#SpoonTip: Spoon does not promote binge or underage drinking. Peaches are one of the few fruits that tastes good both fresh and cooked. Pomegranate is popular in Korea in the summertime, when its sold on street stalls as a juice and in fizzy drinks. [Your questions answered for 2023]. These days the demand for soju of various flavors and low alcohol spirits is increasing, and various fruit flavors are . There are many brands of soju available; some are exclusive to Korea while others are distributed globally. Fruit soju has a distinct fruit flavor and lower alcohol content compared to standard soju. Pineapples are one of those fruits that not everyone is crazy for, but I personally love them a lot. Its a well-known fact that Koreans love their booze, and none more so than soju. The difference between the old and new waves is as stark as denim and silk. Soju can also affect the neurotransmitters in your brain that are responsible for controlling your sleep-wake cycle. 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. He is also BJCP Certified Beer Judge. Premium soju is typically stronger, so look to the label's ABV. From Good Housekeeping for Dollar General, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. The World of Pascal Jolivets Exceptional Sauvignon Blanc! 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. We are starting off our top 3 now! It can also be used as a substitute for vodka and gin in cocktails. Try These Substitutes, 6 Foods to Keep On Hand for After-School Snacking. Typically starting with the eldest member of the group, everyone at the table pours someone else a glass (never for oneself). 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). 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. #SpoonTip: try mixing different flavors together and making your own flavored-soju cocktail concoctions, because why not? They are popular for their sweet and juicy taste, and for its nutritious benefits. However, there is one special extra variety of flavored soju available, and its one of the best its our personal favorite, yogurt! Korea. Furthermore, the high sugar content in soju also slows down the rate at which it is absorbed by the body, making it difficult to get drunk quickly. No, soju does not necessarily give you a hangover, but it can depending on how much you drink and the quality of the soju. With the rise of the trend of Korean food, soju is starting to gain popularity even in the U.S. Soju can often be found in restaurants and storesincluding Asian food marketsthat don't have a full liquor license because it's lower proof and often categorized (mistakenly) as a rice wine. This must be one of the best Jinro soju flavors, as theyve decided to can it and make it available as a single serve drink! Gonbae is Korean for "cheers!" Citrus fruit is used in other digestif alcoholic beverages like Italys famous limoncello. [2023 FAQ]. Step 1. She enjoys playing tennis, natural wines, and reality competition shows. 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. Soonhari, a brand name that translates to "smooth," cornered the young, female-identifying consumers of Korea by marketing a soju both low in calories and one whose celebrity spokesmodels are often K-Pop stars and actors. 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. You can also find soju distilled from corn, Korean plums, grapes, or even pine needles, like Dam Soul Pine soju. Soju is also an easy way to transform favorite drinks into low-proof cocktails. The Calorie Count of Your Favorite Vodka Drink! 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. 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. [Your questions answered for 2023]. 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. 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 probably the sweetest out of the bunch, which really helped to mask the flavor of alcohol. As a popularly grown fruit in the country, it also makes a perfect flavouring for soju. Four shots of soju is a very large amount to consume in one sitting. 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. 2014 - 2023 VinePair Inc. Made In NYC. Like the juniper-based spirit, the Hemosu distillery strives to translate the beverage's terrier rather than hide the flavor of the spirit, and each of the variations creates a unique bottle with a swagger all its own. Despite the worldwide sales numbers of soju, the spirit isnt well known in the United States. Pace yourself when drinking any type of alcoholic beverage including soju! 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. Where to Buy Soju . 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. 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. This saves you having to have lots of different fruit juices in your fridge, or to worry about the supermarket not having your favorite fruit available. Good for cocktails. Soju is usually consumed neat, often chilled and sipped straight in small glasses. The alcohol content of commercially made soju can vary significantly, so be sure to check the label. Its also a perfect after dinner choice, with citrus fruit being good for your digestion. A higher-alcohol-by-volume version of Hwa Yo 23, known as Hwa Yo 41, has 41 percent alcohol by volume. Less expensive varieties are often . Grapes grown in Korea are almost exclusively red, with the Campbell Early grape being the most commonly produced, alongside the Kyoho and Sheridan grape varieties. Soju is traditionally consumed straight with food but also mixes well into cocktails. Soju is usually made from fermented grains, such as wheat, barley and/or rice, but can also be made from other starchy ingredients, like sweet potatoes or tapioca. Soju's alcohol percentage can range greatly, from 16 to 45 percent (32 to 90 proof, also similar to vodka). 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. This drink is not that well-known in the United States and the Western world, but is on the up and up. However, the third of the top-ranking brands, Chum Churum, has a slightly lower alcohol percentage for its Original soju of 17%. Soju, or "sweeter vodka" in Korean, is an alcoholic beverage with a milder flavor profile than vodka. After the first drink, glasses are filled up whenever theyre empty, and people pass the bottle around the table. High-proof soju will stand up better in cocktails as the softer versions can get lost behind a drink's other flavors. This percentage has reduced over the years, due to a number of reasons including price inflation and health-conscious consumers reducing their alcohol intake. We can't promise that everything we get will be on the top page Can Can Awards, but we can assure you that we'll read all emails. Taste the Sweetness of Truly Strawberry Lemonade Hard Seltzer 6 Pack Cans! In addition to drinking it with food, the way its traditionally served is also important. Soju hasnt received the respect or elegance as sake, Te says, but its on the cusp. The sweetness level varies from brand to brand as well; some are quite sweet while others have a more dry finish. - Drink Pirate, What is the alcohol content, percentage and ABV of soju? The soju giant produces a handful of flavored soju products, including grapefruit, grape, strawberry, and plum, but it's the line of pure sojus that share space in our wine rack. Made from starches such as rice or sweet potatoes, soju has a buttery-like consistency and a clear appearance. 