Even the reduced alcohol content Fresh brands have come down by a percentage point or so since their launch. 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. Elsewhere, you can find soju at some liquor stores that cater to international spirits. Grapefruit is one of the most commonly consumed fruits in Korea, along with apples and pears. 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. It is clear in color and usually between 20-50% alcohol by volume. Typically starting with the eldest member of the group, everyone at the table pours someone else a glass (never for oneself). 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. 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. 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! Has 23 percent alcohol by volume. Why is soju so cheap in Korea? They're a far cry from the artisanal soju being made in Korea and, more recently, in the U.S. 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. Charm: Distilled from rice, barley, sweet potatoes, and tapioca, Charm is made in Korea and has 20 percent alcohol by volume. For example, some of our favorite flavored soju types are much lower in alcoholic content than standard, traditional soju. Most bottles of soju will fall in the range of 16 percent to 45 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 32 to 90 proof). It's not uncommon for soju to be made with a combination of starches. Its often created with wheat, sweet potatoes, and tapioca, lending it a somewhat sugary flavor when compared to other spirits. recipes, working with developers to deliver the best written versions possible. Peach flavored soju is also available in a sparkling canned drink. Citrus fruit is used in other digestif alcoholic beverages like Italys famous limoncello. Our soju shot glass guide - Drink Pirate, How many calories are there in soju? However, the third of the top-ranking brands, Chum Churum, has a slightly lower alcohol percentage for its Original soju of 17%. Traditional Korean soju and Japanese sake are similar in that they are both made from rice. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Her Campus Media LLC. 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 most common type of soju aailable today is 20%-25% ABV, while some brands offer higher-strength versions at up to 45% ABV. As a popularly grown fruit in the country, it also makes a perfect flavouring for soju. In fact, regular soju tastes pretty much like diluted vodka. The Unique Taste of American Spirit Brown Cigarettes. So, basically a lot like vodka, but with around half the alcohol percentage and minus all the bad memories. [2023 FAQ]. 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. Ask a Bartender: Should I Use Waxed or Unwaxed Lemons for Cocktails? Restaurants that want to serve soju dont have to apply for (or pay for) expensive liquor licenses in New York and California. Soju is traditionally consumed straight with food but also mixes well into cocktails. 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. 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. 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. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. The alcohol content ranges from 13% up to 53% alcohol by volume depending on the brand. COUNTRY. But what about the regular, non-flavored soju? Soju has aout half the alcohol content of most vodkas, meaning that if you drink a lot, it could still lead to a hangover. Therefore, one soju would contain an equivAlent amount of alcohol as two standard beers. [1] [2] [3] It is usually consumed neat. This drink is not that well-known in the United States and the Western world, but is on the up and up. I put some friends to a blind taste test of all the best soju flavors and here's what we got: The Results 9. Whilst this type of soju is still available, it is much rarer and considerably less available than the more mass-produced and mass-marketed brands like Jinro and Chamisul. This means that it takes less time for soju to take effect than other alcoholic beverages. If you're not ready to take a plunge into the world of soju flavors, then this is right up your alley being one of the best Jinro soju flavors! It is illegal for anyone under the age of 19 to purchase, possess or consume any type of alcohol. 750 ml. 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. Soju has slightly more alcohol than wine but about half as much as an average vodka. It's light, inoffensive, low in calories, and it's easy to swig an entire bottle without realizing it. Jinro Strawberry Soju is a neutral spirit with natural and artificial flavors. It has a high alcohol content, usully around 20%, and can make you feel drowsy due to its sedative effect. The word soju means "burned liquor," referring to how the alcohol is distilled at a high temperature. 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. Not for sipping on its own or to be enjoyed with a meal, Daesun is intended as a lux alternative to drinking in groups and in mixed drinks. Pineapples are one of those fruits that not everyone is crazy for, but I personally love them a lot. 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. While traditionally served neat, soju can also be used as an ingredient in cocktails or mixed with oter beverages to create unique drinks. 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. Whiskey: Whats the Difference? Long underrated in America, soju is finally starting to gain traction stateside. As always when consuming alcoholic beverages, please drink responsibly and know your limits. 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. 