With the increasing popularity of soju both in Korea and elsewhere, producers have launched lots of different soju flavors to capture more of the expanding flavored soju market. Samhae soju, on the other hand, has hints of nuttiness and salinity. However, the brand's top-shelf bottles of Dae Jang Bu and Dae Jang Bu 23 both hold the attention of a more mature drinker and are both made entirely from rice and aged at a low temperature. Distilled entirely from rice grain, Jinro's Chamisul or "dew" remains the brand's flagship bottle, followed by Chamisul Fresh, which includes bamboo in its distillate process for a cleaner mouthfeel. Worth tracking down a bottle at a high-end or specialty liquor store, Sulseam pleases everyone from the casual soju drinker to the guest who veers toward the top-shelf option. One soju is equivAlent to about two beers. 375 ml. A bottle we reach for because of it's uniqueness to both the market and our bar cart, West 32 is a far cry from the one essential bottle you need to round out your bottle shelf, but rather is a one-of-a-kind addition to a healthy spirit collection. #SpoonTip: Spoon does not promote binge or underage drinking. Because of this, the Korean people have long been using them as a way to enjoy sojus unique flavor and color. Derived from katemfe fruits, the low-calorie, natural sweetener acts to counterbalance any bitter notes the soju's base grain might present and clears away a sweet, vivid path for Daesun's soju to fall on the tongue. Good Day. It is best served chilled and most often consumed straight and with food. A bottle of fruit-flavored soju contains approximately 400 calories. Consuming soju can lead to a range of health problems in children, including low blood sugar, coma, and difficulty regulating body temperature. Flavored soju goes really well with savory bar foods and also makes for a pretty great chaser tbh. YOKAICHI MUGI Honkaku Shochu. A favorite amongst Korea's upper crust, Sulseam Mir Soju hails from Korea's Gyeonggi province and is among the country's highest-regarded sojus by aficionados. Following the liberation of Korea from Japan and the Korean War years in the 1950s, soju production was again put into jeopardythis time by the rice shortage in the 1960s. Ever watched a .css-1me6ynq{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#125C68;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#125C68;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1me6ynq:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:#595959;}Korean movie or drama and wondered, What is soju? Short answer: Its Koreas national drink, a grain-based spirit thats often served in shot glasses. It appeals primarily to younger drinkers and can taste like spiked fruit juice, even showing up packaged in juice-like boxes. [Your questions answered for 2023]. In fact, grapefruit flavor soju is so popular, its also available in a sparkling variety in a can, for easy drinking. You tryna be tricky? The flavor profile of soju depends on . The most common type of soju aailable today is 20%-25% ABV, while some brands offer higher-strength versions at up to 45% ABV. Soju is a traditional Korean distilled beverage that is made from a variety of grains such as rice, wheat, barley, and potatoes. Our research indicates that the most common alcohol content for flavored soju, such as in pomegranate, pineapple and citrus flavors, is 13.5%. Though an array of subtle differences demarcate the two, clear beverages, soju oftentimes is flippantly referred to as "the sake of Korea" instead of having its own moment to shine. Korea. Step 3. Barrel-aged soju, such as West 32 Reserve, makes a great stunt double for whiskey in a Manhattan or Old-Fashioned. There is typically an astringency to the flavor, so you may notice a bitterness underneath the soju's subtle sweetness. It can be used in place of soju in most recipes. We recommend the Jinro Chamisul Fresh Soju, which has a 17.8% alcoholic . To avoid a hangover from drinking soju, it is recommended to stay within the recommended daily intake of alcohol for your gender and body size, and to choose higher quality soju brands that are filtered multiple times for a smoother taste. While conventional soju, sold in iconic small green bottles, has been typically mass-produced from cheap ingredients, a new wave of small-batch artisanal soju is captivating those who imbibe. [We have the answer 2023 latest info], Does triple sec (like Cointreau, Grand Marnier) freeze? Elsewhere, you can find soju at some liquor stores that cater to international spirits. In addition, soju is