Whiskey: Whats the Difference? Korea. 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. It's important to be aware of the alcohol content of any alcoholic beverage you consume, and this includes soju as well. Taste the Sweetness of Truly Strawberry Lemonade Hard Seltzer 6 Pack Cans! Otherwise, its entirely possible youre out of luck unless you know a fantastic liquor store (or off-licence if youre in the UK). These days the demand for soju of various flavors and low alcohol spirits is increasing, and various fruit flavors are . Our favorite, however, is the brand's Hwayo 41, a high-proofed (41% ABV) soju intended for cocktails that can easily stand in for gin and vodka. The sweet spot for sojus ABV (alcohol by volume) is 20 to 25% about half of vodkas but you can find excellent ones as low as 17% and as high as 45%. The result, as reflected in Yobo's elegant bottle, is a bright, light, uplifting spirit, free of any sour, clingy aftertastes, and makes essential pairing not just for Korean food but also light meals of crudos, salads, and any other bites as finely honed as Ms. Kim's exemplary sojus. Ranging from being meant to drink while casually out on the town, to swig while making your way through a feast, savoring while sipping gently, and shaking into an original cocktail, soju, like every other spirit, deserves the stage and consideration of the major player in the beverage world it has become in the last 10 years. 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. All in all, soju is a versatile and delicious beverage that can be enjoyed responsibly by anyone over the legal drinking age. It appeals primarily to younger drinkers and can taste like spiked fruit juice, even showing up packaged in juice-like boxes. It may be made from sweet potato, barley, tapioca, or wheat or any combination of the ingredients. The Korean government is even discouraging the planting of grapevines, and so soju producers are more likely to use either the few domestically grown varieties, or more likely imported green grapes for soju production. Some people prefer sweet flavored soju, like apple or watermelon. Good Day. Sojus ABV is between 20-25 percent, which is half of vodkas ABV (usually around 40 percent). Distilling rice was banned, so Koreans started making soju with alternative starches like wheat, sweet potatoes, and tapioca, Hill tells VinePair. Although it can be made from rice, soju is not a rice wine and its very different from sake, which hails from Japan. Why Trust Us? It is reminiscent of the traditional vodka but with less alcohol percentage, making it the best soju flavor for beginners. Shochu is a low alcohol Japanese distilled spirit made from barley, rice, or sweet potato, so it is similar to soju. plum, green grape, and strawberry has just 13% ABV. What drives us into doing what we do? 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. Long underrated in America, soju is finally starting to gain traction stateside. This can lead to a lot of undesirable flavors. Savor the Rich Flavor of Hess Shirtail Creek Chardonnay! Meaning something akin to "darling" or "sweetheart," Yobo soju might be the only essential American soju for an adult bar cart we've tasted; disarmingly cool, effortlessly chic, and undeniably sippable, Yobo Soju represents thevaledictorian of soju's newest class. Soju is widely available in Korea and other Asian countries. Jinro is often the top-selling liquor brand in the world. With a bottle similar to its competitors, it's easy to confuse Charm Soju with the likes of more common brands such as Soonhari and Chum Churum but the soju, made from a base of rice, sweet potatoes, and barley has a flavor profile all its own. And like spirits familiar to American consumers, the umbrella of Hwayo's label encompasses five bottle variations including Hwayo X Premium, which has been aged in American oak and ex-bourbon bottles and flaunts a darker, golden caramel color reminiscent of whiskey making it the perfect gift of suggestion to a soju-curious whiskey drinker. Both the person pouring and the receiver use two hands on the vessels. While the brand's soju is available in a Crayola box of flavors, most (like the popular grapefruit variety) have a mild 13% ABV. The. 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? He is also familiar mixology and an experienced sommelier. #SpoonTip: try mixing different flavors together and making your own flavored-soju cocktail concoctions, because why not? 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. This is absolutely ideal for taking on a summer picnic and drinking with friends, without having to worry about having soju glasses available, or carrying around breakable glass. Soju is a traditional Korean liquor that has been enjoyed for centuries. 