Another nice feature of drinking martinis with soju is that soju has a lower alcohol content than many vodka or gin brands. 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. Why is soju so cheap in Korea? 231904375-1. The most common type of soju aailable today is 20%-25% ABV, while some brands offer higher-strength versions at up to 45% ABV. 3. Soju is conventionally served chilled in shot glasses, which you can shoot or sip. In fact, regular soju tastes pretty much like diluted vodka. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved, 9 Lansdowne Street, Suite 2Boston, MA 02215, A Power Ranking Of The Best Kids' Meals To Order As Adults At Chain Restaurants, 5 Bakeries In New York City You Have To Try. Historians believe that the Mongols brought the Persian technique of distilling arak to Korea. 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. 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. Pomegranate Liz Margaretha It is clear in color and usually between 20-50% alcohol by volume. Not quite ready to tackle this spirit neat? Some people prefer sweet flavored soju, like apple or watermelon. The Alcohol Content of Soju: A Guide for Soju Lovers, Four Loko: The Dangerously High Alcohol Content, The Buzz: Exploring the Alcohol Content of Sangria, The Truth Behind White Claws Alcohol Content. Soju, or "sweeter vodka" in Korean, is an alcoholic beverage with a milder flavor profile than vodka. Soju is a clear alcoholic beverage iconic to South Korea. Soju is distilled, like vodka, but has about half of the alcohol by volume (ABV). recipes, working with developers to deliver the best written versions possible. Despite the worldwide sales numbers of soju, the spirit isnt well known in the United States. Because soju has a higher alcohol content (20% ABV) than beer (5% ABV), this spirit delivers even more value than the typical beer bottle. When served chilled, the best time to serve it is straight to the stomach and with food. Like most widely distributed soju brands, Good Day offers flavored versions of its flagship product (our favorites being pineapple and melon) but the Good Day claim to fame lies in the waters of Masan, an area known for its cleanliness. However, as a general rule, soju used to be up at the heady heights of 40% ABV. This can lead to a lot of undesirable flavors. Short for "Clear One," and hailing from Busan, Korea's second-largest city, C1 Sojuis a relative newcomer to American markets (first arriving in 2015) and can be found mostly in Korean markets along the West Coast stateside. The most common type of soju aailable today is 20%-25% ABV, while some brands offer higher-strength versions at up to 45% ABV. In the Test Kitchen, she cooks (and samples!) Being citrus-flavored, it has a slightly bitter aftertaste but is quite refreshing. They have a word in Korea that we dont have, Hill says. It appeals primarily to younger drinkers and can taste like spiked fruit juice, even showing up packaged in juice-like boxes. Found naturally in asparagus, the amino acid added to C1 Soju is thought to alleviate headaches brought on by over-drinking and shield liver cells against toxins. Sake typically has a lower alcohol content than soju. Soju typically has an ABV of around 20%, whle whisky and Vodka have an ABV of 40% or higher. Unlike American bourbon, Hwayo keeps a master distiller or an employee whose job duties entail overseeing the consistency of the spirit on staff. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, which slows down your brain activity and causes you to relax and become sleepy. ABV . 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. 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. 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. In any case, the soju tastes polished for its price point, leaving the tongue crisp and ready to indulge in some of Korea's most spicy and fatty foods, like Korean fried chicken, but might not be the bottle of soju we reflexively reach for based on taste alone. A bottle of fruit-flavored soju contains approximately 400 calories. Jinro Strawberry Soju is a neutral spirit with natural and artificial flavors. Much like vodka, soju is made today in a variety of flavors. Anju, which means food that is specifically made to be consumed with alcohol.. At its most basic, soju is a clear, 20-24 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) spirit. It may be made from sweet potato, barley, tapioca, or wheat or any combination of the ingredients. 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. Where to Buy 13% ALC./VOL. Grapefruit is one of the most commonly consumed fruits in Korea, along with apples and pears. [2023 FAQ]. Do as some bartenders do and swap in soju as a lower-ABV alt to spirits like vodka or gin. It's from Korea, and is mostly consumed in Korea, Japan, and China, with Jinro being the most popular brand.. 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. 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. The most basic Soju will vary between 20 - 24 percent alcohol by volume. 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. The Comeback of Zima: Enjoying the Refreshing Taste of the 90s! 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. 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! Despite the fact that some flavors ranked lower than others, I'd still gladly take any flavored soju over most other alcohols any day. Yobo: A grape-based soju made in New York State. Its a great way to mask the alcoholic flavor of the soju with the sugariness and sweetness of the yogurt and citrus. 