[Tonight's Convenient Drinks] From Ale to Lager, G-Dragon's Pick... GS25's 'Daisy Beer'

Collaboration Between Hitachino Nest Brewery and G-Dragon's Fashion Brand
Product Name and Design Inspired by G-Dragon's Signature Daisy Flower
First Release, Daisy Ale, Becomes a Million-Seller
Second in the Series, Daisy Lager, Launched for the Summer Season

Editor's Note
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed drinking culture. Instead of company dinners or group gatherings, trends like 'honsul' (drinking alone) and 'homesul' (drinking at home) have become widespread. With high inflation, having a drink at a bar has become a financial burden. Convenience stores have become symbolic spaces absorbing these shifts in alcohol culture. Thanks to their cost-effectiveness and accessibility, it is easy to enjoy a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, from soju and beer to whisky, wine, and traditional liquor. 'Tonight's Convenience Store Drink' introduces ways to enjoy solo or at-home drinking with satisfaction rivaling a specialty bar, based on recommendations from alcoholic beverage merchandisers (MDs) at convenience stores.

GS25 model is introducing the 'Daisy Beer' series, Daisy Ale and Daisy Lager, launched in collaboration with the prestigious Japanese brewery Hitachino Nest and G-Dragon's fashion brand PEACEMINUSONE. Provided by GS Retail

GS25, the convenience store chain operated by GS Retail, launched 'Daisy Ale' in December last year as the first installment of the Daisy Beer series, widely known as G-Dragon Beer. Created through a collaboration that combined the 200-year brewing tradition of the prestigious Japanese brewery Hitachino Nest with the design expertise of G-Dragon's fashion brand PEACEMINUSONE, this product reflects both craftsmanship and style. G-Dragon himself served as the advertising model, and both the product name and can design were inspired by the daisy flower, which symbolizes G-Dragon.

When opened, Daisy Ale releases the signature aroma of an ale. The addition of tropical fruit and orange notes creates a grassy scent that stimulates the senses. Upon tasting, it delivers a rich body with a lingering, pleasantly bitter finish.

GS25 Daisy Ale. Provided by GS Retail

An Jaeseong, alcoholic beverage merchandiser (MD) at GS Retail, explained, "The key to fully enjoying Daisy Ale is serving it at the optimal temperature to highlight its aroma and flavor." He recommends drinking it at 4 to 8 degrees Celsius, the range where Daisy Ale's characteristics shine best. At home, you can achieve this by removing the chilled can from the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before drinking.

To better appreciate the aroma and flavor of the ale, it is recommended to pour Daisy Ale into a wide-mouthed glass. For food pairings, fried or oily dishes, such as tempura, work particularly well. An MD commented, "Enjoying Daisy Ale with these foods allows its refreshing aroma and balanced carbonation to enhance the flavors of the dish while cutting through any greasiness."

Since its launch, over 1 million cans of this product have been sold, boosting overall sales of GS25's ale beers by nearly 30 percent. To build on the success of Daisy Beer, GS25 introduced the second installment in the series, 'Daisy Lager,' on May 21, targeting the summer season. Lager beers, known for their crispness and carbonation, account for 85 percent of summer demand.

The ideal temperature to maximize the flavor of Daisy Lager is lower than that of ale, at 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. Storing it in the refrigerator's coldest compartment or a kimchi fridge and drinking it ice-cold brings out an even more refined crispness. Pouring it into a Pilsner glass, which narrows or elongates toward the rim, helps maintain the carbonation and keeps the foamy head longer, adding to the sharp, refreshing taste. An MD also recommended, "For an even better experience, try chilling the glass in the freezer about 10 minutes before opening the can."

Recommended pairings with Daisy Lager include spicy dishes such as tteokbokki or buldak, as well as meats like pork belly or yukjeon (Korean-style battered beef). The refreshing qualities of the lager complement and balance the heat and richness of these foods.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.