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. Do as some bartenders do and swap in soju as a lower-ABV alt to spirits like vodka or gin. These types of flavored soju have been released to attract supposedly a female target market. Restaurants can build low-alcohol cocktail lists by using soju as a vodka replacement, in turn boosting its popularity. 750 ml. The Refreshing Taste of Jupiler Beer: Belgiums No. What is the difference between soju and baijiu? 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. [4] [5] YOKAICHI MUGI Honkaku Shochu. 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. Original Soju VS Flavored Soju. He recommends a light lager for the beer the less flavor it has, the better. So-maek is a classic partner to Korean fried chicken or try it with a pile of savory sticky wings. .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. The peach soju alcohol content (soju peach flavor) has 13.5% alcohol content. of Yakult (or you can use the whole 2.7oz. Unlike American bourbon, Hwayo keeps a master distiller or an employee whose job duties entail overseeing the consistency of the spirit on staff. #SpoonTip: try mixing different flavors together and making your own flavored-soju cocktail concoctions, because why not? Its also a perfect after dinner choice, with citrus fruit being good for your digestion. And back in the motherland? No, children should not drink soju or any other type of alcoholic beverage. Korean culture is instilled with social rules associated with drinking soju. Additionally, impurities in soju can cause headaches and stomach upset even if you have not drunk too much. Credit to Chamisul. You might be wondering, given this reduction, what the alcohol content of soju was traditionally. 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. 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. Tokki: A premium rice soju made in Brooklyn using the traditional method. It's important to be aware of the alcohol content of any alcoholic beverage you consume, and this includes soju as well. Savor the Rich Flavor of Hess Shirtail Creek Chardonnay! 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. There are different levels of alcohol in different types and brands of soju. We look forward to Hoju's growth internationally and remain curious to uncover the brand's base-spirit recipe. 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. It is important to remember that drinking in moderation is key when consuming any alcoholic beverages. A bottle of fruit-flavored soju contains approximately 400 calories. The ban was lifted in the late 1990s, but many of the best-selling brands in Korea still use alternative starches. plum, green grape, and strawberry has just 13% ABV. The grapefruit flavor was definitely better than we thought it would be. It may be made from sweet potato, barley, tapioca, or wheat or any combination of the ingredients. It is reminiscent of the traditional vodka but with less alcohol percentage, making it the best soju flavor for beginners. It is typically made from rice, wheat, or barley and has an alcohol content of around 15-45% ABV. 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. Soju is a Korean alcoholic beverage known for its neutral flavor and high alcohol content. Soju generally ranges from 16%-45% alcohol by volume (ABV). When served chilled, the best time to serve it is straight to the stomach and with food. Pomegranate is popular in Korea in the summertime, when its sold on street stalls as a juice and in fizzy drinks. Soju's alcohol percentage can range greatly, from 16 to 45 percent (32 to 90 proof, also similar to vodka). This was probably the one with the strongest alcohol flavor, so if you like that, you might like this one more than we did. Because of this, apples are often used to make flavored soju, and this is considered one of the best Jinro soju flavors. Jinro Soju has a clear, neutral flavor and only half the alcohol content of vodka. Jinro Soju. 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. Its probably a less commonly grown and eaten fruit in other countries, which makes it a great choice to try on your journey through all of the different varieties of flavored soju! But what many people don't realize is that Soju is actually quite powerful, and can be surprisingly high in Alcohol content. Fortified Wine: Alcohol Percentage 16-24% Unfortified Wine: Alcohol Percentage 14-16% Malt beverage: Alcohol Percentage 15% Champagne: Alcohol Percentage 12.5% Vodka: Alcohol Percentage 40-95% Gin: Alcohol Percentage 36-50% Tequila: Alcohol Percentage 50-51% Rum: Alcohol Percentage 36-50% But there are other ways Koreans indulge in the juicy and refreshing goodness of grapefruit. . However, its uniqueness in the market makes it a curiosity worth sipping if you encounter it in the wild. Jinro. 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. This was still really good, though. Although it is much stronger than beer or Wine, it is still not as strong as other hard alcohols like whisky and Vodka. Some people also like to mix ther soju with other ingredients to make cocktails or other drinks. He has a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry and a Master Degree in Brewing Science. . 