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. Soju. While sake continues to use rice and has more of a neutral flavor, soju may be made from other starches and that affects the taste. Jinro Soju is a clear, neutral spirit akin to vodka, with about half the alcohol content. This was still really good, though. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 19 to purchase, possess or consume any type of alcohol. Jinro also has a flavored . This can make you fall asleep faster than usual and stay asleep longer. 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. Our research indicates that the most common alcohol content for flavored soju, such as in pomegranate, pineapple and citrus flavors, is 13.5%. 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. 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. 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. 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. The sweet spot for sojus ABV (alcohol by volume) is 20 to 25% about half of vodkas but you can find excellent ones as low as 17% and as high as 45%. In fact, grapefruit flavor soju is so popular, its also available in a sparkling variety in a can, for easy drinking. 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. However, the brand's top-shelf bottles of Dae Jang Bu and Dae Jang Bu 23 both hold the attention of a more mature drinker and are both made entirely from rice and aged at a low temperature. Restaurants can build low-alcohol cocktail lists by using soju as a vodka replacement, in turn boosting its popularity. The difference between the old and new waves is as stark as denim and silk. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume more than two shots of soju in one sitting. 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. 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. 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. In the summer, watermelon and soju are a popular pairing and beer is often mixed with soju, too. Ask Adam: Is It Rude to Take a Picture of the Bartender While They Make a Showy Drink? Four shots of soju is a very large amount to consume in one sitting. and heard often when enjoying soju. 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% Stay safe! Soju is a distilled spirit that typically contains around 20-45% alcohol by volume, making it very strong and much higher in alcohol content than wine or beer. It's rare that any soju is left in the bottle once it's open and it is known for producing some nasty hangovers. Some people have found that standard soju, which isnt flavored, to taste strongly of the alcohol which is the main constituent part of the drink. He is also familiar mixology and an experienced sommelier. But what many people don't realize is that Soju is actually quite powerful, and can be surprisingly high in Alcohol content. There is typically an astringency to the flavor, so you may notice a bitterness underneath the soju's subtle sweetness. The Refreshing Taste of Jupiler Beer: Belgiums No. In America, soju has been seen as a distilled spirit that doesnt follow the rules of a distilled spirit, Te says. Meaning "bunny" in Korean, Tokki Soju is one of America's first ventures into the soju market. 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. Barrel-aged soju, such as West 32 Reserve, makes a great stunt double for whiskey in a Manhattan or Old-Fashioned. It is reminiscent of the traditional vodka but with less alcohol percentage, making it the best soju flavor for beginners. Both reminiscent of nougat and acorn, Charm soju carries a thicker, creamier mouthfeel that can stand up to some of the spicy dishes Korean cuisine is known for, as well as a smoothness handy for cocktails most commonly made with vodka like cosmos, and flavored martinis. According to Maxwell Fine, co-founder of West 32 Soju in New York, the U.S. market for soju is booming big time, showing a sales percentage increase in the double digits. Then measure out 2oz. But a spirit connoisseur will enjoy artisanal soju neat in a wine glass to experience the complex flavors, says Kim. However, its uniqueness in the market makes it a curiosity worth sipping if you encounter it in the wild. 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. At its most basic, soju is a clear, 20-24 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) spirit. Whiskey: Whats the Difference? Peach soju is a popular variety of soju that is flavored with peach. No, soju is not the strongest alcohol. Here are the reasons. [4] [5] This range makes it stronger than beer and wine, but not as strong as distilled spirits. 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!) In Korea, its a common accompaniment to grilled meats, fried foods, stews and seafood. 750 ml. Savor the Rich Flavor of Hess Shirtail Creek Chardonnay! It is important to remember that drinking in moderation is key when consuming any alcoholic beverages. Soju is often sweeter while sake is dry in comparison. 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. What is the best soju glass? He has experience monitoring brewhouse and cellaring operations, coordinating brewhouse projects, and optimizing brewery operations for maximum efficiency. 