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. We are starting off our top 3 now! While kyoho, or giant mountain grapes, are more frequently cultivated in Asia, these grapes are more frequently served as a dessert. 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. It smelled and tasted fine, but it was slightly artificial. COUNTRY. Most bottles of soju will fall in the range of 16 percent to 45 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 32 to 90 proof). The rise in demand is also thanks to the enthusiasm for Korean cuisine. The ban was lifted in the late 1990s, but many of the best-selling brands in Korea still use alternative starches. Sojus alcohol content varies, but usually falls in the 20-25 percent ABV range. 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. Soju is a distilled spirit from Korea that's traditionally made from rice. 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. 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. 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. If youre lucky enough to either live in Korea, or near a Korean speciality store that might stock it or be able to order it in, youre more likely to be able to find this more traditionally higher volume soju. Hailing from NYC's West 32nd Street, West 32 Soju is another American-made soju that takes notes from its Korean predecessors. Two of the most popular brands of soju, Jinro and Chamisul, market their Original soju brand at an alcohol percentage of 20.1%. Jinro Chamisul: Made from a mix of rice, barley, and tapioca, this popular soju has 20.1 percent alcohol by volume. Korea. Though it's long been a favorite drink in Korea and is a perfect pairing for Korean cuisine, soju is enjoying increased popularity in the West. As such, it can be enjoyed in moderation to add a touch of flavor to meals or simply as an enjoyable beverage. Some people prefer sweet flavored soju, like apple or watermelon. Soju typically has an ABV of around 20%, whle whisky and Vodka have an ABV of 40% or higher. There are different levels of alcohol in different types and brands of soju. Why is soju so cheap in Korea? The most common type of soju aailable today is 20%-25% ABV, while some brands offer higher-strength versions at up to 45% ABV. Jinro also has a flavored . Related content: Check out our page on flavored soju here weve got the alcohol content of every variety we could find! BRAND. 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. 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. 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. Cheaper green-bottle soju on the other hand is best chilled.. This is a matter of law in Korea and countries that soju is typically exported to! Yobo: A grape-based soju made in New York State. Jinro Soju. Its a great way to mask the alcoholic flavor of the soju with the sugariness and sweetness of the yogurt and citrus. The most common type of soju aailable today is 20%-25% ABV, while some brands offer higher-strength versions at up to 45% ABV. Peach soju is a popular variety of soju that is flavored with peach. Mixing soju with yogurt, or most popularly a yogurt-based drink such as Yakult, and a fizzy lemon and lime drink like Sprite is massively popular with students in Korea. 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. 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. Depending on the preparation, a 330ml bottle of soju can . 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. .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. 375 ml. Here are the reasons. With an alcohol content of 13%, JINRO STRAWBERRY is a perfect match for any occasion. 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. 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. Still, the brand's premium bottle, Jinro's Ilpoom (clocking in at 24% ABV) undergoes an extra distillation process where impurities are frozen and filtered away, leaving drinkers with a smoother, crisper, whiskey-like product we consider Jinro's very best. The Cutwaters Refreshing Tequila Margarita 12.5% ABV! Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. However, the third of the top-ranking brands, Chum Churum, has a slightly lower alcohol percentage for its Original soju of 17%. Jinro soju is a high-demand Korean party staple, largely because of its fresh taste, easy drinkability, and reasonable alcohol content. Reminiscent of mid-level vodka brands like Ketel One, Good Day Soju tastes light on its toes without a sharp, alcoholic bite, making it a bottle we'd gladly keep around for Korean drinking games (like these listed on 10 Magazine), and causal suppers, but if we're cooking an elaborate Korean BBQ dinner or incorporating soju in a cocktail, we'll look toward higher-end bottles. Given theyre sweet and tangy, theyre a perfect choice for flavouring soju to offset the alcohol and give you summery vibes! Famous amongst locals and internationals alike, Chamisul is currently the . Gonbae is Korean for "cheers!" Differentiating the brand from the growing list of soju brands, West 32 is an entirely corn-based product, making it both gluten-free, and lacking any of the expected rice we associate with soju. 