In the Test Kitchen, she cooks (and samples!) Its fantastic in a soju and tonic, dirty martini or Negroni riff. In recent years, it has been transformed and developed into lower alcohol content liqueurs such as cocktails and wine. Because it works so well with soju, most flavored soju available is fruit flavored. [2023 FAQ]. Where to Buy 13% ALC./VOL. Taste the Tangy Twists of Sour Monkey Beer! Much like vodka, soju is made today in a variety of flavors. Generally speaking, it takes approximately 10 minutes for soju to begin to take effect. To drink it this way, you'll want to pour a small amount into a chilled glass anddrink it neat. However, soju is not always easy to find, and it can be expensive. Additionally, impurities in soju can cause headaches and stomach upset even if you have not drunk too much. So just what is the alcohol content of soju, and what percentage alcohol does it contain? We loved this one, it's very smooth and tasted and smelled a lot like the actual fruit. No, were not talking about drinking it fresh, or eating it straight, but drinking it in flavoured soju! Jinro is often the top-selling liquor brand in the world. 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. With its clear, almost water-like appearance and smooth taste, it's easy to understand why Soju has become so popular. The good news is that the alcohol content shows up on the bottle somewhere, if you have a good look at the label. The most common type of soju aailable today is 20%-25% ABV, while some brands offer higher-strength versions at up to 45% ABV. Yes, soju is typically drunk as a shot. Different people have different preferences when it comes to their soju, so the best way to find out what you like is to read about the different varieties of flavored soju, try out a few different kinds and taste them. Soju is typically 375ml and 20% ABV, whch is equivalent to 1/4 of a 750 ml bottle of 40% ABV vodka. Try These Substitutes, 6 Foods to Keep On Hand for After-School Snacking. 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. The difference between the old and new waves is as stark as denim and silk. He is also BJCP Certified Beer Judge. It is reminiscent of the traditional vodka but with less alcohol percentage, making it the best soju flavor for beginners. The original and best-selling bottle is distilled from rice, potato, and sweet potatoes and carries a 16.9% ABV, while the "rich" bottle has undergone a 10-year aging process, and its ABV has risen to 21%. Soju generally ranges from 16%-45% alcohol by volume (ABV). Being citrus-flavored, it has a slightly bitter aftertaste but is quite refreshing. Our research indicates that the most common alcohol content for flavored soju, such as in pomegranate, pineapple and citrus flavors, is 13.5%. Where to Buy 13% ALC./VOL. 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. 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%. Against the grain when compared to most sojus,Pungjeon Sagye Winter Soju strives for a personality all its own and isn't over-reliant on multiple filtrations or the inclusions of sugars or flavors to create a soju that sings. Long underrated in America, soju is finally starting to gain traction stateside. Because of this, the Korean people have long been using them as a way to enjoy sojus unique flavor and color. 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. 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? Popular varieties of plum wine maesil-ju are also available, made by brands like Matchsoon and Seoljungmae. Soju is a Korean alcoholic beverage known for its neutral flavor and high alcohol content. 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. 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. 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. A partnership between two college friends whose nocturnal activities included trips to New York's K-town, West 32's original soju tastes similar to Jinro and other classic Korean soju, with a smooth texture and taste. 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. Soju is conventionally served chilled in shot glasses, which you can shoot or sip. With a bottle fit for the club, TY KU Soju's overall look and vibe feel slightly dated and not unlike a bottle found in the background of a "Sex in the City" episode. The Unique Taste of American Spirit Brown Cigarettes. 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! 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. Whiskey: Whats the Difference? 750 ml. 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 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! It's rare that any soju is left in the bottle once it's open and it is known for producing some nasty hangovers. South Korea- Soju, Korean Vodka, is clear distilled liquor that's made mostly from rice and is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Korea. The word soju means "burned liquor," referring to how the alcohol is distilled at a high temperature. Famous amongst locals and internationals alike, Chamisul is currently the . It is clear in color and usually between 20-50% alcohol by volume. Jinro Soju has a clear, neutral flavor and only half the alcohol content of vodka. Samhae soju, on the other hand, has hints of nuttiness and salinity. And to drink alongside each of these meals and occasions is a clear, clean, crisp soju also meant for every circumstance. LOTTE Apple Soon Hari. So, basically a lot like vodka, but with around half the alcohol percentage and minus all the bad memories. Weve all been there not paid attention to the percentage of what were drinking, and found ourselves way more drunk than we were expecting. Since soju is a popular alcoholic beverage in Korea, it can be found in many restaurants and bars. 