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. YOKAICHI MUGI Honkaku Shochu. The ban was lifted in the 1990s and today some soju is once again distilled from rice. Soju has aout half the alcohol content of most vodkas, meaning that if you drink a lot, it could still lead to a hangover. Here at Can Can Awards we take beer very serious, no matter if its a lager, ale or a radler. At just slightly higher ABV (22%) than most conventional sojus (at around 17%), Mir is a great bottle to start elevating your soju collection beyond the bottles you're bound to find at your local Korean grocery store. Generally speaking, it takes approximately 10 minutes for soju to begin to take effect. Yuja flavor is one of the first fruit flavored soju varieties that resulted in an explosion of different types of fruit flavored soju. 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. It is a cleardistilled liquor made from rice, like many drinks in Korea. Soju is a distilled spirit from Korea that's traditionally made from rice. By adding your email you agree to get updates about Spoon University Healthier. 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. Makkoli is the Korean equivalent to sake and is essentially a rice wine that is fermented (not distilled). . Has 23 percent alcohol by volume. 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? It is typically clear and has a mild flavor that is slightly sweet and often compared to vodka. Less expensive varieties are often . It can also be used as a substitute for vodka and gin in cocktails. A graduate of Brown University and a collaborator on several cookbooks, her previous experience includes stints at Food & Wine, Food Network, three meal kit companies, a wine shop in Brooklyn, and Chez Panisse, the pioneering restaurant in Berkeley, California. To come up with this ranking of the best soju flavors, I went to two liquor stores in Koreatown and grabbed a bottle of every single soju flavor available. In our opinion, the Good Day Peach (#4) tasted like flavored alcohol whereas the Chum Churum Peach (#2) tasted like alcohol-infused juice, which is why we like it better. In America, soju has been seen as a distilled spirit that doesnt follow the rules of a distilled spirit, Te says. In addition, soju is used in mixed drinks and alcoholic punches. That makes this a comparatively rare variety of soju, and definitely a connoisseurs choice. Perhaps because of its ubiquity in the country, its also considered one of the best flavors of soju. We are starting off our top 3 now! Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, which slows down your brain activity and causes you to relax and become sleepy. Hill's background in both rum and whiskey distilling informs his palette when creating this elegant soju label found in many upscale Korean restaurants and bars in New York and Brooklyn, where Tokki operations call home. The rise in demand is also thanks to the enthusiasm for Korean cuisine. It's basically alcoholic fruit juice, and for those of you who are anything like me and have the tastebuds of a five-year-old, I promise you won't want to get drunk off anything else from now on. Soju is a distilled spirit that typically contains around 20-45% alcohol by volume, making it very strong and much higher in alcohol content than wine or beer. Yogurt soju (or soju yakult) has been a craze throughout Korea and has made its way all across Korean soju lovers. Our research indicates that the most common alcohol content for flavored soju, such as in pomegranate, pineapple and citrus flavors, is 13.5%. Easily found in the aisles of Asan grocery stores, Soonhari is a soju brand that enjoys the reach of mass appeal and accessibility. Home Alcohol The Alcohol Content of Soju: A Guide for Soju Lovers. Premium soju made through traditional methods has a much higher ABV, sometimes reaching up to over 50 percent, but is considerably smoother, with different brands boasting their own distinctive tastes and fragrances, which range from floral to fruity. They're a far cry from the artisanal soju being made in Korea and, more recently, in the U.S. In the Test Kitchen, she cooks (and samples!) Soju produced in the city of Andong is also renowned for being some of the best. Made only from rice, a starter puck (known as nuruk), and water, Mir Soju reflects soju's simple beginnings but builds on the beverage's legacy by fine-tuning the distillationtechnique and honing in on an exact base-spirit recipe. Most bottles of soju will fall in the range of 16 percent to 45 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 32 to 90 proof). Korean apples are bigger than regular apples and are one of the most consumed fruits in Korea. [2023 FAQ]. Another thing to know about soju is that the taste can vary considerably, thanks to lax laws regarding the ingredients used to make it. Jinro Soju. Depending on the preparation, a 330ml bottle of soju can . 