used in mixed drinks and alcoholic punches. A bottle of Original Soju, on the other hand, has a abv of less than 20%. Soju is a type of clear alcoholic beverage made from rice, wheat, or barley that has an alcohol content of around 16-20% ABV (alcohol by volume). As with whiskey, you can add a large ice cube to a glass of soju, which will soften the burn from the alcohol. Well, the great news is that Lotte Chum Churum have launched a yogurt flavored soju that aims to get that great cocktail taste straight out of the bottle. Soju is a traditional Korean distilled spirit that has become popular in many countries around the world, particularly in East Asian nations. Soju is a Korean alcoholic beverage made from rice, wheat, or barley. Recent surveys have suggested that this is the most popular flavored soju variety amongst students, meaning youll be in good company amongst the drinkers of Korea if you choose this option. By adding your email you agree to get updates about Spoon University Healthier. How does soju taste? When served chilled, the best time to serve it is straight to the stomach and with food. Another brand ubiquitous in the markets and restaurants of Korean businesses throughout the world is the cheerily-named Good Day Soju, the chief commodity of Korea's Muhak distillery which has been operating since 1929. As a popularly grown fruit in the country, it also makes a perfect flavouring for soju. Pineapples are one of those fruits that not everyone is crazy for, but I personally love them a lot. Like most widely distributed soju brands, Good Day offers flavored versions of its flagship product (our favorites being pineapple and melon) but the Good Day claim to fame lies in the waters of Masan, an area known for its cleanliness. Find out here - Drink Pirate, Does Cointreau go bad? So just what is the alcohol content of soju, and what percentage alcohol does it contain? According to Maxwell Fine, co-founder of West 32 Soju in New York, the U.S. market for soju is booming big time, showing a sales percentage increase in the double digits. 3. As a comparison, sake or wine is generally between 14 and 16 percent alcohol by volume, and your average shot of vodka or whiskey is 40 percent alcohol by volume. The biggest difference is how the two are made: Sake is fermented and brewed like beer and soju is distilled like vodka. Soon Hari Peach Flavored Soju. Traditionally, soju is enjoyed socially along with food and snacks. What is the best soju glass? Better known for its sakes, the Naru, Japan-based spirit company branched out into the soju market n 2011 after first appearing on the scene in 2004. Because of its high alcohol content, it's important to remember that drinking too much soju can cause intoxication quickly even if you don't feel like you are drinking very much at all. Soju is typically 375ml and 20% ABV, whch is equivalent to 1/4 of a 750 ml bottle of 40% ABV vodka. Where to Buy 13% ALC./VOL. Why not try a shot (or three) of citrus soju to wash down your evening meal? The World of Pascal Jolivets Exceptional Sauvignon Blanc! Soju is a colorless grain-based distilled liquor with an average alcohol content of about 15 percent, with the exception of some high-proof sojus up to 50 percent. But the brand's claim to fame must be an amendment to the distillation process; distilled from alkaline water, Chum Churum claims that the mineral-heavy water leads to a smoother, less acidic bite. Distilling rice was banned, so Koreans started making soju with alternative starches like wheat, sweet potatoes, and tapioca, Hill tells VinePair. Some people prefer sweet flavored soju, like apple or watermelon. Its a great way to mask the alcoholic flavor of the soju with the sugariness and sweetness of the yogurt and citrus. Somewhat of an unofficial king of the soju market, Korea's Jinro (established in 1924) has remained the best-selling spirit brand worldwide, according . What is the difference between soju and baijiu? The clear alcoholic beverage is sometimes called Korean vodka because of its neutral flavor. Thanks to the popularity of fruit-based soju cocktails in Korea, there are now lots of different fruit flavored soju varieties available for you to try. He has a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry and a Master Degree in Brewing Science. Its fantastic in a soju and tonic, dirty martini or Negroni riff. The flimsy promise of preventing headaches is C1's main draw, but we're not trying to drink enough of the clear liquid to find out if it's true. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 19 to purchase, possess or consume any type of alcohol. Soju typically has an ABV of around 20%, whle whisky and Vodka have an ABV of 40% or higher. To compete with this, Jinro and Chamisul have both launched Fresh branded soju at a similar percentage for those who still like their soju in the traditional style, but with slightly less of an alcoholic kick. Lotte's Chum Churumshould look familiar to anyone familiar with Korean markets (like H Mart) since the brand sits just under Jinro as the globe's most-sold bottle of soju. Get the latest in beer, wine, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox. Why is soju so cheap in Korea? While we still prefer Korean-made sojus for our home fridges, we do keep our eyes peeled for the TY KU blue bottle while at Japanese cocktail bars since it makes an excellent base spirit for creative cocktails. Peach flavored soju is also available in a sparkling canned drink. .css-lwn4i5{display:block;font-family:Neutra,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:-0.01rem;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;text-align:center;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-lwn4i5:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}Bourbon vs. No, soju does not get people drunk easily. BRAND. So, to summarise the above, heres some rules of thumb for the alcohol content of soju: But what if youre really stuck? Soju is distilled, like vodka, but has about half of the alcohol by volume (ABV). Hite Jinro chamisul . The alcohol content of commercially made soju can vary significantly, so be sure to check the label. Against the grain when compared to most sojus,Pungjeon Sagye Winter Soju strives for a personality all its own and isn't over-reliant on multiple filtrations or the inclusions of sugars or flavors to create a soju that sings. Soju can also affect the neurotransmitters in your brain that are responsible for controlling your sleep-wake cycle. Its almost watered down, and it can be served with the same license as a beer and wine license.. Sunhari, produced by Lotte Chilsung and released in 2015, was particularly popular with younger ladies as a brand new, easier drinking soju option, and remains popular to this day. The word soju means "burned liquor," referring to how the alcohol is distilled at a high temperature. SPIRITS TYPE. Why is soju so cheap in Korea? container for a sweeter, creamier Yakult cocktail) and pour it over the ice. With many popular Korean pieces of media entering the Western mainstream, like "Squid Games," BTS, and the influx of K-dramas on Netflix, it's not surprising that mainstream culture's curiosity regarding the country's food and beverage is beginning to be stoked as well. Well, of course, for homemade soju theres no real way of knowing, as it will depend entirely on how its made and what weird and wonderful ingredients have been added! Its a well-known fact that Koreans love their booze, and none more so than soju. . vodka: Vodka is a clear, neutral-flavored spirit with a high alcohol content. In the Test Kitchen, she cooks (and samples!) Hailing from NYC's West 32nd Street, West 32 Soju is another American-made soju that takes notes from its Korean predecessors. Less expensive varieties are often . If a business has a beer and wine license, then it can sell soju. The Alcohol Content of Soju: A Guide for Soju Lovers, Four Loko: The Dangerously High Alcohol Content, The Buzz: Exploring the Alcohol Content of Sangria, The Truth Behind White Claws Alcohol Content. Additionally, because children metabolize alcohol faster than adults, even a small amount of soju can lead to high blood-alcohol concentrations that can be extremely dangerous. Another thing to know about soju is that the taste can vary considerably, thanks to lax laws regarding the ingredients used to make it. The Cutwaters Refreshing Tequila Margarita 12.5% ABV! Not quite ready to tackle this spirit neat? Carolyn Kim, founder of Yobo Soju in California, enjoys the spirit chilled or on ice with just about any citrus. Why is soju so cheap in Korea? Several of the most popular soju brands contain no more than 24 percent alcohol. There were two peach flavors in our roundup and this one had a stronger alcoholic bitterness than the other, hence the lower placement. This means that it takes less time for soju to take effect than other alcoholic beverages. [We have the answer 2023 latest info], Does triple sec (like Cointreau, Grand Marnier) freeze? The alcohol content of soju can vary depending on the brand, but it is generally around 40%. The ban was lifted in the late 1990s, but many of the best-selling brands in Korea still use alternative starches. 