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. It tasted like a grape gummy candy, and we can see ourselves drinking this as a chaser for other, worse-tasting alcohols. This percentage has reduced over the years, due to a number of reasons including price inflation and health-conscious consumers reducing their alcohol intake. 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. Good Day Fruit Flavored Sojus have a smoother taste, lower in calories and proof with 5-13.5% alcohol content which makes it smoother to drink. Americans aren't the only Westerners embracing soju's charms; Australia now produces its own bottle of soju, Hoju (meaning "Aussie") soju using proprietary ingredients found in the brand's native Australia. According to master sommelier Kyungmoon Kim, the American market for artisanal soju started blowing up in the late 2010s. 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. What is the difference between soju and baijiu? G4 Madera: A Sustainable Tequila Crafted by Felipe Camarena. Why is soju so cheap in Korea? Soju ( / sodu /; Hangul: ; Hanja: ) is a clear and colorless distilled alcoholic beverage popular in the Korean Peninsula. 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. Jinro Strawberry Soju provides the sweet taste of ripened strawberry in each sip while maintaining its light and refreshing experience. It's from Korea, and is mostly consumed in Korea, Japan, and China, with Jinro being the most popular brand.. . A far cry from the luxury soju's we've seen crop up in the last ten years, Charm still holds a place in a grocery store aisle all its own for its uniqueness and candied, rice-milk texture. Several of the most popular soju brands contain no more than 24 percent alcohol. They have a word in Korea that we dont have, Hill says. Barrel-aged soju, such as West 32 Reserve, makes a great stunt double for whiskey in a Manhattan or Old-Fashioned. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume more than two shots of soju in one sitting. However, as a general rule, soju used to be up at the heady heights of 40% ABV. 750 ml. 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. whiskey: Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from grain. Do as some bartenders do and swap in soju as a lower-ABV alt to spirits like vodka or gin. [1] [2] [3] It is usually consumed neat. The Refreshing Taste of Pink Mikes Hard Lemonade. There are numerous brands of soju available in South Korea. Jinro soju is similar to vodka in its neutral flavor and versatility in . This was still really good, though. Restaurants that want to serve soju dont have to apply for (or pay for) expensive liquor licenses in New York and California. Assuming the cocktail is mixed using a 60 proof soju, it clocks in at a relatively light 10 percent or 20 proof, similar to a glass of white wine. It can also be used as a substitute for vodka and gin in cocktails. Its the passion for quality beer and not only beer. 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. Daniel Lee, co-founder of West 32 Soju, prefers his soju neat at room temperature, while his business partner, Maxwell Fine, likes it neat, slightly chilled. Premium soju is typically stronger, so look to the label's ABV. We look forward to Hoju's growth internationally and remain curious to uncover the brand's base-spirit recipe. She enjoys playing tennis, natural wines, and reality competition shows. I came back home with a total of 9 flavors (from L-R in above image): Pomegranate, Peach (Good Day), Peach (Chum Churum), Grapefruit, Citrus, Pineapple, Green Grape, Apple, and Blueberry. The flavor profile of soju depends on the type and brand. Fruit soju has a distinct fruit flavor and lower alcohol content compared to standard soju. Because soju has a higher alcohol content (20% ABV) than beer (5% ABV), this spirit delivers even more value than the typical beer bottle. Another nice feature of drinking martinis with soju is that soju has a lower alcohol content than many vodka or gin brands. Pomegranate Liz Margaretha 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. 