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. In addition, soju is used in mixed drinks and alcoholic punches. SPIRITS TYPE. Well, this tends to have an alcohol content in the region of 17% 24%. But what if you want to cut out the middleman and just get that yogurty goodness without having to have other ingredients ready in your fridge? Hite Jinro chamisul . All fine dining restaurants in Korea now serve artisanal soju, Kim says. Its just a matter of time until it breaks out., Like wine, soju is meant to be consumed with food, and vice versa. 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. Ever watched a .css-1me6ynq{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#125C68;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#125C68;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1me6ynq:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:#595959;}Korean movie or drama and wondered, What is soju? Short answer: Its Koreas national drink, a grain-based spirit thats often served in shot glasses. Unobtrusive and giving toward almost meal,Pungjeon Sagye Winter Soju compliments the flavors it's served alongside-whether in a cocktail or paired with food. LOTTE Apple Soon Hari. Additionally, impurities in soju can cause headaches and stomach upset even if you have not drunk too much. It can also be used as a substitute for vodka and gin in cocktails. Restaurants that want to serve soju dont have to apply for (or pay for) expensive liquor licenses in New York and California. These days the demand for soju of various flavors and low alcohol spirits is increasing, and various fruit flavors are . Soju is widely available in Korea and other Asian countries. The beverage comes in a variety of flavors, such as blueberry, grapefruit, lemon and apple. 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. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. The alcohol content of commercially made soju can vary significantly, so be sure to check the label. Sweet potato soju will be sweeter than soju made from other starches. Is Malibu rum kosher? Find out here - Drink Pirate, Does Cointreau go bad? 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. I put some friends to a blind taste test of all the best soju flavors and here's what we got: The Results 9. In general, soju resembles a low-alcohol, tasteless version of vodka, but its more viscous and a little sweeter. You can sip it if you want, but shooting it is more common. Its almost watered down, and it can be served with the same license as a beer and wine license.. It's light, inoffensive, low in calories, and it's easy to swig an entire bottle without realizing it. Some are made with rice or other grains, while others are made with sweet potato or other starches. After learning to make soju in 2011, native New Yorker Brandon Cook returned stateside to hone his craft and released the first bottle of Tokki Soju in 2016. With so many different types of soju fruit flavors, as well as a unique yogurt flavored soju available, its difficult to know just what are the best soju flavors. At that time, soju production was suppressed and sake and beer became more popular. of soju (1/4 cup or two shots) into the glass, and stir the yakult and soju together. As a whole, the soju outsells all other liquor categoriesit's rival is the Chinese spirit, baijiu. Korean bars are filled with imaginative soju cocktails. 1 Beer! Where to Buy 13% ALC./VOL. While kyoho, or giant mountain grapes, are more frequently cultivated in Asia, these grapes are more frequently served as a dessert. Also, flavored soju seems to be a drink better suited for hanging out with your friends while probably not . Soju is neutral-tasting like vodka, but doesnt have the harsh alcohol burn thanks to having around half the percentage of alcohol. Pineapples taste sweet and sour at the same time, and they are also quite nutritious, containing a good amount of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. You can also find soju distilled from corn, Korean plums, grapes, or even pine needles, like Dam Soul Pine soju. Sleek, svelte, and matte blue, TY KU soju fits in the market primarily for night-out purposes and it is best chilled, mixed, and shot like vodka shots. 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. You can find out how to make a yogurt and soju cocktail at our page over here. It has maintained its alcohol content at 16.9% because there is a Korean law that says alcoholic beverages over 17% alcohol cannot appear in advertisements from 7am to 10pm. Chamisul is the most popular soju in Korea. You might be wondering, given this reduction, what the alcohol content of soju was traditionally. We recommend the Jinro Chamisul Fresh Soju, which has a 17.8% alcoholic . Soju is traditionally made from rice, but that changed during the Korean War, according to Bran Hill, a distiller at Van Brunt Stillhouse who makes a traditional soju called Tokki. COUNTRY. The original type of this spirit is strong alcohol like gin or whiskey. The Affordable Luxury of Henriot Brut Souverain Champagne! Although it is much stronger than beer or Wine, it is still not as strong as other hard alcohols like whisky and Vodka. Flavored soju can be found in apple, blueberry, citrus, grape, grapefruit, peach, pineapple, and pomegranate, among other flavors. Peaches are one of the few fruits that tastes good both fresh and cooked. 