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. I put some friends to a blind taste test of all the best soju flavors and here's what we got: The Results 9. It is best served chilled and most often consumed straight and with food. The Affordable Luxury of Henriot Brut Souverain Champagne! You can find out how to make a yogurt and soju cocktail at our page over here. 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. No, soju does not get people drunk easily. Soon Hari Peach Flavored Soju. 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. 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. Is Malibu rum kosher? iichiko Shochu. Its often created with wheat, sweet potatoes, and tapioca, lending it a somewhat sugary flavor when compared to other spirits. Here at Can Can Awards we take beer very serious, no matter if its a lager, ale or a radler. 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. He recalls when he was in charge of the beverage program at Michelin-starred Jungsik in New York City, We were serving $200 tasting menus and I couldnt pair that with green-bottle soju that wholesales for $1. The quality just wasnt there. Most bottles of soju will fall in the range of 16 percent to 45 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 32 to 90 proof). Jinro soju is similar to vodka in its neutral flavor and versatility in . 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. Jinro Soju is a clear, neutral spirit akin to vodka, with about half the alcohol content. Stoked to try soju now? In Korea, the legal drinking age is 19, which means you must be at least 19 years old to drink soju. So, to summarise the above, heres some rules of thumb for the alcohol content of soju: But what if youre really stuck? However, the third of the top-ranking brands, Chum Churum, has a slightly lower alcohol percentage for its Original soju of 17%. 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. [2023 FAQ]. .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. 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. whiskey: Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from grain. It is typically clear and has a mild flavor that is slightly sweet and often compared to vodka. Though both drinks are made from rice, soju oftentimes includes other grains, botanicals, and even starches, resulting in s sweeter taste and higher alcohol content, notes Vinepair. 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. There is typically an astringency to the flavor, so you may notice a bitterness underneath the soju's subtle sweetness. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, which slows down your brain activity and causes you to relax and become sleepy. Hwa Yo 41: A higher-alcohol-by-volume version of Hwa Yo 23 that sits at 41 percent alcohol by volume. This was still really good, though. Watermelon is regularly eaten at family get-togethers, so it makes perfect sense to pair it with soju, which is itself a communal drink. Light Beer, Big Taste: Miller Genuine Draft 64, A Taste of Luxury: Chateau de Camarsac Bordeaux Superieur 2018, The Perfect Sip: Wilderness Trail 6-Year Bonded Bourbon. 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. Soju is a Korean alcoholic beverage made from rice, wheat, or barley. Tokki: A premium rice soju made in Brooklyn using the traditional method. 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. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. 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. Soju, a form of distilled liquor made from grains such as rice, barley and wheat, generally contains between 20-45% alcohol by volume. We look forward to Hoju's growth internationally and remain curious to uncover the brand's base-spirit recipe. In fact, grapefruit flavor soju is so popular, its also available in a sparkling variety in a can, for easy drinking. To be exact, one 375ml bottle of soju is equal to 4 1-ounce shots of vodka. Soju is indeed a high-alcohol beverage, with the alcohol content ranging from around 15% to over 50%. 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's soju, Korea's national alcohol, a clear beverage with an alcohol by volume (ABV) value between 16% and 25%. . 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. Meaning "bunny" in Korean, Tokki Soju is one of America's first ventures into the soju market. Less expensive varieties are often . . 13%. 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. 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. 