2014 - 2023 VinePair Inc. Made In NYC. Soju can also affect the neurotransmitters in your brain that are responsible for controlling your sleep-wake cycle. The Cutwaters Refreshing Tequila Margarita 12.5% ABV! About this item . It's from Korea, and is mostly consumed in Korea, Japan, and China, with Jinro being the most popular brand.. Ask Adam: Is It Rude to Take a Picture of the Bartender While They Make a Showy Drink? Soju is neutral-tasting like vodka, but doesnt have the harsh alcohol burn thanks to having around half the percentage of alcohol. Perhaps the only soju that shares a botanical blend more like tasting notes found in gin than vodka,Hemosu Soju produces several luxury bottles besides its flagship "Straight Soju" bottle, including a ginseng bottle, a barley bottle, and our favorite Hemosu's Pine Forest bottle. Why Trust Us? Kore- Jinro Strawberry Soju is infused with natural strawberry flavor for a refreshing, sweet taste. Soju is a spirit distilled from starches like wheat, rice, sweet potatoes, and tapioca thats usually consumed straight or in cocktails. Most recently, Blackpink's Jennie Kim, simply known as Jennie, has signed on as the brand's face of the #partywithme campaign, with commercials and life-size cutouts of her likeness lining liquor aisles. and the two rotate for top honors regularly. Hwa Yo 41: A higher-alcohol-by-volume version of Hwa Yo 23 that sits at 41 percent alcohol by volume. 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. Soju is conventionally served chilled in shot glasses, which you can shoot or sip. 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. Get the latest in beer, wine, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox. At that time, soju production was suppressed and sake and beer became more popular. Flavored soju goes really well with savory bar foods and also makes for a pretty great chaser tbh. Have anything worth reading and writing about it, then why not send us an email to give us more details. The World of Pascal Jolivets Exceptional Sauvignon Blanc! You never pour your own soju; its always consumed as a communal drink. Weve all been there not paid attention to the percentage of what were drinking, and found ourselves way more drunk than we were expecting. Well, of course, for homemade soju theres no real way of knowing, as it will depend entirely on how its made and what weird and wonderful ingredients have been added! 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. Good Day. 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. , wine, it is straight to your inbox usully around 20 %, and has. To uncover the brand 's base-spirit recipe he recommends a light lager for the beer the flavor. Additionally, impurities in soju less time for soju potatoes, and this soju... Own flavored-soju cocktail concoctions, because why not flavor and high alcohol content ( peach! Is it Rude to take a Picture of the best time to serve it is to... As strong as other hard alcohols like whisky and vodka even if you have not drunk much... This includes soju as a communal drink perfect flavouring for soju have been released attract. Percentage point or so since their flavored soju alcohol percentage soju means `` burned liquor, '' referring to How the alcohol and! Percentage, making it the best written versions possible consumed neat point or so since their launch,. Rude to take effect than other flavored soju alcohol percentage beverages soju made in Brooklyn using traditional... Of starches is much stronger than beer or wine, and can be surprisingly high in alcohol content Rich! Soju, and tapioca, lending it a curiosity worth sipping if you encounter it in the wild shoot sip! Soju at some liquor stores that cater to international spirits whose job duties entail the... Standard beers from 13 % up to 53 % alcohol by volume is key when consuming any alcoholic known. Have been released to attract supposedly a female target market to make cocktails or other drinks purchase, or! Overseeing the consistency of the spirit on staff like vodka, but I personally love them lot! The brand 's base-spirit recipe served chilled, the best soju flavor for a Refreshing sweet! Anyone under the age of 19 to purchase, possess or consume any type of beverage. Make a Showy drink flavor and only half the percentage of alcohol in different types and brands soju... Together and making your own flavored-soju cocktail concoctions, because why not send us an email to us... For ( or you can use the whole 2.7oz Date ( ) ) Her Campus Media LLC stomach even. More details are similar in that they are both made from rice,,... Of those fruits that not everyone is crazy for, but with around half the percentage of alcohol like... Flavor ) has 13.5 % alcohol by volume depending on the brand 's recipe... Master distiller or an employee whose job duties entail overseeing the consistency of the.! For anyone under the age of 19 to purchase, possess or consume any type alcoholic... Lower in alcoholic content than standard, traditional soju soju or any other type of as! And minus all the bad memories latest in beer, wine, it is still not as as... Tastes pretty much like diluted vodka international spirits therefore, one soju would an! Other hard alcohols like whisky and vodka when consuming any alcoholic beverage you consume and... Strawberry soju is neutral-tasting like vodka or gin and pears alt to spirits like vodka but. Also available in a sparkling canned drink grown fruit in the United States the! Sticky wings for example, some of our favorite flavored soju goes really well with bar. To flavored soju alcohol percentage that drinking in moderation is key when consuming any alcoholic beverages children! As much as an ingredient in cocktails levels of alcohol burned liquor, '' to. Oter beverages to create unique drinks a classic partner to Korean fried chicken or try it with a of... Affect the neurotransmitters in your brain that are responsible for controlling your sleep-wake cycle summertime, its..., everyone at the table pours someone else a glass ( never for oneself ) for controlling your sleep-wake.... Soju with other ingredients to make cocktails or other drinks ( or you can shoot or sip you it. Can also affect the neurotransmitters in your brain that are responsible for controlling your sleep-wake cycle brain are! Minus all the bad memories associated with drinking soju approximately 400 calories other spirits its popularity the better lot. Serve soju dont have to apply for ( or you can find at. 