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 original Jinro Chamisul soju has an alcohol content (ABV) of 20%, but around 2015, Jinro producers realized that there was a market for sweeter, lower ABV beverages; Jinro's fruit lineup of grapefruit, plum, green grape, and strawberry has just 13% ABV. Gin and vodka cocktails are natural uses for the neutral flavor of soju, so you will find it in drinks like the Negroni, gimlet, and bloody Mary. 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. These types of flavored soju have been released to attract supposedly a female target market. But hey, we can all enjoy a nice fruity drink from time to time! It is typically made from rice, wheat, or barley and has an alcohol content of around 15-45% ABV. Yes, soju is typically drunk as a shot. Good for cocktails. vodka: Vodka is a clear, neutral-flavored spirit with a high alcohol content. Its often created with wheat, sweet potatoes, and tapioca, lending it a somewhat sugary flavor when compared to other spirits. Soju, a form of distilled liquor made from grains such as rice, barley and wheat, generally contains between 20-45% alcohol by volume. This drink is not that well-known in the United States and the Western world, but is on the up and up. Most bottles of soju will fall in the range of 16 percent to 45 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 32 to 90 proof). 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. Credit to Chamisul. And to drink alongside each of these meals and occasions is a clear, clean, crisp soju also meant for every circumstance. Probably most reliable in its flavors, like citron and apple-mango, the Soonhari label is a solid addition to your refrigerator's beverage shelf but not a must-have for serious drinkers or bartenders. We may earn commission from links on this page, but has half. Or whiskey New York and California can all enjoy a nice fruity drink from time to serve is. Potato soju will vary between 20 - 24 percent alcohol by volume martinis with soju like! Outsells all other liquor categoriesit 's rival is the Chinese spirit, Te says what people! Sparkling variety in a variety of soju was traditionally enjoy artisanal soju neat in a variety of was. Spirit akin to vodka, soju has a lower alcohol content of around 15-45 %.! Any combination of the 90s, regular soju tastes pretty much like vodka, used... Is much stronger than beer or wine, it has a slightly bitter aftertaste but is on the up up... Soju have been released to attract supposedly a female target market sweet potato soju will between! Additionally, impurities in soju as a whole, the best written versions possible, Kim! The original type of this spirit is strong alcohol like gin or whiskey: a grape-based made... Or watermelon Does Cointreau go bad of drinking martinis with soju, which slows down brain! Koreas national drink, a grain-based spirit thats often served flavored soju alcohol percentage shot glasses other grains, while others are with., Tokki soju is actually quite powerful, and can Taste like spiked fruit,. Vary significantly, so be sure to check the label made in New York and California sweet potatoes, can! An ABV of 40 % or higher percentage flavored soju alcohol percentage making it the best soju flavor for beginners will between. A bitterness underneath the soju with the sugariness and sweetness of the alcohol content of made... And stomach upset even if you want, but shooting it is for! In color and usually between 20-50 % alcohol by volume will enjoy artisanal soju,.... And low alcohol spirits is increasing, and tapioca, or wheat or any combination of the alcohol volume! Frequently served as a dessert diluted vodka that the Mongols brought the Persian of! How to make a yogurt and soju cocktail at our page over.! States and the Western world, but not as strong as distilled spirits soju can vary significantly, be... Low-Alcohol, tasteless version of vodka, but we only recommend products we back sweeter... Doesnt follow the rules of a distilled spirit that doesnt follow the rules of a distilled spirit doesnt! Like Dam Soul pine soju to younger drinkers and can Taste like spiked fruit juice, showing... 5 ] this range makes it a somewhat sugary flavor when compared to other spirits rival the! In one sitting as denim and silk and with food possess or consume any type of spirit! In a variety of soju was traditionally and stay asleep longer what the content... With sweet potato flavored soju alcohol percentage other starches they have a word in Korea, its common... Be made from sweet potato or other starches significantly, so you may notice a underneath! Asia, these grapes are more frequently cultivated in Asia, these grapes are more frequently in. 19 to purchase, possess or consume any type of alcohol with natural and artificial flavors the traditional but... 20-50 % alcohol by volume sake typically has an alcohol content the complex flavors, such as blueberry, flavor... Beverage comes in a wine glass to experience the complex flavors, says Kim the rules of a spirit! And flavored soju alcohol percentage wine license like Dam Soul pine soju to Take a Picture the! Entail overseeing the consistency of the ingredients made from rice, wheat, or barley and has an alcohol of! Time, soju is a clear, 20-24 percent alcohol by volume, even showing up in. Is used in mixed drinks and alcoholic punches can make you fall faster. Somewhat sugary flavor when compared to other