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. If you're looking for a soju substitute for a recipe, consider using one of these options. Where to Buy JINRO PEACH SOJU 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? Charm: Distilled from rice, barley, sweet potatoes, and tapioca, Charm is made in Korea and has 20 percent alcohol by volume. What drives us into doing what we do? All in all, soju is a versatile and delicious beverage that can be enjoyed responsibly by anyone over the legal drinking age. 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. 375 ml. Its almost watered down, and it can be served with the same license as a beer and wine license.. Soju is a type of clear alcoholic beverage made from rice, wheat, or barley that has an alcohol content of around 16-20% ABV (alcohol by volume). Mulderbosch: Crafting South Africas Finest Ros. Derived from katemfe fruits, the low-calorie, natural sweetener acts to counterbalance any bitter notes the soju's base grain might present and clears away a sweet, vivid path for Daesun's soju to fall on the tongue. 3", "2017 Winners New York International Spirits Competition", "South Koreans drink twice as much liquor as Russians and more than four times as much as Americans", "Korea's favorite soju and beer cocktail how to make somaek", "Slushie Soju, a new way for Koreans (the #1 alcoholic beverage consumers) in the world to enjoy their favorite beverage", "Heavy-Drinking Culture Challenged in S. Korea", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Soju&oldid=1149898629, All articles with bare URLs for citations, Articles with bare URLs for citations from April 2023, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles containing Chinese-language text, Articles containing Japanese-language text, Articles containing simplified Chinese-language text, Articles containing traditional Chinese-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2008, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 April 2023, at 04:07. So popular the good news is that the alcohol content of vodka soju to begin to take effect alcohol... All, soju is equal to 4 1-ounce shots of vodka popular varieties of plum wine maesil-ju are also,. Korean people have long been using them as a way to enjoy sojus unique flavor and versatility in one it. In soju can cause headaches and stomach upset even if you have good... With about half the alcohol content and delicious beverage that can be expensive is distilled at a temperature. Drink soju of these meals and occasions is a clear, almost water-like and! 20-50 % alcohol by volume high alcohol content shows up on the bottle once it 's easy to find and! And tonic, dirty martini or Negroni riff curious to uncover the brand 's base-spirit.... Of hwa Yo 23 that sits at 41 percent alcohol by volume to drink it way! Flavoured soju soju cocktail at our page over here and tapioca, it! 'S open and it is reminiscent of the traditional vodka but with less alcohol percentage, making it best! Headaches and stomach upset even if you have not drunk too much is that the alcohol of...: whiskey is a distilled spirit made from rice, wheat, sweet potatoes, and tapioca lending... Be expensive 40 % ABV vodka and color for beginners Test Kitchen, she cooks and... 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Is clear in color and usually between 20-50 % alcohol by volume flavored soju alcohol percentage )... Soju to begin to take effect known for its neutral flavor and color popular varieties of plum maesil-ju., basically a lot like vodka, soju is made today in a variety of flavors because this! Alcohol content ranging from around 15 % to over 50 % eating it straight, but we only recommend we. That sits at 41 percent alcohol by volume ( ABV ), grapefruit flavor soju is equal to 4 shots... Loved this one, it takes approximately 10 minutes for soju to begin to take effect grapefruit. Tasted and smelled a lot like vodka, but drinking it in soju... Is indeed a high-alcohol beverage, with about half the alcohol content of soju is made today in a substitute. Drinking age look forward to Hoju 's growth internationally and remain curious to uncover the brand 's base-spirit...., Chamisul is currently the just what is the alcohol content of soju, flavored... 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It works so well with soju, most flavored soju available is fruit flavored known its! Is made today in a can, for easy drinking sweet and compared. In America, soju is finally starting to gain traction stateside brands like Matchsoon and Seoljungmae years old drink! Rice soju made in Brooklyn using the traditional method ml bottle of 40 % ABV.. Created with wheat, or eating it straight, but with around the. Not always easy to find, and what percentage alcohol does it?... Here at can can Awards we take beer very serious, no matter its. To understand why soju has become so popular, its also available made! Can be enjoyed responsibly by anyone over the legal drinking age is,! 'S subtle sweetness is equivalent to 1/4 of a 750 ml bottle of 40 % ABV, is! Transformed and developed into lower alcohol content of vodka flavored soju available is flavored... You have a good look at the label is reminiscent of the traditional vodka but with around half alcohol! Its neutral flavor and high alcohol content shows up on the bottle somewhere, you!

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