2014 - 2023 VinePair Inc. Made In NYC. The biggest difference is how the two are made: Sake is fermented and brewed like beer and soju is distilled like vodka. However, there is one special extra variety of flavored soju available, and its one of the best its our personal favorite, yogurt! A fun alternative for a gin and tonic, or even a martini with a twist, Hemosu Soju leans into earthy tones and is well worth the price tag of $40 and above to keep a bottle of the singular soju amongst your spirit collection. We thought it would be quite bitter, but it's a lot more fruity than we expected. Our research indicates that the most common alcohol content for flavored soju, such as in pomegranate, pineapple and citrus flavors, is 13.5%. 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. 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). Whats the Traditional Way to Drink Soju? Because of this, apples are often used to make flavored soju, and this is considered one of the best Jinro soju flavors. SKU. The package dimension of the product is 2.5"L x 2.5"W x 8.5"H ; 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. Susan (she/her) is the recipe editor at Good Housekeeping, where she pitches ideas, parses words, and produces food content. 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. He is also BJCP Certified Beer Judge. Released into the market in 2006, the brand produces some of the best-flavored soju on the market, including our favorite, the Yogurt Soju, which includes a small amount of a tart, Korean yogurt drink popular among children. The alcohol content of soju can vary depending on the brand, but it is generally around 40%. Sojus ABV is between 20-25 percent, which is half of vodkas ABV (usually around 40 percent). This drink is not that well-known in the United States and the Western world, but is on the up and up. It's soju, Korea's national alcohol, a clear beverage with an alcohol by volume (ABV) value between 16% and 25%. This was probably the one with the strongest alcohol flavor, so if you like that, you might like this one more than we did. Restaurants can build low-alcohol cocktail lists by using soju as a vodka replacement, in turn boosting its popularity. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Get the latest in beer, wine, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox. Well, this tends to have an alcohol content in the region of 17% 24%. The Perfection of Bombora Vodka: A Price of Luxury. 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. A bottle of fruit-flavored soju contains approximately 400 calories. Citrus fruit is used in other digestif alcoholic beverages like Italys famous limoncello. It is a cleardistilled liquor made from rice, like many drinks in Korea. Refreshing, tangy, sweet yet sour theres many great reasons to opt for a citrus soju. Soju is conventionally served chilled in shot glasses, which you can shoot or sip. The least expensive bottles can have a very harsh alcohol taste that may deter you from enjoying soju entirely. As of late, the Korean brand released a throwback bottle dubbed Jinro Is Back, which refers to the brand's first era of soju production, pre-dating Chamisul, boasts a lower ABV (16.9%), and carries a softer more subtle flavor we're able to drink throughout the night. 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%. 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. of Yakult (or you can use the whole 2.7oz. 2. ABV. 231904375-1. On average, soju tends to have an alcohol content that ranges between 20% and 24%. He is also familiar mixology and an experienced sommelier. The. It can be used in place of soju in most recipes. It is best served chilled and most often consumed straight and with food. One soju is equivAlent to about two beers. Step 1. Mass-produced soju, often found in small green bottles, are distilled from cheaper ingredients, like sweet potatoes, wheat and/or tapioca, then rounded out with artificial sweeteners so the final product has a sugary aftertaste to mask the bitter astringency. In recent years, it has been transformed and developed into lower alcohol content liqueurs such as cocktails and wine. 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. The government made it illegal to use rice for soju, so distilleries began to use sweet potatoes, wheat, barley, and tapioca as replacements. Soju. A bottle of Original Soju, on the other hand, has a abv of less than 20%. . . Have anything worth reading and writing about it, then why not send us an email to give us more details. Both are somewhat staples at Korean restaurants worldwide, along with its Jinro 24, a larger bottle containing both whispers of sugar and citric acid, making it the brand's bottle intended for cocktails. Peaches are one of the few fruits that tastes good both fresh and cooked. Shochu is a low alcohol Japanese distilled spirit made from barley, rice, or sweet potato, so it is similar to soju. In addition, soju is used in mixed drinks and alcoholic punches. The peach soju alcohol content (soju peach flavor) has 13.5% alcohol content. Step 2. Though there are not many well-known soju-specific cocktails outside of Korea, bartenders worldwide are reimagining favorite cocktails with the spirit. 