. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 19 to purchase, possess or consume any type of alcohol. He is also familiar mixology and an experienced sommelier. 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. Somewhat of an unofficial king of the soju market, Korea's Jinro (established in 1924) has remained the best-selling spirit brand worldwide, according to Vinepair, since 2002, and the Jinro name alone resonates and is synonymous with the rice spirit. Ask a Bartender: Should I Use Waxed or Unwaxed Lemons for Cocktails? Soju, a form of distilled liquor made from grains such as rice, barley and wheat, generally contains between 20-45% alcohol by volume. Kore- Jinro Strawberry Soju is infused with natural strawberry flavor for a refreshing, sweet taste. What drives us into doing what we do? 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. Yes, soju is typically drunk as a shot. Of course, this comes with a health warning from us if youre used to drinking either fruit flavored soju, or even the standard Original or Fresh brands, this might well get you drunk way quicker than youre expecting, given it can be up to double the alcohol content! It appeals primarily to younger drinkers and can taste like spiked fruit juice, even showing up packaged in juice-like boxes. . 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. We are starting off our top 3 now! 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. Our research indicates that the most common alcohol content for flavored soju, such as in pomegranate, pineapple and citrus flavors, is 13.5%. South Korea- Soju, Korean Vodka, is clear distilled liquor that's made mostly from rice and is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Korea. 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. Jinro Strawberry Soju is a neutral spirit with natural and artificial flavors. The flavor profile of soju depends on . Some people prefer sweet flavored soju, like apple or watermelon. Released into the market in 2006, the brand produces some of the best-flavored soju on the market, including our favorite, the Yogurt Soju, which includes a small amount of a tart, Korean yogurt drink popular among children. Another thing to know about soju is that the taste can vary considerably, thanks to lax laws regarding the ingredients used to make it. Several of the most popular soju brands contain no more than 24 percent alcohol. 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? Also, flavored soju seems to be a drink better suited for hanging out with your friends while probably not . Good Day Fruit Flavored Sojus have a smoother taste, lower in calories and proof with 5-13.5% alcohol content which makes it smoother to drink. 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! Jinro Strawberry Soju provides the sweet taste of ripened strawberry in each sip while maintaining its light and refreshing experience. Given theyre sweet and tangy, theyre a perfect choice for flavouring soju to offset the alcohol and give you summery vibes! Whiskey: Whats the Difference? Better known for its sakes, the Naru, Japan-based spirit company branched out into the soju market n 2011 after first appearing on the scene in 2004. Jinro. 750 ml. That email doesn't look right. Step 3. Depending on the preparation, a 330ml bottle of soju can . Fill your cup to the top with cubed ice. After the first drink, glasses are filled up whenever theyre empty, and people pass the bottle around the table. A bottle of fruit-flavored soju contains approximately 400 calories. 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. To drink it this way, you'll want to pour a small amount into a chilled glass anddrink it neat. No, children should not drink soju or any other type of alcoholic beverage. The rise in demand is also thanks to the enthusiasm for Korean cuisine. 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. But what about the regular, non-flavored soju? Stoked to try soju now? Made from golden maesil plums and double distilled cold, notes Flask & Field, Seoul Night is the newcomer with a gentle lift of flavor and reminds us of the White Claw and the boozyseltzer movement. Despite barely being grown or eaten in Korea until recent years, blueberries have gained popularity there in the last decade, as news of their anti-oxidant properties and superfood status has spread so why not find out for yourself? In addition, soju is used in mixed drinks and alcoholic punches. Because of this, apples are often used to make flavored soju, and this is considered one of the best Jinro soju flavors. 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. 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. However, its uniqueness in the market makes it a curiosity worth sipping if you encounter it in the wild. The ban was lifted in the late 1990s, but many of the best-selling brands in Korea still use alternative starches. Jinro Chamisul is a sweet, aromatic drink made from rice, barley, and tapioca that has a 20% alcohol by volume concentration. Popular varieties of plum wine maesil-ju are also available, made by brands like Matchsoon and Seoljungmae. No, were not talking about drinking it fresh, or eating it straight, but drinking it in flavoured soju! BRAND. Taste the Sunshine: Enjoy a Refreshing Key Lime Martini! 375 ml. 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. These types of flavored soju have been released to attract supposedly a female target market. The flavor profile of soju depends on the type and brand. What is the best soju glass? 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. Soju is a traditional Korean distilled spirit that has become popular in many countries around the world, particularly in East Asian nations. Much like vodka, soju is made today in a variety of flavors. Less expensive varieties are often . Stay safe! 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. Far more dimensional than the Korean BBQ the country is known for in America, Korean cuisine contains multitudes of micro-cultures depending on region, interpretation, and venue. This drink is not that well-known in the United States and the Western world, but is on the up and up. A Korean American herself, Kim struck out to rebuff "traditional" methods of soju making and chose to produce soju entirely from local grapes surrounding Northern California as opposed to rice and other grains more commonly found in the clear spirit. However, flavored and diluted soju is often weaker, with an alcohol content in the 12% to 14% range. 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. Asian food expert Naomi Imatome-Yun is a freelance writer and the author of four Asian food cookbooks. The Image Party/Shutterstock. Bourbon vs. Shochu is a low alcohol Japanese distilled spirit made from barley, rice, or sweet potato, so it is similar to soju. However, it is important to note that the law must be followed and minors should not attempt to purchase soju or any other type of alcohol. Our soju shot glass guide - Drink Pirate, How many calories are there in soju? He is also BJCP Certified Beer Judge. 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. Jinro Soju. Soju is also an easy way to transform favorite drinks into low-proof cocktails. How does soju taste? We recommend the Jinro Chamisul Fresh Soju, which has a 17.8% alcoholic . 750 ml. Pomegranate Liz Margaretha This can lead to a lot of undesirable flavors. Heres everything you need to know: Soju is a clear, neutral spirit usually distilled from grains. Perhaps because of its ubiquity in the country, its also considered one of the best flavors of soju. Otherwise, its entirely possible youre out of luck unless you know a fantastic liquor store (or off-licence if youre in the UK). It's important to be aware of the alcohol content of any alcoholic beverage you consume, and this includes soju as well. But there are other ways Koreans indulge in the juicy and refreshing goodness of grapefruit. Being citrus-flavored, it has a slightly bitter aftertaste but is quite refreshing. 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. Fruit soju has a distinct fruit flavor and lower alcohol content compared to standard soju. The alcohol content of commercially made soju can vary significantly, so be sure to check the label. There are different levels of alcohol in different types and brands of soju. While traditionally served neat, soju can also be used as an ingredient in cocktails or mixed with oter beverages to create unique drinks. Is Malibu rum kosher? Soju is a Korean alcoholic beverage known for its neutral flavor and high alcohol content. Peach flavored soju is also a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth, since their taste stays with you for a long time. 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. Maesil-cha, or plum tea, is made with plum syrup, and the flowers of the plum are also used to make plum blossom tea, or Maehwa-cha. 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%. Fully embracing soju's traditional methods, and without the inclusion of flavors or gimmicks, Pungjeon Sagye Winter Soju is an aromatic alternative to the oftentimes intentionally meek beverage. What is the difference between soju and baijiu? The Comeback of Zima: Enjoying the Refreshing Taste of the 90s! Whiskey: Whats the Difference? 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