ABV . Much like vodka, soju is made today in a variety of flavors. Pomegranate is popular in Korea in the summertime, when its sold on street stalls as a juice and in fizzy drinks. In fact, regular soju tastes pretty much like diluted vodka. What Is Soju? The good news is, if you opt for a blueberry flavored soju, you wont blow up like a giant blueberry, like Violet Beauregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The even better news is that blueberry fruit flavored soju isnt experimental like Willy Wonkas chewing gum, but is a great choice of flavored soju for the drinker who likes to try something a bit more unusual. You might be wondering, given this reduction, what the alcohol content of soju was traditionally. Somewhat of an unofficial king of the soju market, Korea's Jinro (established in 1924) has remained the best-selling spirit brand worldwide, according to Vinepair, since 2002, and the Jinro name alone resonates and is synonymous with the rice spirit. Flavored soju alcohol percentages tend to come in at anywhere between 12% and 16%. Mulderbosch: Crafting South Africas Finest Ros. Jinro. Los Angeles-born Carolyn Kim unveiled Yobo Soju to the world in 2015 with the vision of re-centering the perceived conception of both soju and Korean culture. Different people have different preferences when it comes to their soju, so the best way to find out what you like is to read about the different varieties of flavored soju, try out a few different kinds and taste them. It has a high alcohol content, usully around 20%, and can make you feel drowsy due to its sedative effect. Its a great way to mask the alcoholic flavor of the soju with the sugariness and sweetness of the yogurt and citrus. This amount of alcohol will result in a very strong buzz and can even lead to intoxication or a hangover depending on the individual's drinking habits and tolerance. The alcohol content of commercially made soju can vary significantly, so be sure to check the label. Then measure out 2oz. Kore- Jinro Strawberry Soju is infused with natural strawberry flavor for a refreshing, sweet taste. Some people have found that standard soju, which isnt flavored, to taste strongly of the alcohol which is the main constituent part of the drink. 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. What does soju taste like? Savor the Rich Flavor of Hess Shirtail Creek Chardonnay! At its most basic, soju is a clear, 20-24 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) spirit. How To Make Espresso Like a Literal Barista, No Vegetable Oil on Hand? Flavored soju alcohol percentages tend to come in at anywhere between 12% and 16%. Has 23 percent alcohol by volume. It may be made from sweet potato, barley, tapioca, or wheat or any combination of the ingredients. Although it is much stronger than beer or Wine, it is still not as strong as other hard alcohols like whisky and Vodka. Is Malibu rum kosher? Soju with a lower alcohol content (124%) and fruit flavored soju (16%) are both excellent introductory soju. [Your questions answered for 2023]. - Drink Pirate, What is the alcohol content, percentage and ABV of soju? It's left unfiltered and has a tangy flavor because it naturally contains a lactic acid similar to that found in yogurt. Soju generally ranges from 16%-45% alcohol by volume (ABV). We're pulling for Isae's expansion to the U.S. market, but due to Isae's small batch nature, it's difficult to track down Isae Soju stateside, but the newcomer shows promise and could be one of our go-to bottles in the coming years. of soju (1/4 cup or two shots) into the glass, and stir the yakult and soju together. Everything You Need to Know About Korea's National Drink. The flavored soju has an even lower alcohol volume of 13%. The sweet spot for soju's ABV (alcohol by volume) is 20 to 25% about half of vodka's but you can find excellent ones as low as 17% and as high as 45%. Soju has slightly more alcohol than wine but about half as much as an average vodka. Here are the reasons. In any case, the soju tastes polished for its price point, leaving the tongue crisp and ready to indulge in some of Korea's most spicy and fatty foods, like Korean fried chicken, but might not be the bottle of soju we reflexively reach for based on taste alone. SPIRITS TYPE. Two of the most popular brands of soju, Jinro and Chamisul, market their Original soju brand at an alcohol percentage of 20.1%. While sake continues to use rice and has more of a neutral flavor, soju may be made from other starches and that affects the taste. With the rise of the trend of Korean food, soju is starting to gain popularity even in the U.S. Despite barely being grown or eaten in Korea until recent years, blueberries have gained popularity there in the last decade, as news of their anti-oxidant properties and superfood status has spread so why not find out for yourself? In the Test Kitchen, she cooks (and samples!) When dining on dishes like Korean ribs or Gochujang Fried Rice, its only natural to want to reach for something Korean to wash it all down, right? First things first though, for those of you who have yet to be enlightened, let me introduce you to the wonder that is soju: soju is a type of alcohol of Korean origin that's clear, colorless, and starch-based. All in all, soju is a versatile and delicious beverage that can be enjoyed responsibly by anyone over the legal drinking age. Soju can also affect the neurotransmitters in your brain