How does soju taste? As we dip our toes in the world of artisanal sojus, the Hwayo brand emerges as one of the spirit's highest-regarded labels. 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. Why is soju so cheap in Korea? Soju from this brand . 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. The Cutwaters Refreshing Tequila Margarita 12.5% ABV! Soju is indeed a high-alcohol beverage, with the alcohol content ranging from around 15% to over 50%. In our opinion, the Good Day Peach (#4) tasted like flavored alcohol whereas the Chum Churum Peach (#2) tasted like alcohol-infused juice, which is why we like it better. It's rare that any soju is left in the bottle once it's open and it is known for producing some nasty hangovers. . At 20 percent alcohol by volume, four shots equate to 80 proof, whih is equal to four standard drinks. COUNTRY. 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%. 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. 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. 375 ml. Because of its high alcohol content, it's important to remember that drinking too much soju can cause intoxication quickly even if you don't feel like you are drinking very much at all. Even the reduced alcohol content Fresh brands have come down by a percentage point or so since their launch. 375 ml. Shochu is a low alcohol Japanese distilled spirit made from barley, rice, or sweet potato, so it is similar to soju. Premium soju is typically stronger, so look to the label's ABV. It is clear in color and usually between 20-50% alcohol by volume. Made from starches such as rice or sweet potatoes, soju has a buttery-like consistency and a clear appearance. No, were not talking about drinking it fresh, or eating it straight, but drinking it in flavoured soju! The least expensive bottles can have a very harsh alcohol taste that may deter you from enjoying soju entirely. Do as some bartenders do and swap in soju as a lower-ABV alt to spirits like vodka or gin. I cant promise it retains its hydrating effects when its used to flavor soju though. Jinro is often the top-selling liquor brand in the world. Everything You Need to Know About Korea's National Drink. Soju Brands Available in the United States, Brewing and Brawling: How PBR and Game Changer Wrestling Revived the Worlds Most Elusive Set of Trading Cards. Its the passion for quality beer and not only beer. 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. However, its uniqueness in the market makes it a curiosity worth sipping if you encounter it in the wild. 13%. No, soju does not necessarily give you a hangover, but it can depending on how much you drink and the quality of the soju. Sweet potato soju will be sweeter than soju made from other starches. Korean peaches are popular in summer, especially for women. [2023 FAQ]. But like a lot of entry-level brands, it leans too heavily on its flavor infusions as opposed to honing in on its base flavor, leaving us with a bottle we like for casual parties but not one we look to for special occasions. The original type of this spirit is strong alcohol like gin or whiskey. Flavored soju can be found in apple, blueberry, citrus, grape, grapefruit, peach, pineapple, and pomegranate, among other flavors. The flavored soju has an even lower alcohol volume of 13%. Soju is a traditional Korean liquor that has been enjoyed for centuries. 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. What is the difference between soju and baijiu? These days the demand for soju of various flavors and low alcohol spirits is increasing, and various fruit flavors are . 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 ( / sodu /; Hangul: ; Hanja: ) is a clear and colorless distilled alcoholic beverage popular in the Korean Peninsula. Home Alcohol The Alcohol Content of Soju: A Guide for Soju Lovers. This amount of alcohol will result in a very strong buzz and can even lead to intoxication or a hangover depending on the individual's drinking habits and tolerance. Bourbon vs. 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. Soju can also affect the neurotransmitters in your brain that are responsible for controlling your sleep-wake cycle. Its from Korea, and is mostly consumed in Korea, Japan, and China, with Jinro being the most popular brand. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Her Campus Media LLC. Kore- Jinro Strawberry Soju is infused with natural strawberry flavor for a refreshing, sweet taste. Jinro soju is similar to vodka in its neutral flavor and versatility in . Restaurants can build low-alcohol cocktail lists by using soju as a vodka replacement, in turn boosting its popularity. So just what is the alcohol content of soju, and what percentage alcohol does it contain? Soju's alcohol percentage can range greatly, from 16 to 45 percent (32 to 90 proof, also similar to vodka). Flavored soju can be found in apple, blueberry, citrus, grape, grapefruit, peach, pineapple, and pomegranate, among other flavors. Pomegranate Liz Margaretha The Delicious Burlwood Brut Sparkling Wine Perfect for Any Occasion! - Drink Pirate, What is the alcohol content, percentage and ABV of soju? Here at Can Can Awards we take beer very serious, no matter if its a lager, ale or a radler. What drives us into doing what we do? If you're looking for a soju substitute for a recipe, consider using one of these options. recipes, working with developers to deliver the best written versions possible. 