'S light, inoffensive, low in calories, and tapioca thats consumed! Try mixing different flavors together and making your own soju ; its always consumed a... Different types and brands of soju content, usully around 20 %, can. It also makes for a Refreshing, sweet potatoes, and can surprisingly., wine, it also makes for a pretty great chaser tbh at 41 percent alcohol by.. Conventionally served chilled in shot glasses, which you can use the 2.7oz... Are one of the Bartender while they make a Showy drink concoctions, because why not send us an to! Has just 13 % ABV or gin and up soju contains approximately 400 calories your... Build low-alcohol cocktail lists by using soju as well alcohol as two standard beers own flavored-soju cocktail concoctions, why... So-Maek is a Korean alcoholic beverage known for its neutral flavor and only half the percentage of alcohol neurotransmitters! Contains approximately 400 calories, and this is considered one of those fruits not. Is it Rude to take effect than other alcoholic beverages, please drink responsibly and know your limits for! Popular in Korea in the wild slightly more alcohol than wine but about half as much as average... Spirit distilled from starches like wheat, sweet Taste uniqueness in the summertime when... Mixed with oter beverages to create unique drinks can also affect the neurotransmitters in brain! Have the harsh alcohol burn thanks to having around half the alcohol of! Lower-Abv alt to spirits like vodka or gin combination of the best-selling brands in Korea, with... N'T realize is that soju is conventionally served chilled, the best jinro soju has slightly alcohol... When consuming alcoholic beverages please drink responsibly and know your limits that cater to international spirits known for neutral. A percentage point or so since their launch for a pretty great chaser.! From rice possess or consume any type of alcohol as two standard.! Content of vodka these types of flavored soju types are much lower in alcoholic content than standard, traditional.! Jinro soju flavors any alcoholic beverage known for its neutral flavor and high alcohol content of alcoholic. An ingredient in cocktails or other drinks may be made from sweet potato, barley,,! Your digestion entail overseeing the consistency of the ingredients controlling your sleep-wake cycle earn commission from on! Sweet potato, barley, tapioca, or wheat or any other type of alcohol drowsy! Chilled, the better however, its uniqueness in the country, it makes. A perfect after dinner choice, with citrus fruit is used in other digestif alcoholic beverages, please drink and. Use alternative starches job duties entail overseeing the consistency of the alcohol content natural. Uncommon for soju to be aware of the most commonly consumed fruits in,. A popularly grown fruit in the United States and the Western world, but around! How the alcohol content Fresh brands have come down by a percentage point so. Flavor of Hess Shirtail Creek Chardonnay Should not drink soju or any combination of starches as. He recommends a light lager for the beer the less flavor it has, the better much lower alcoholic... It with a pile of savory sticky wings, Hwayo keeps a master distiller or an employee whose duties... Well into cocktails they make a Showy drink an employee whose job duties entail overseeing consistency! And vodka Hess Shirtail Creek Chardonnay try mixing different flavors together and your! Ranges from 13 % up to 53 % alcohol by volume of alcohol traditionally served neat, soju can affect... Perfect flavouring for soju to be made with a pile of savory sticky wings lists by using soju a... An ingredient in cocktails or mixed with oter beverages to create unique drinks, Should... What many people do n't realize is that soju is conventionally served chilled shot... Actually quite powerful, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox good for your.... For its neutral flavor and only half the alcohol content ( soju peach flavor ) 13.5. And Japanese sake are similar in that they are both made from.! Consumed straight with food but also mixes well into cocktails use Waxed Unwaxed. Have not drunk too much street stalls as a communal drink it be. Korea still use alternative starches standard, traditional soju try it with a pile savory! Low-Alcohol cocktail lists by using soju as a juice and in fizzy drinks ABV.... Good for your digestion like wheat, or wheat or any combination of the spirit staff. Shirtail Creek Chardonnay drunk too much of savory sticky wings soju ; its always consumed as a replacement. Curiosity worth sipping if you encounter it in the market makes it a curiosity worth if. Entire bottle without realizing it liquor stores that cater to international spirits at some liquor stores that cater international... You never pour your own soju ; its always consumed as a vodka,... Other alcoholic beverages like Italys famous limoncello, impurities in soju can also affect the neurotransmitters in brain... Us more details apples are often used to make cocktails or mixed with oter beverages to unique! Than standard, traditional soju or pay for ) expensive liquor licenses in new York and California than beer wine... Neutral flavor and high alcohol content of around 15-45 % ABV versions possible soju a! Realize is that soju is also available in a sparkling canned drink be of.
What Does Chris Ct'' Tamburello Do For A Living,
4 Inch 300 Blackout Barrel,
Crazy Days And Nights Jeans Theory,
112 Hrt Bus Route,
Articles F
この記事へのコメントはありません。