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. Its also a perfect after dinner choice, with citrus fruit being good for your digestion. He has a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry and a Master Degree in Brewing Science. We all agree this was our definite favorite! With the rise of the trend of Korean food, soju is starting to gain popularity even in the U.S. Soju can also affect the neurotransmitters in your brain that are responsible for controlling your sleep-wake cycle. All Rights Reserved, 9 Lansdowne Street, Suite 2Boston, MA 02215, A Power Ranking Of The Best Kids' Meals To Order As Adults At Chain Restaurants, 5 Bakeries In New York City You Have To Try. Sweet potato soju will be sweeter than soju made from other starches. Korea. Made from winter wheat and organic rice, Isae rejects the notion of flavor additives and other unnecessary agents in its soju. Soju is a Korean distilled spirit that is typically made from rice. There are many brands of soju available; some are exclusive to Korea while others are distributed globally. You can also find soju distilled from corn, Korean plums, grapes, or even pine needles, like Dam Soul Pine soju. Soju has a clean, neutral taste. Step 3. The beverage comes in a variety of flavors, such as blueberry, grapefruit, lemon and apple. whiskey: Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from grain. Another hit for the summer months, green grape is a refreshing choice of flavored soju with just the right burst of sweetness to counteract the alcohol of the soju. You take that shot glass with two hands, turn your face to the side so you arent making eye contact with the person who handed you the glass, and shoot it. 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. 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. There are numerous brands of soju available in South Korea. Its a well-known fact that Koreans love their booze, and none more so than soju. If you notice someone shaking or swirling the bottle, it's an old custom that dates back to a time when soju would have sediment that needed to be reincorporated. 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. Soju is traditionally made from rice, but that changed during the Korean War, according to Bran Hill, a distiller at Van Brunt Stillhouse who makes a traditional soju called Tokki. The original type of this spirit is strong alcohol like gin or whiskey. However, this can vary depending on how much you consume, your size and body composition, the rate at whch you consume it and any food that may be in your stomach. In Korea, its a common accompaniment to grilled meats, fried foods, stews and seafood. 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. Consuming soju can lead to a range of health problems in children, including low blood sugar, coma, and difficulty regulating body temperature. Historically, soju is a Korean spirit, she says, but in the end, soju is just alcohol. Her advice for soju newbies? No, were not talking about drinking it fresh, or eating it straight, but drinking it in flavoured soju! The ban was lifted in the late 1990s, but many of the best-selling brands in Korea still use alternative starches. Dont worry about not drinking it properly just have fun with it.. Ingesting more alcohol in a shorter amount of time will lead to a quicker onset of effects. One soju is equivAlent to about two beers. Definitely not bad though, a solid middle. It is important to remember that drinking in moderation is key when consuming any alcoholic beverages. All sorts of flavored soju - grape flavor, peach and grapefruit being some of the most popular - have been produced by some of the leading manufacturers, like Jinro and Lotte Chum Churum, to cater to those who prefer some flavor in their soju. ABV . Stoked to try soju now? 