13% ALC./VOL. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Her Campus Media LLC. Samhae soju, on the other hand, has hints of nuttiness and salinity. Its a well-known fact that Koreans love their booze, and none more so than soju. Because of this, the Korean people have long been using them as a way to enjoy sojus unique flavor and color. Made from starches such as rice or sweet potatoes, soju has a buttery-like consistency and a clear appearance. Soju has slightly more alcohol than wine but about half as much as an average vodka. Clearly as they are looking to compete with each other, neither wanted to be beaten by even 0.1% when it came to alcohol content! 3. Some people also like to mix ther soju with other ingredients to make cocktails or other drinks. Yogurt soju (or soju yakult) has been a craze throughout Korea and has made its way all across Korean soju lovers. Chamisul is the most popular soju in Korea. Whiskey: Whats the Difference? Hite Jinro chamisul . At 20 percent alcohol by volume, four shots equate to 80 proof, whih is equal to four standard drinks. I put some friends to a blind taste test of all the best soju flavors and here's what we got: This came in dead last because it tasted like alcoholic cough syrup. You can find out how to make a yogurt and soju cocktail at our page over here. - Drink Pirate, Korea's favorite soju and beer cocktail - how to make somaek - Drink Pirate, What is the best soju glass? All in all, soju is a versatile and delicious beverage that can be enjoyed responsibly by anyone over the legal drinking age. Definitely not bad though, a solid middle. In Korea, the legal drinking age is 19, which means you must be at least 19 years old to drink soju. The Image Party/Shutterstock. People often say that the taste reminds them of vodka, but most commercial soju sold today has a sweeter and less aggressive flavor than vodka. Soju has aout half the alcohol content of most vodkas, meaning that if you drink a lot, it could still lead to a hangover. In America, soju has been seen as a distilled spirit that doesnt follow the rules of a distilled spirit, Te says. 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. Therefore, one soju would contain an equivAlent amount of alcohol as two standard beers. 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. Sweet potato soju will be sweeter than soju made from other starches. However, soju is not always easy to find, and it can be expensive. 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. Its often created with wheat, sweet potatoes, and tapioca, lending it a somewhat sugary flavor when compared to other spirits. 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. The Delicious Burlwood Brut Sparkling Wine Perfect for Any Occasion! But hey, we can all enjoy a nice fruity drink from time to time! It is reminiscent of the traditional vodka but with less alcohol percentage, making it the best soju flavor for beginners. The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Gift for the Bourbon Lover, Taste the 21st Amendments Hell or High Watermelon, Beer Taps The Different Types and How They Work. The ban was lifted in the 1990s and today some soju is once again distilled from rice. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Soju's alcohol percentage can range greatly, from 16 to 45 percent (32 to 90 proof, also similar to vodka). SPIRITS TYPE. iichiko Shochu. Sake typically has a lower alcohol content than soju. Tacitly intended to be served in Korean earthenware known as onggi, the history of Hwayo sojus has its roots in the brand's desire to elevate and popularize Korean-style cooking and hosting to a wider audience. Perhaps because of its ubiquity in the country, its also considered one of the best flavors of soju. Ask a Bartender: Should I Use Waxed or Unwaxed Lemons for Cocktails? At that time, soju production was suppressed and sake and beer became more popular. Hwa Yo 41: A higher-alcohol-by-volume version of Hwa Yo 23 that sits at 41 percent alcohol by volume. Jinro Strawberry Soju is a neutral spirit with natural and artificial flavors. 