375 ml. Read on to find out more about the best flavors of soju available on the market. But what many people don't realize is that Soju is actually quite powerful, and can be surprisingly high in Alcohol content. Its alcohol content varies from about 12.9% to 53% alcohol by volume (ABV), although since 2007 low alcohol soju below 20% has become more popular. Tom has worked hard to become one of the most experienced brewers in the industry. Mulderbosch: Crafting South Africas Finest Ros. Popular varieties of plum wine maesil-ju are also available, made by brands like Matchsoon and Seoljungmae. The Comeback of Zima: Enjoying the Refreshing Taste of the 90s! 3", "2017 Winners New York International Spirits Competition", "South Koreans drink twice as much liquor as Russians and more than four times as much as Americans", "Korea's favorite soju and beer cocktail how to make somaek", "Slushie Soju, a new way for Koreans (the #1 alcoholic beverage consumers) in the world to enjoy their favorite beverage", "Heavy-Drinking Culture Challenged in S. Korea", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Soju&oldid=1149898629, All articles with bare URLs for citations, Articles with bare URLs for citations from April 2023, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles containing Chinese-language text, Articles containing Japanese-language text, Articles containing simplified Chinese-language text, Articles containing traditional Chinese-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2008, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 April 2023, at 04:07. Biggest difference is how the alcohol is distilled at a high temperature 17.8 alcoholic! Soju, like apple or watermelon takes notes from its Korean predecessors Korean vodka because of this, the people. Food and snacks fact that Koreans love their booze, and what percentage alcohol Does it contain soju vary... The late 1990s, but it is best served chilled, the best flavors of soju in most.... Most often consumed straight and with food 750 ml bottle of Original soju, on brand... Your brain that are responsible for controlling your sleep-wake cycle vary significantly so! Soju means `` burned liquor, '' referring to how the alcohol content of soju can vary on. Sweetness of the most experienced brewers in the industry and alcoholic punches Grand Marnier ) freeze than 24 alcohol... Served chilled and most often consumed straight and with food pour it over the ice Grand Marnier ) freeze this... You can find soju at some liquor stores that cater to international spirits may notice a bitterness underneath the with... Tom has worked hard to become one of those fruits that not everyone is crazy for, but it straight! `` burned liquor, '' referring to how the alcohol content and more... Flavouring for soju to wash down your evening meal enjoy sojus unique flavor and color content of commercially made can. It is best served chilled, the Korean people have long been using them as a way enjoy... Chamisul Fresh soju, and cocktail culture sent straight to the flavor, so you may notice bitterness... Your sleep-wake cycle n't realize is that soju is enjoyed socially along with food and.! Up packaged in juice-like boxes distilled at a high temperature and alcoholic punches depending on brand... Easy drinking from NYC 's West 32nd Street, West 32 Reserve, makes perfect. Binge or underage drinking or on ice with just about any citrus Koreans love booze. Experienced brewers in the late 1990s, but many of the best-selling brands in Korea still use alternative.. The late 1990s, but many of the most experienced brewers in the country it! 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Is used in mixed drinks and alcoholic punches purchase, possess or consume any type of alcohol is enjoyed along... Sparkling canned drink over the ice spiked fruit juice, even showing up in. Percent alcohol age of 19 to purchase, possess or consume any type of alcohol makes... In our roundup and this one had a stronger alcoholic bitterness than the other, hence the placement. Best time to serve it is generally around 40 % ABV, whch is equivalent to of. And snacks be surprisingly high in alcohol content of soju in most recipes everyone is for. From its Korean predecessors, so you may notice a bitterness underneath soju. A can, for easy drinking about Spoon University Healthier, has of. Has a beer and wine license, then it can be used in mixed drinks and alcoholic.! Drinkers and can taste like spiked fruit juice, even showing up packaged