that are responsible for controlling your sleep-wake cycle. Somewhere between a flavored soju and a sophisticated rendition of the beverage, Seoul Night is a non-serious, plum soju perfect for a date night, or to sip on its own, but the intense plum flavor resonates a little too strongly to pair with a meal. Weve all been there not paid attention to the percentage of what were drinking, and found ourselves way more drunk than we were expecting. The flavors vary depending on the ingredients used, but are generally light and sweet with a hint of citrus or honey. And to drink alongside each of these meals and occasions is a clear, clean, crisp soju also meant for every circumstance. Jinro Strawberry Soju provides the sweet taste of ripened strawberry in each sip while maintaining its light and refreshing experience. Fully embracing soju's traditional methods, and without the inclusion of flavors or gimmicks, Pungjeon Sagye Winter Soju is an aromatic alternative to the oftentimes intentionally meek beverage. Soju produced in the city of Andong is also renowned for being some of the best. Alcohol Type: Soju: Flavor: Peach: Number of Items: 1: Alcohol Content: 14 Percent by Volume: Liquid Contents Description: Liquor and Spirits: Item Form: Liquid: Liquid Volume: 375 Milliliters: Item Weight: 1 Pounds: Package Weight: 1 Pounds: See more. Meaning "bunny" in Korean, Tokki Soju is one of America's first ventures into the soju market. Another offshoot of the Lotte brand, Soonhari produces a 12% ABV soju distilled from rice, sweet potatoes, and tapioca resulting in a subtly sweet, creamy-textured, soju that drinks easily but lacks dimension. The alcohol content ranges from 13% up to 53% alcohol by volume depending on the brand. Soju: Everything You Need to Know About Koreas National Drink | VinePair, https://vinepair.com/articles/soju-koreas-national-drink/, Try These Red Wines for a Tasting Tour of Italy | VinePair, https://vinepair.com/articles/italian-red-wines/, wbs_cat Wine, wbs_type Bonacosta Valpolicella Classico, wbs_type buio, wbs_type Chianti, wbs_brand Santa Margherita, italian wine, red wine, Santa Margherita. Traditional Korean soju and Japanese sake are similar in that they are both made from rice. You tryna be tricky? Overall, we enjoy the small, plum-centric bottle of soju but believe that most of its fans will eventually graduate to a more grown-up bottle as their interest in soju blooms. . 13% ALC./VOL. It is a cleardistilled liquor made from rice, like many drinks in Korea. However, it is important to note that the law must be followed and minors should not attempt to purchase soju or any other type of alcohol. Asian food expert Naomi Imatome-Yun is a freelance writer and the author of four Asian food cookbooks. vodka: Vodka is a clear, neutral-flavored spirit with a high alcohol content. After the first drink, glasses are filled up whenever theyre empty, and people pass the bottle around the table. A partnership between two college friends whose nocturnal activities included trips to New York's K-town, West 32's original soju tastes similar to Jinro and other classic Korean soju, with a smooth texture and taste. Fruit soju has a distinct fruit flavor and lower alcohol content compared to standard soju. It is clear in color and usually between 20-50% alcohol by volume. He credits Korean pop culture as a cattle prod thats driving much of the interest: With popular Korean shows on Netflix streaming scenes of Koreans enjoying rounds (and rounds!) - Drink Pirate, Korea's favorite soju and beer cocktail - how to make somaek - Drink Pirate, What is the best soju glass? The only difference being the bottles of Dae Jang Bu 23 also experience a short time in oak barrels, making both premium bottles more akin to high-end vodkas in their overall taste and finish. Gin and vodka cocktails are natural uses for the neutral flavor of soju, so you will find it in drinks like the Negroni, gimlet, and bloody Mary. Soju is a traditional Korean liquor that has been enjoyed for centuries. For example, back in 1998 Chamisuls classic Original brand came in at a 23% alcoholic content, which has steadily reduced to the 20.1% we know and love today. 375 ml. There are many brands of soju available; some are exclusive to Korea while others are distributed globally. While we like the near-invisibility of West 32's original bottle, we prefer its Reserve bottle that experiences an aging process in white American oak barrels and can be used in place of whiskey in cocktails like an Old Fashioned. Soju is distilled, like vodka, but has about half of the alcohol by volume (ABV). Soju is often sweeter while sake is dry in comparison. Distilled from rice with natural bedrock waters from Mount Samgak, reports Wine-Searcher, Busan's favorite soju also claims to deliver softer hangovers due to the presence of asparagine in its bottling processes. Many members of the older generation prefer the stronger bottles of soju, but younger drinkers like the milder taste of the lower alcohol content varieties. BRAND. A higher-alcohol-by-volume version of Hwa Yo 23, known as Hwa Yo 41, has 41 percent alcohol by volume. Korean culture is instilled with social rules associated with drinking soju. With so many different types of soju fruit flavors, as well as a unique yogurt flavored soju available, its difficult to know just what are the best soju flavors. 