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. What drives us into doing what we do? Soju is typically 375ml and 20% ABV, whch is equivalent to 1/4 of a 750 ml bottle of 40% ABV vodka. Why is soju so cheap in Korea? So he founded KMS Imports to bring Michelin-worthy soju from Korea to the U.S., giving these small producers much-needed representation outside of the country. 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. Chamisul is the most popular soju in Korea. Much like vodka, soju is made today in a variety of flavors. It is clear in color and usually between 20-50% alcohol by volume. 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. 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. Soju from this brand . Traditional Korean soju and Japanese sake are similar in that they are both made from rice. The Perfection of Bombora Vodka: A Price of Luxury. 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. Susan (she/her) is the recipe editor at Good Housekeeping, where she pitches ideas, parses words, and produces food content. and heard often when enjoying soju. Yes, soju is typically drunk as a shot. Despite the fact that some flavors ranked lower than others, I'd still gladly take any flavored soju over most other alcohols any day. Soju is often sweeter while sake is dry in comparison. They have a word in Korea that we dont have, Hill says. G4 Madera: A Sustainable Tequila Crafted by Felipe Camarena. 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. Soju ( / sodu /; Hangul: ; Hanja: ) is a clear and colorless distilled alcoholic beverage popular in the Korean Peninsula. A far cry from Korean-produced sojus, Hoju mounts the neutral spirit from an entirely different perspective and uses a widespread, but proprietary, a combination of Australian crops to create this hybrid bottle. 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. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume more than two shots of soju in one sitting. With its clear, almost water-like appearance and smooth taste, it's easy to understand why Soju has become so popular. Tom is an expert organizer of beer festivals, wine tastings, and brewery tours. Like most sojus, Daesun claims its clear-beverage is both fresh and smooth, but what Daesun alone seems to add to its soju is a sweetener called thaumatin, notes Drizzly. So just what is the alcohol content of soju, and what percentage alcohol does it contain? If you're looking for a soju substitute for a recipe, consider using one of these options. 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. Have anything worth reading and writing about it, then why not send us an email to give us more details. But hey, we can all enjoy a nice fruity drink from time to time! The Refreshing Taste of Pink Mikes Hard Lemonade. 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. As such, it can be enjoyed in moderation to add a touch of flavor to meals or simply as an enjoyable beverage. These more complex versions, made in Korea as well as stateside, arent meant for shooting; theyre better suited for sipping and appreciating like fine wine. and the two rotate for top honors regularly. Jinro Strawberry Soju provides the sweet taste of ripened strawberry in each sip while maintaining its light and refreshing experience. A 360 ml bottle of fresh Soju contains approximately 540 calories, 20 g of carbs, and an average alcohol level above 15%. iichiko Shochu. 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! Soju is a Korean alcoholic beverage made from rice, wheat, or barley. 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. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. .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. 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. Because soju has a higher alcohol content (20% ABV) than beer (5% ABV), this spirit delivers even more value than the typical beer bottle. The national drink of Korea, soju is the best-selling liquor in the world by volume, and sales have only been growing in recent years. Sojuwas first distilled in Korea during the 1300s. So, basically a lot like vodka, but with around half the alcohol percentage and minus all the bad memories. COUNTRY. They're a far cry from the artisanal soju being made in Korea and, more recently, in the U.S. While traditionally served neat, soju can also be used as an ingredient in cocktails or mixed with oter beverages to create unique drinks. vodka: Vodka is a clear, neutral-flavored spirit with a high alcohol content. 2. 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. [4] [5] Heres everything you need to know: Soju is a clear, neutral spirit usually distilled from grains. To make it easy, some brands even mention the alcohol content of the soju in the branding, by ending the name with a number which corresponds to the alcohol by volume percentage. . It appeals primarily to younger drinkers and can taste like spiked fruit juice, even showing up packaged in juice-like boxes. One soju is equivAlent to about two beers. 375 ml. If a business has a beer and wine license, then it can sell soju. BRAND. Yuja flavor is one of the first fruit flavored soju varieties that resulted in an explosion of different types of fruit flavored soju. Soju is a traditional Korean distilled beverage that is made from a variety of grains such as rice, wheat, barley, and potatoes. Distilling rice was banned, so Koreans started making soju with alternative starches like wheat, sweet potatoes, and tapioca, Hill tells VinePair. Well, this tends to have an alcohol content in the region of 17% 24%. 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. The word soju means "burned liquor," referring to how the alcohol is distilled at a high temperature. It's rare that any soju is left in the bottle once it's open and it is known for producing some nasty hangovers. No, children should not drink soju or any other type of alcoholic beverage. Soju produced in the city of Andong is also renowned for being some of the best. 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. 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. Whiskey: Whats the Difference? Jinro soju is similar to vodka in its neutral flavor and versatility in . As a whole, the soju outsells all other liquor categoriesit's rival is the Chinese spirit, baijiu. 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. 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Way to transform favorite drinks into low-proof cocktails pomegranate is popular in Korea in city! Strawberry in each sip while maintaining its light and refreshing experience the respect or elegance as sake Te. And brewery tours Korea that we dont have, Hill says content to... To check the label in each sip while maintaining its light and refreshing experience neurotransmitters in your brain that responsible... As well ; some are exclusive to Korea while others have a word in Korea in the summertime, its... Its also a perfect flavouring for soju of various flavors and low alcohol spirits increasing...
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