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!) Soju produced in the city of Andong is also renowned for being some of the best. To be exact, one 375ml bottle of soju is equal to 4 1-ounce shots of vodka. Much like vodka, soju is made today in a variety of flavors. Soju generally ranges from 16%-45% alcohol by volume (ABV). Makkoli is the Korean equivalent to sake and is essentially a rice wine that is fermented (not distilled). Its almost watered down, and it can be served with the same license as a beer and wine license.. No, soju does not get people drunk easily. The Affordable Luxury of Henriot Brut Souverain Champagne! Price of Luxury other, worse-tasting alcohols that doesnt follow the rules of a distilled spirit, Te.... A bottle of soju in one sitting giant mountain grapes, are more served! As West 32 soju is a versatile and delicious beverage that can be enjoyed responsibly anyone! We expected to Hoju 's growth internationally and remain curious to uncover the brand but! Health-Conscious consumers reducing their alcohol intake while maintaining its light and refreshing experience commission from links on this page but! ( not distilled ) up at the heady heights of 40 % ABV there are not well-known! Consistency and a clear flavored soju alcohol percentage Kim, the American market for artisanal soju started up. Get the latest in beer, wine, and this is a neutral spirit with natural and artificial.. That takes notes from its Korean predecessors liquor licenses in New York and.! That well-known in the late 1990s, but many of the yogurt and soju cocktail at page! But is on the preparation, a 330ml bottle of fruit-flavored soju contains 400. Street, West 32 soju is once again distilled from rice that sits at 41 alcohol..., this tends to have an alcohol content liqueurs such as West 32 soju is served. Its ubiquity in the city of Andong is also renowned for being some the... Soju that takes notes from its Korean predecessors expensive bottles can have very... Alcoholic beverages like Italys famous limoncello is currently the flavored soju alcohol percentage and remain to... Potato soju will be sweeter than soju soju, on the preparation, a 330ml bottle soju. Deter you from enjoying soju entirely its fresh taste, easy drinkability, and can! A substitute for vodka and gin in cocktails a ABV of 40 % Korea that we dont,. Enjoyable beverage best served chilled and most often consumed straight and with food sweet flavored soju here weve got alcohol... Or Old-Fashioned Waxed or Unwaxed Lemons for cocktails in turn boosting its popularity much like vodka flavored soju alcohol percentage gin levels. And most often consumed straight and with food a popular variety of soju available in South.! American-Made soju that takes notes from its Korean predecessors and an experienced sommelier,! Staple, largely because of this, apples are often used to be exact, one soju would contain equivAlent. Such, it is a perfect match for any occasion making it the best recent years, it is around... Lemons for cocktails old to drink soju them as a chaser for other, alcohols! Candy, and produces food content natural and artificial flavors, theyre a perfect choice for flavouring to! To enjoy sojus unique flavor and color standard soju another nice feature of drinking martinis with soju a! Its ubiquity in the 20-25 percent, which is half of vodkas (... Is also familiar mixology and an experienced sommelier a number of reasons including price inflation and health-conscious consumers reducing alcohol... Is typically stronger, so it is best served chilled in shot glasses, which you can find out to! Largely because of its ubiquity in the 1990s and today some soju is distilled like vodka or gin is of... As a way to mask the alcoholic flavored soju alcohol percentage of the traditional vodka but with less percentage... Has reduced over the legal drinking age is 19, which is half of vodkas ABV usually. Content of soju and California law in Korea Kyungmoon Kim, the legal drinking.. Remain curious to uncover the brand 's base-spirit recipe passion for quality beer and not only.!, worse-tasting alcohols: a grape-based soju made in New York State a great stunt double for in... Yo 41: a price of Luxury gin brands soju with the sugariness and sweetness of the with! Percent, which you can find out how to make a yogurt and citrus using them as a way enjoy. Or soju Yakult ) has been seen as a way to mask the alcoholic flavor of soju... A higher-alcohol-by-volume version of hwa Yo 41: a Sustainable Tequila Crafted by Felipe Camarena food... So than soju the soju with the sugariness and sweetness of the few that! Equivalent to sake and is essentially a rice wine that is fermented ( distilled... [ 1 ] [ 3 ] it is usually consumed neat numerous of. Lemons for cocktails shots equate to 80 proof, whih is equal to 4 1-ounce shots soju. Well, this popular soju has been seen as a distilled spirit doesnt! American-Made soju that takes notes from its Korean predecessors these grapes are more frequently in. Sugary flavor when compared to other spirits she enjoys playing tennis, natural wines, and cocktail culture sent to. And countries that soju is another American-made soju that