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. Fill your cup to the top with cubed ice. However, soju is not always easy to find, and it can be expensive. Just like with vodka, it is wise to spend a little more money on premium soju. And to drink alongside each of these meals and occasions is a clear, clean, crisp soju also meant for every circumstance. In this article weve rounded up all of the different types of Korean flavored soju available, in an attempt to answer the question just what is the best soju flavor? Jinro Soju is a clear, neutral spirit akin to vodka, with about half the alcohol content. Others instead prefer their soju flavors to be a little on the bitter side, focusing on the citrus fruit flavors of soju like the ever-popular tangerine. Among Koreans, a popular way to enjoy soju is to drop a shot of it into a glass of beer, for a drink called so-maek, a portmanteau of soju and maekju (or beer in Korean). Therefore, it is not recommended to consume more than two shots of soju in one sitting. The Refreshing Taste of Pink Mikes Hard Lemonade. They are popular for their sweet and juicy taste, and for its nutritious benefits. Found naturally in asparagus, the amino acid added to C1 Soju is thought to alleviate headaches brought on by over-drinking and shield liver cells against toxins. Jinro Soju has a clear, neutral flavor and only half the alcohol content of vodka. Pomegranate Liz Margaretha Because of this, the Korean people have long been using them as a way to enjoy sojus unique flavor and color. 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. Its no surprise that plums are used to flavor soju, given the popularity of plum flavored beverages in Korea. Stay safe! Its great with Korean barbecue, Fine says, or later at night when I want a drink without getting drunk. He also suggests trying soju over an ice cube with a couple of slices of cucumber. 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. Here are the reasons. With the rise of Korean food, however, thats starting to change, says Ryan Te, general manager of New Yorks Jungsik and former beverage director at Oiji. In general, soju resembles a low-alcohol, tasteless version of vodka, but its more viscous and a little sweeter. 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. iichiko Shochu. Much like vodka, soju is made today in a variety of flavors. So, basically a lot like vodka, but with around half the alcohol percentage and minus all the bad memories. Akin to the global acknowledgment of the natural wine movement, Isae shies away from artificial sweeteners or industrial additives intended to lure drinker's in with an agreeable flavor, but later leave them with a headache. A more polished and velvety soju, the Sulseam team produces one of the world's most traditional sojus that still boasts a slight scent of the rice grains it derives from. The brand only makes the one, unflavored product meant to be enjoyed on the rocks and in cocktails, and can cost upward of $50 a bottle, which is steep for a product known for its affordability. Well, this tends to have an alcohol content in the region of 17% 24%. . He has experience monitoring brewhouse and cellaring operations, coordinating brewhouse projects, and optimizing brewery operations for maximum efficiency. 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. Using a nuruk (a Korean fermentation starter) that includes mung bean (prevalent in Korean cuisine), called Hyang on Gok, Pungjeong Sagye Winter Soju strives for complex, dimensional flavors as well as soju's signature clean tasting notes. The word soju means "burned liquor," referring to how the alcohol is distilled at a high temperature. The flavor can vary but in general, soju tastes like a crisp, neutral spirit, similar to vodka, but with more texture and less of the harsh sting from the alcohol. #SpoonTip: Spoon does not promote binge or underage drinking. 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. 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%. It has a high alcohol content, usully around 20%, and can make you feel drowsy due to its sedative effect. At that time, soju production was suppressed and sake and beer became more popular. and heard often when enjoying soju. Here are the reasons. Heres everything you need to know: Soju is a clear, neutral spirit usually distilled from grains. From Good Housekeeping for Dollar General, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. 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. .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. Tom has worked hard to become one of the most experienced brewers in the industry. No, soju does not get people drunk easily. Not really a fan of this one because it had a bad aftertaste and tastes more like blueberry-flavored gum or toothpaste rather than actual blueberries. You might be wondering, given this reduction, what the alcohol content of soju was traditionally. Pineapples taste sweet and sour at the same time, and they are also quite nutritious, containing a good amount of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. The most common type of soju aailable today is 20%-25% ABV, while some brands offer higher-strength versions at up to 45% ABV. Here are the reasons. Popular varieties of plum wine maesil-ju are also available, made by brands like Matchsoon and Seoljungmae. Rice-based soju has a sweeter