers meet single malt whisky in a bold collaboration redefining K-Whisky on the global stage
Korea’s first-ever single malt whisky brand Ki One has introduced a daring new limited edition—this time infused with Korean red chili peppers—in collaboration with celebrity chef Edward Lee, known globally for his Korean ingredient–driven cuisine.
The new release, Ki One Red Pepper Cask, was officially unveiled on January 16 at the Side Note Club inside RYSE Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul.
A Whisky Designed to Pair with Korean Food
The Red Pepper Cask is the first collaborative project between Ki One and Chef Edward Lee, who has been appointed as the brand’s official ambassador.
Chef Lee rose to international attention through Netflix’s hit culinary survival show Culinary Class Wars (Heukbaek Yori-sa), where his creative use of Korean ingredients stood out. He is also the author of Bourbon Land, a critically acclaimed book on American whiskey culture.
Ki One stated that Lee’s culinary expertise and storytelling ability perfectly align with the brand’s philosophy of creating a distinctly Korean whisky—one rooted in flavor, identity, and narrative.
Inside the Red Pepper Cask Innovation
Ki One Red Pepper Cask is crafted using an experimental and globally rare maturation technique.
The whisky undergoes secondary aging in oak casks seasoned with Korean red chili peppers and hot water, allowing the spirit to absorb layered flavors over an extended period. Through this slow, double-maturation process, Ki One aimed to harmonize:
- The subtle heat and aroma of Korean red peppers
- Natural vanilla notes from oak
- Fruity undertones from the original whisky spirit
The result is a whisky designed not just for sipping, but for pairing with spicy Korean cuisine.
“A Whisky That Truly Matches Korean Food”
Chef Edward Lee shared his thoughts on the collaboration:
“As Korea’s first—and only—single malt whisky, Ki One immediately sparked my curiosity. I truly believe Ki One will continue to create a uniquely Korean style of whisky. What makes this release special is how well it pairs with spicy Korean food. It’s a whisky made for pairing.”
Limited Release with Global Ambitions
Only 1,500 bottles of Ki One Red Pepper Cask will be produced. Of these, approximately 200 bottles will be exported to the United States, signaling Ki One’s ambition to introduce K-Whisky to global consumers.
Bryan Do, CEO of Ki One, commented:
“We want to challenge the U.S. market with a whisky that embodies Korean flavors. There is a strong Korean community in the U.S., and global interest in K-food continues to grow.”
Exclusive Sales Channel
The limited-edition whisky will be sold exclusively through GS Retail’s smart liquor ordering platform, Wine25+, further enhancing its rarity and collectability.
K-Whisky Meets K-Food Culture
With this bold red pepper–infused release, Ki One positions itself at the intersection of K-food, craftsmanship, and global whisky culture—proving that Korean flavors can transcend the plate and redefine the glass.
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KOREA FBI Editor’s Comment
K-food is no longer just influencing global menus—it’s reshaping global spirits. Ki One’s Red Pepper Cask proves that Korean flavors can redefine even the most traditional categories, one bold sip at a time.
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