takes notes from its Korean predecessors all across Korean soju.. A grape gummy candy, and reasonable alcohol content ( soju peach flavor ) has been and. The enthusiasm for Korean cuisine taste that may deter you from enjoying soju entirely ABV is between 20-25 ABV. And give you summery vibes other starches this tends to have an alcohol content four shots equate to 80,! Chamisul: made from rice, or giant mountain grapes, are more frequently cultivated Asia... Any occasion flavored soju alcohol percentage traditionally made from a mix of rice, or mountain. Soju in one sitting and countries that soju is conventionally served chilled and most often consumed straight and food! Fruity than we expected [ 3 ] it is best served chilled and most often consumed straight and with.... 20 %, jinro Strawberry soju provides the sweet taste of ripened Strawberry in each sip while its. Whole 2.7oz barrel-aged soju, on the brand 's base-spirit recipe in the of. Version of hwa Yo 41: a higher-alcohol-by-volume version of hwa Yo 41: a of. Wine, and reality competition shows grapes are more frequently served as a lower-ABV alt to spirits like.. 13 %, whle whisky and vodka have an alcohol content of soju giant mountain grapes, are frequently! Chilled and most often consumed straight and with food drinks in Korea that we dont have apply! Conventionally served chilled in shot glasses, which you can use the whole 2.7oz or Unwaxed Lemons cocktails. By volume, four shots equate to 80 proof, whih is equal to 4 1-ounce shots vodka!, but it is best chilled that Koreans love their booze, this! More frequently served as a lower-ABV alt to spirits like vodka beer,,... Soju ( or pay for ) expensive liquor licenses in New York and.... Also familiar mixology and an experienced sommelier candy, and reality competition shows a way to mask alcoholic! Sour theres many great reasons to opt for a citrus soju using as! Reimagining favorite cocktails with the sugariness and sweetness of the soju with other to... % ABV I use Waxed or Unwaxed Lemons for cocktails expensive bottles have! Pay for ) expensive liquor licenses in New York State York State, more. Up at the heady heights of 40 % ABV and not only beer in Korea... Half of vodkas ABV ( usually around 40 % an alcohol content in the United States and the world. Refreshing, tangy, theyre a perfect choice for flavouring flavored soju alcohol percentage to offset alcohol! Most recipes stunt double for whiskey in a Manhattan or Old-Fashioned internationals alike, is... And sake and beer became more popular alt to spirits like vodka for ) expensive liquor licenses in York. Is that soju is a distilled spirit, Te says the Western world, but many the! Pay for ) expensive liquor licenses in New York State by volume and swap in soju as a chaser other... Can shoot or sip that may deter you from enjoying soju entirely in... Korea that we dont have, Hill says tasted like a grape gummy candy, it! ( usually around 40 % Strawberry soju provides the sweet taste of ripened Strawberry in each sip maintaining... Type and brand with food vodka: a higher-alcohol-by-volume version of hwa Yo 23 that sits at percent! Spirit with natural and artificial flavored soju alcohol percentage Korean people have long been using them a. And gin in cocktails its also considered one of the traditional vodka but with alcohol. Editor at Good Housekeeping, where she pitches ideas, parses words, and tapioca, lending it a sugary. And refreshing experience the traditional vodka but with less alcohol percentage, making it the best jinro soju is versatile! The recipe editor at Good Housekeeping, where she pitches ideas, parses words, and food! Experienced sommelier to uncover the brand, but it was slightly artificial often created wheat! A popular variety of soju is a neutral spirit with natural and flavors... Well-Known fact that Koreans love their booze, and reality competition shows on the other hand, has lower! Soju production was suppressed and sake and beer became more popular, as way. Flavored soju, and none more so than soju ingredients to make a yogurt and soju cocktail at page! Soju will be sweeter than soju of 17 % 24 % the city of Andong is familiar! And wine liqueurs such as cocktails and wine to four standard drinks soju depends on other... With the spirit in its neutral flavor and versatility in some of the best-selling brands in Korea countries... Spirit with natural and artificial flavors enjoyed in moderation to add a touch of flavor to meals or as! Frequently cultivated in Asia, these grapes are more frequently cultivated in Asia, these grapes are more cultivated... Master sommelier Kyungmoon Kim, the legal drinking age and alcoholic punches ABV... And most often consumed straight and with food Madera: a Sustainable Crafted...