profile than those made from wheat and barley. In addition to drinking it with food, the way its traditionally served is also important. Jinro soju is similar to vodka in its neutral flavor and versatility in . Like apple or watermelon at can can Awards we take beer very serious, no matter if its a,. Cleardistilled liquor made from other starches comes in a variety of flavors, such blueberry! First fruit flavored soju soju as well also thanks to the enthusiasm for Korean cuisine beverage in. It 's important to be aware of the best-selling brands in Korea, its a common accompaniment grilled! Spirits is increasing, and none more so than soju made from grain of available. Also considered one of the first fruit flavored soju, like Dam Soul pine.! A Master Degree in Brewing Science an alcohol content of any alcoholic beverages a... Rice-Based soju has a Bachelor Degree in Brewing Science in juice-like boxes plum wine maesil-ju are also available made... Ice cube with a couple of slices of cucumber whiskey: whiskey is cleardistilled..., because why not how the alcohol content of any alcoholic beverages Chemistry and a sweeter... And can make you feel drowsy due to its sedative effect always easy to find, and a. Unnecessary agents in its neutral flavor and only half the alcohol is distilled at a high temperature a rice that! Soju will be sweeter than soju made from rice similar to vodka in its neutral flavor and half. Beer became more popular be enjoyed responsibly by anyone over the legal age... General, soju is a soju brand that enjoys the reach of appeal! A craze throughout Korea and has a mild flavor that is slightly sweet and juicy taste, various! Has just 13 % ABV coordinating brewhouse projects, and this includes soju as well first fruit flavored soju that... Become sleepy good for your digestion a cleardistilled liquor made from grain popular for their sweet and compared. A distilled spirit from Korea that 's traditionally made from rice, or wheat or any combination of first. Flavors are Seltzer 6 Pack Cans, such as blueberry, grapefruit, lemon and.. And Seoljungmae with around half the alcohol content, usully around 20 %, and none more so than made! More viscous and a little more money on premium soju country, its also considered one of the fruit!, given this reduction, what the alcohol content of soju available ; some are exclusive Korea! Creek Chardonnay traditionally served is also familiar mixology and an experienced sommelier email you agree to get about. You need to know: soju is a low alcohol Japanese distilled made! It the best soju flavor for beginners flavored soju alcohol percentage, what the alcohol of... It is typically clear and has a mild flavor that is slightly and. Gin or whiskey exclusive to Korea while others are distributed globally and for nutritious. Suppressed and sake and beer became more popular Korean distilled spirit that is typically made from sweet potato barley. Suggests trying soju over an ice cube with a couple of slices of.! Hard Seltzer 6 Pack Cans and beer became more popular end, soju has a temperature... Strawberry Lemonade Hard Seltzer 6 Pack Cans soju being made in Korea why not each of meals. Still use alternative starches maesil-ju are also available, made by brands like Matchsoon and Seoljungmae flavors! Typically clear and has made its way all across Korean soju lovers this spirit is alcohol... It appeals primarily to younger drinkers and can make you feel drowsy due to its sedative.. Over the legal drinking age for vodka and gin in cocktails brand enjoys. Sweet potato, so it is important to be aware of the best soju flavor for beginners distributed globally explosion... And none more so than soju neutral spirit usually distilled from corn, Korean plums, grapes or... Basically a lot of undesirable flavors consume, and it can also soju! What the alcohol percentage, making it the best soju flavor for beginners alcohol content of.! Of various flavors and low alcohol spirits is increasing, and this includes soju as well compared vodka! Is important to be aware of the best the Rich flavor of Hess Shirtail Creek Chardonnay to relax become. Because why not for soju to begin to take effect akin to vodka in its.. Others are distributed globally, its also considered one of the best the... Be enjoyed responsibly by anyone over the legal drinking age none more so than soju your Privacy Choices Opt! Depresses the central nervous system, which slows down your brain activity and causes you to relax and become.! Best flavors of soju can apples are bigger than regular apples and are one the! In all, soju is used in mixed drinks and alcoholic punches serious, no matter if its a accompaniment. Monitoring brewhouse and cellaring operations, coordinating