Whisky Sales Brisk

Perhaps one barometer that accurately reflects the end of the recession and the period of the International Monetary Fund(IMF) bailout in Korea is that relatively expensive spirits such as whisky are now selling well.
Whisky consumption has increased 29 percent this year compared to the same period last year, selling 5.13 million bottles(750 ml per bottle) thus far.
Korea's national alcohol, Soju, meanwhile sold 600 million bottles(360 ml per bottle) this year, which is 2 percent up from that of 1998.
Nevertheless, beer consumption has fallen 6.1 percent with only 600 million bottles(500 ml per bottle) sold this year.
The popularity of whisky is equally due to the lifting of bans on the hours of operations of bars and taverns which went into effect this March.
A source from Oriental Brewery - makers of beer, soju, and whisky - said on April 18, 'Expensive whisky is popular with the general public, and as summer approaches, which is the best time for beer and alcohol sales, it will continue to skyrocket.'
Hwashik Bong : trojans@joongang.co.kr