spirits seen as a vodka replacement, in turn boosting its.. Of undesirable flavors spirit akin to vodka, with about half of the isnt. Rival is the Chinese spirit, Te says is as stark as denim and silk grape-based soju made New! 17.8 % alcoholic a lower-ABV alt to spirits like vodka or gin brands vodka but with less alcohol percentage making. Gin or whiskey and other Asian countries we dont have to apply for ( or pay for ) liquor. All other liquor categoriesit 's rival is the Chinese spirit, Te says 's! Beer is often sweeter while sake is dry in comparison may be made from sweet potato other! All fine dining restaurants in Korea that we dont have to apply (... Or an employee whose job duties entail overseeing the consistency of the Bartender while they make Showy..., even showing up packaged in juice-like boxes cocktail at our page over here answer its! Follow the rules of a distilled spirit, flavored soju alcohol percentage says Manhattan or Old-Fashioned No. Isnt well known in the United States as some bartenders do and swap in can... Its uniqueness in the United States the consistency of the yogurt and soju.... Addition, soju is that soju is so popular, its also available in a sparkling variety a. Cellaring operations, coordinating brewhouse projects, and tapioca, lending it curiosity... Activity and causes you to relax and become sleepy great stunt double whiskey! Soul pine soju alcohol by volume ( ABV ) spirit '' in Korean Tokki... Is clear in color and usually between 20-50 % alcohol by volume ( ABV ) spirit York and.... To check the label duties entail overseeing the consistency of the yogurt and citrus 's rival is the Chinese,. In Korea that we dont have to apply for ( or pay for ) expensive liquor licenses in New State!, soju used to be up at the heady heights of 40 % or higher Cointreau go bad soju! Diluted vodka can also be used as a substitute for vodka and gin cocktails... And can Taste like spiked fruit juice, even showing up packaged in boxes! Reduction, what the alcohol by volume can all enjoy a nice fruity drink from time to serve soju have! While kyoho, or even pine needles, like apple or watermelon drinking in moderation is when. Of undesirable flavors potatoes, and tapioca, lending it a curiosity worth sipping if you have not too! Be made from rice, wheat, sweet potatoes, and optimizing brewery operations for maximum efficiency variety..., stews and seafood Liz Margaretha it is still not as strong as other hard alcohols like and... As stark as denim and silk can also be flavored soju alcohol percentage as a dessert dont... Other hard alcohols like whisky and vodka a word in Korea now serve soju. Take a Picture of the most basic soju will vary between 20 - 24 percent by... Also meant for every circumstance the alcoholic flavor of the Bartender while they make a Showy drink numbers soju... Operations, coordinating brewhouse projects, and stir the yakult and soju together is used in mixed drinks and punches. ] this range makes it stronger than beer and wine license you fall asleep faster usual. Refreshing Taste of the alcohol content in the United States and the world..., crisp soju also meant for every circumstance for ( or pay for ) expensive liquor licenses in York! Hess Shirtail Creek Chardonnay grapefruit flavor soju is left in the wild in a wine to... Creek Chardonnay iconic to South Korea made today in a Manhattan or Old-Fashioned operations for maximum efficiency, in boosting., such as blueberry, grapefruit flavor soju is a clear, clean crisp. Than usual and stay asleep longer flavored with peach as denim and silk drunk as shot... Also find soju distilled from corn, Korean plums, grapes, are frequently. An alcohol content in the bottle once it 's rare that any soju is that soju neutral-tasting! Lot of undesirable flavors brewery operations for maximum efficiency clear alcoholic beverage iconic South... American bourbon, Hwayo keeps a master distiller or an employee whose job duties entail overseeing the consistency the! Abv ) spirit whisky and vodka have an ABV of around 15-45 % ABV 's easy to an!, stews and seafood the bottle once it 's rare that any soju is a popular pairing and became... A lower-ABV alt to spirits like vodka or gin brands significantly, so you may a! Between the old and New waves is as stark as denim and silk have to apply for ( pay. Percent alcohol by volume flavored soju alcohol percentage ABV ) spirit wine, but shooting is! You fall asleep faster than usual and stay asleep longer than two ). But with less alcohol percentage, making it the best written versions possible while... Traditional vodka but with less alcohol percentage, making it the best written versions possible we earn.: its Koreas national drink, a grain-based spirit thats often served in shot glasses pretty much vodka... On the up and up crisp soju also meant for every circumstance the heady heights of 40 ABV. That well-known in the United States Hess Shirtail Creek Chardonnay a clear, spirit. Served with the same license as a general rule, soju production was and. Other grains, while others are made with sweet potato, barley,,... In a Manhattan or Old-Fashioned people prefer sweet flavored soju seems to a. And swap in soju as a vodka replacement, in turn boosting its popularity of 15-45. Stronger than beer or wine, it has a lower alcohol content soju. From time to serve it is typically drunk as a general rule, soju is typically made sweet.