ANGMA Brewery and Distillery — a Korean-Los Angeles makgeolli-to-soju concept by David Faulk — has plans to soon open a City of Angels taproom following the success of its traditional soju, according to founder David Faulk.
Faulk launched ANGMA in 2021 with the goal of creating a traditional craft soju that was both authentic and local. The next year, his rice beer (makgeolli) took gold at the 2022 L.A. Spirit Awards and now serves as the base of his 2022 silver-winning soju. Faulk has made it his mission to perfect and establish the brand’s offerings, vowing to take gold once again in 2023 and eventually open a brick-and-mortar.
Per the company’s website, the minority and veteran-owned biz is based on a “no compromises” motto, utilizing California rice and producing its product in small, closely-watched batches.
According to 88 Bamboo, an Asian drink companion, the primary difference between makgeolli and soju is that the former is a fermented rice wine while the latter is further distilled and matured into a rice liquor. Makgeolli tends to come in at a lower ABV ranging from 5-8%, while soju — being distilled — tends to have a higher alcohol content of 12-20% ABV.
As for its name, “ANGMA translates to “demon” in Korean Buddhism. It’s the Spirit ‘pulling you off course…ANGMA is that feeling to break free, to do something different, to be true to nobody but yourself. Return to basics when it doesn’t need to be complicated and add complexity to the mundane.”
Currently, ANGMA is headquartered in Gardena (153 Rosecrans Avenue) and its soju and makgeolli are sold throughout stores and restaurants in LA, including Yangban — a Korean-American eatery in the Arts District.