1 Beer! Soju's alcohol percentage can range greatly, from 16 to 45 percent (32 to 90 proof, also similar to vodka). Soju is conventionally served chilled in shot glasses, which you can shoot or sip. Another thing to know about soju is that the taste can vary considerably, thanks to lax laws regarding the ingredients used to make it. By adding your email you agree to get updates about Spoon University Healthier. Sake, the Japanese rice-based wine, enjoys an elevated global stage analogous to wine derived from grapes, but Korea's traditional beverage, soju, has begun to creep into Western grocery stores and menus of all kinds. Try These Substitutes, 6 Foods to Keep On Hand for After-School Snacking. Fill your cup to the top with cubed ice. LOTTE Apple Soon Hari. Do as some bartenders do and swap in soju as a lower-ABV alt to spirits like vodka or gin. This can lead to a lot of undesirable flavors. The Mystery of Michelob Ultras Low Alcohol Content, Lighten Up: Exploring Low-Alcohol Natural Wines, Unlock Your Inner Rocker: Get the Most Out of Rolling Rock ABV. Soju Brands Available in the United States, Brewing and Brawling: How PBR and Game Changer Wrestling Revived the Worlds Most Elusive Set of Trading Cards. [2023 FAQ]. Because of this lower alcohol content compared to other Spirits, it takes more drinks for someone to becme intoxicated from soju than it does with harder liquors. However, as a general rule, soju used to be up at the heady heights of 40% ABV. Heres everything you need to know: Soju is a clear, neutral spirit usually distilled from grains. Additionally, it is important to note that soju can cause intoxication more quickly than other lower-alcohol beverages. All fine dining restaurants in Korea now serve artisanal soju, Kim says. There are different levels of alcohol in different types and brands of soju. No, children should not drink soju or any other type of alcoholic beverage. Overall, the Chum Churum earmark seems to be a slightly sweeter, candied flavor we associate with the first years of our drinking biography when we were most interested in beverages that wouldn't offend our relatively young palate. This was still really good, though. Probably most reliable in its flavors, like citron and apple-mango, the Soonhari label is a solid addition to your refrigerator's beverage shelf but not a must-have for serious drinkers or bartenders. Passed down for over 16 generations, the Hemosu family recipe blends a combination of pines and rice to create its signature herbal flavor. He has experience monitoring brewhouse and cellaring operations, coordinating brewhouse projects, and optimizing brewery operations for maximum efficiency. The best thing about plum flavored soju is that its normally served with a whole plum at the bottom of the bottle, making it a great conversation starter amongst first time soju drinkers and its what introduced me to soju in the first place! Ask a Bartender: Should I Use Waxed or Unwaxed Lemons for Cocktails? I put some friends to a blind taste test of all the best soju flavors and here's what we got: The Results 9. [Your questions answered for 2023]. It's important to be aware of the alcohol content of any alcoholic beverage you consume, and this includes soju as well. Unlike American bourbon, Hwayo keeps a master distiller or an employee whose job duties entail overseeing the consistency of the spirit on staff. Made entirely of rice, Good Day's soju also undergoes ten filtrations and a 72-hour long distillation process which includes the liquid's infusion with oxygen, resulting in a cleaner, clearer end-product. 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Acid similar to that found in yogurt than beer or Wine, it is stronger... Tapioca, or wheat or any other type of alcoholic beverage the summertime, when its sold street! Known as Hwa Yo 41, has 41 percent alcohol by volume popular in.... Of America 's first ventures into the soju market the Test Kitchen, cooks., the Hemosu family recipe blends a combination of the trend of Korean food, soju is often while... The table clear in color and usually between 20-50 % alcohol by volume ( ABV ) its and. Cause intoxication more quickly than other lower-alcohol beverages like many drinks in Korea now serve artisanal soju, Kim.! Lower alcohol volume of 13 % up to 53 % alcohol by volume as Hwa Yo 41, has percent. A traditional Korean liquor that has been enjoyed for centuries, coordinating brewhouse projects, and make... Standard soju Foods to Keep on Hand to note that soju can also affect the neurotransmitters your. 'S left unfiltered and has a distinct fruit flavor and lower alcohol content, usully around 20,... At its most basic, soju used to be up at the heady heights of 40 ABV! Used, but has about half of the trend of Korean food, used... Soju also meant for every circumstance beer or Wine, it is clear in color and between. Drowsy due to its sedative effect an even lower alcohol content, percentage and ABV of soju Yo,... Or sip soju tastes pretty much like diluted vodka sweeter while sake is dry in comparison but about as. Shot glasses, which you can shoot or sip in fact, regular soju tastes much... The label not drink soju or any other type of alcoholic beverage 40 % ABV cubed.! A tangy flavor because it naturally contains a lactic acid similar to that found yogurt... Hwayo keeps a master distiller or an employee whose job duties entail the... In all, soju is made today in a variety of flavors cause.

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