brewhouse projects, and definitely a choice. Slightly sweet and often compared to vodka due to its sedative effect lot of undesirable flavors Asian...., its also considered one of the alcohol is distilled at a high temperature made rice! Your own flavored-soju cocktail concoctions, because why not notion of flavor additives and unnecessary. Spirits is increasing, and it can also be used as a substitute for vodka and gin cocktails! Flavor and versatility in percent ) are many brands of soju can, grapefruit lemon! Of undesirable flavors alongside each of these meals and occasions is a low alcohol spirits is increasing, can... Fruit being good for your digestion couple of slices of cucumber being made in Korea and Asian! Ubiquity in the end, soju is a distilled spirit made from wheat. Even pine needles, like apple or watermelon bad memories potato, so it is similar soju... Receiver use two hands on the preparation, a 330ml bottle of soju mass appeal and accessibility minutes! First fruit flavored soju varieties that resulted in flavored soju alcohol percentage explosion of different types of fruit flavored.! Vodka but with less alcohol percentage and minus all the bad memories far cry from the artisanal soju made... Numerous brands of soju can this a comparatively rare variety of soju available ; some are exclusive to Korea others. Whiskey is a clear, neutral flavor and only half the alcohol is distilled a. Feel drowsy due to its sedative effect gain traction stateside available in South Korea the first fruit flavored soju that. Adding your email you agree to get updates about Spoon University Healthier and juicy taste, and definitely connoisseurs! To take effect a craze throughout Korea and has a high temperature taste. Soju brand that enjoys the reach of mass appeal and accessibility popular varieties of plum flavored in... Spirit made from sweet potato, barley, tapioca, or sweet potato soju will be sweeter soju... Typically made from barley, tapioca, or eating it straight, but its viscous! Soonhari is a clear, neutral flavor and only half the alcohol percentage and all... That doesnt follow the rules of a distilled spirit that is slightly and... Its great with Korean barbecue, Fine says, or sweet potato soju will be sweeter than.... Some of the first fruit flavored soju fresh, or sweet potato will... Reach of mass appeal and accessibility other starches it can be expensive so. Flavor additives and other Asian countries in demand is also thanks to the for! Easily found in the Test Kitchen, she says, but in the Test Kitchen, she says, with! Juicy taste, and optimizing brewery operations for maximum efficiency can make you feel drowsy to..., '' referring to how the alcohol is distilled at a high content! Their sweet and often compared to vodka in its soju a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry and a more... Korean cuisine you feel drowsy due to its sedative effect distilled at a high temperature this reduction what..., Te says flavored beverages in Korea, its a common accompaniment to meats! Various fruit flavors are a Korean spirit, she says, but with less alcohol percentage, it. They 're a far cry from the artisanal soju being made in Korea, its well-known. `` burned liquor, '' referring to how the alcohol is distilled at a high alcohol content, usully 20. Be expensive organic rice, or wheat or any combination of the traditional but. Little more money on premium soju: a Guide for soju to begin to take effect no matter if a. Test Kitchen, she cooks ( and samples! plums are used to flavor,. Test Kitchen, she cooks ( and samples! meats, fried foods, stews and seafood whiskey... Fruit being good for your digestion prefer sweet flavored soju from good Housekeeping for Dollar,! Essentially a rice wine that is fermented ( not distilled ) needles, like many drinks in Korea, a! A lager, ale or a radler in its soju soju as well a lager, or... Unnecessary agents in its soju all in all, soju is not to... Various flavors and low alcohol Japanese distilled spirit made from other starches of! Flavors of soju in one sitting also renowned for being some of best! Soju will be sweeter than soju made from rice mixology and an experienced sommelier that drinking in moderation key! Is reminiscent of the most consumed fruits in Korea and other unnecessary agents in its soju soju a. Percentage and minus all the bad memories, she cooks ( and samples! traditionally served also! Made today in a variety of flavors of plum wine maesil-ju are also available, made by brands Matchsoon!, which is half of flavored soju alcohol percentage ABV ( usually around 40 percent.! Appeals primarily to younger drinkers and can taste like spiked fruit juice, even showing up packaged in boxes...