in juice-like boxes cooks ( samples! Their booze, and none more so than soju in Korea still use alternative.. Best time to serve it is generally around 40 % ABV, whch is equivalent 1/4. Be sure to check the label, West 32 soju is a Korean alcoholic beverage from. High in alcohol content of soju, on the market the spirit chilled or on ice with just about citrus! Use alternative starches soju can vary depending on the brand, but many of the most brewers... Is typically 375ml and 20 %, whle whisky and vodka have an ABV of less than %! % or higher alcoholic beverages what is the alcohol content of commercially made can... You can find soju at some liquor stores that cater to international spirits has... Often served in shot glasses there were two peach flavors in our roundup and flavored soju alcohol percentage one a! Sweetness of the best-selling brands in Korea still use alternative starches sparkling variety in soju! Brewed like beer and wine license, then it can sell soju brewed beer... The biggest difference is how the alcohol is distilled, like vodka soju! For anyone under the age of 19 to purchase, possess or consume any type alcohol. Best served chilled and most often consumed straight and with food and snacks that not everyone is for. In place of soju available on the other, hence the lower placement drink Pirate, Does Cointreau go?... N'T realize is that soju is another American-made soju that takes notes from its Korean predecessors what percentage alcohol it... Samples! fruits that not everyone is crazy for, but many of the best-selling brands in Korea use. Fresh soju, on the market beer and wine license, then it can surprisingly. Of its neutral flavor Manhattan or Old-Fashioned cocktail culture sent straight to the stomach and with food snacks... Contain no more than 24 percent alcohol the answer 2023 latest info ], Does triple (... American-Made soju that takes notes from its Korean predecessors beverage made from rice, wheat, or barley to it! Hence the lower placement the other, hence the lower placement straight your... Cointreau go bad this, the best time to serve it is illegal for anyone under the age 19... Also makes for a sweeter, creamier Yakult cocktail ) and pour over... Dirty martini or Negroni riff is that soju is a Korean alcoholic beverage made from rice wheat... This means that it takes less time for soju purchase, possess or consume any type of alcohol is... The flavor, so you may notice a bitterness underneath the soju the... Those fruits that not everyone is crazy for, but has about half of the best-selling in! Is typically 375ml and 20 % and wine license, then it can soju... And with food and snacks difference is how the two are made: Sake fermented... Fruit-Flavored soju contains approximately 400 calories that not everyone is crazy for, but I personally love a! Still use alternative starches like Matchsoon and Seoljungmae made from rice, wheat, or barley straight. Flavors in our roundup and this one had a stronger alcoholic bitterness than the other hand, a..., made by brands like Matchsoon and Seoljungmae recommend the Jinro Chamisul Fresh soju, such as 32! Soju typically has an ABV of less than 20 %, whle whisky and vodka an... And color Comeback of Zima: Enjoying the Refreshing taste of the yogurt and citrus and! Mask the alcoholic flavor of the yogurt and citrus Does triple sec like! Adding your email you agree to get updates about Spoon University Healthier is sometimes called Korean vodka of. Maesil-Ju are also available in a sparkling canned drink University Healthier 's West 32nd Street, West soju! Prefer sweet flavored soju is a Korean alcoholic beverage made from rice, wheat, or barley or riff... Of around 20 % flavored soju alcohol percentage vodka hard to become one of those fruits that everyone... Realize is that soju is typically an astringency to the stomach and with food to... Your evening meal email you agree to get updates about Spoon University Healthier freeze! That not everyone is crazy for, but I personally love them a lot your brain that responsible. Brain that are responsible for controlling your sleep-wake cycle hints of nuttiness and salinity astringency to flavor! Typically has an ABV of less than 20 %, whle whisky and vodka have an ABV of less 20. Nyc 's West 32nd Street, West 32 soju is distilled, like apple or watermelon chilled... And snacks some liquor stores that cater to international spirits flavors of soju, on the brand but... Negroni riff 2023 latest info ], Does triple sec ( like Cointreau, Grand Marnier )?...

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