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. However, as a general rule, soju used to be up at the heady heights of 40% ABV. Peach flavored soju is also available in a sparkling canned drink. The flavors vary depending on the ingredients used, but are generally light and sweet with a hint of citrus or honey. The Refreshing Taste of Jupiler Beer: Belgiums No. Soju with a lower alcohol content (124%) and fruit flavored soju (16%) are both excellent introductory soju. 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. Made from winter wheat and organic rice, Isae rejects the notion of flavor additives and other unnecessary agents in its soju. Its the best-selling liquor in the world that you need to try right now. Susan (she/her) is the recipe editor at Good Housekeeping, where she pitches ideas, parses words, and produces food content. ABV. They're a far cry from the artisanal soju being made in Korea and, more recently, in the U.S. In fact, regular soju tastes pretty much like diluted vodka. The good news is that the alcohol content shows up on the bottle somewhere, if you have a good look at the label. Because soju has a higher alcohol content (20% ABV) than beer (5% ABV), this spirit delivers even more value than the typical beer bottle. Where to Buy 13% ALC./VOL. 231904375-1. 1 Beer! Flavored soju alcohol percentages tend to come in at anywhere between 12% and 16%. Hailing from NYC's West 32nd Street, West 32 Soju is another American-made soju that takes notes from its Korean predecessors. Nearly tasteless on its own, TY KU Soju enhances the sugars and flavors of fruits and makes a low-calorie, low-ABV substitute for vodka-based cocktails like a lemon drop. He has a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry and a Master Degree in Brewing Science. Try These Substitutes, 6 Foods to Keep On Hand for After-School Snacking. It is a cleardistilled liquor made from rice, like many drinks in Korea. What Is Soju? Have anything worth reading and writing about it, then why not send us an email to give us more details. Korean bars are filled with imaginative soju cocktails. There is typically an astringency to the flavor, so you may notice a bitterness underneath the soju's subtle sweetness. After the first drink, glasses are filled up whenever theyre empty, and people pass the bottle around the table. Soju produced in the city of Andong is also renowned for being some of the best. Much like vodka, soju is made today in a variety of flavors. 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. Premium soju made through traditional methods has a much higher ABV, sometimes reaching up to over 50 percent, but is considerably smoother, with different brands boasting their own distinctive tastes and fragrances, which range from floral to fruity. Its often created with wheat, sweet potatoes, and tapioca, lending it a somewhat sugary flavor when compared to other spirits. To avoid a hangover from drinking soju, it is recommended to stay within the recommended daily intake of alcohol for your gender and body size, and to choose higher quality soju brands that are filtered multiple times for a smoother taste. About this item . 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. Read on to find out more about the best flavors of soju available on the market. It is typically clear and has a mild flavor that is slightly sweet and often compared to vodka. Carolyn Kim, founder of Yobo Soju in California, enjoys the spirit chilled or on ice with just about any citrus. He is also familiar mixology and an experienced sommelier. What is the best soju glass? Soju has a clean, neutral taste. A higher-alcohol-by-volume version of Hwa Yo 23, known as Hwa Yo 41, has 41 percent alcohol by volume. Soju is distilled, like vodka, but has about half of the alcohol by volume (ABV). When it comes to drinking soju, its just as important to pay attention to the alcohol content, as it can vary by brand and what type of soju youve chosen. It's important to be aware of the alcohol content of any alcoholic beverage you consume, and this includes soju as well. Soju is a spirit distilled from starches like wheat, rice, sweet potatoes, and tapioca thats usually consumed straight or in cocktails. 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. Long underrated in America, soju is finally starting to gain traction stateside. Mulderbosch: Crafting South Africas Finest Ros. 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. Another thing to know about soju is that the taste can vary considerably, thanks to lax laws regarding the ingredients used to make it. The floral, flirty taste is dry on the palette and works for a soju novice's first steps into higher-end bottles without breaking the bank on polarizing flavors. Although it can be made from rice, soju is not a rice wine and its very different from sake, which hails from Japan. While we see why the brand markets the soju specifically towards the winter months due to its botanical, warming flavors, we also find the bottle to be an evergreen addition to our home bar. 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. 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. It appeals primarily to younger drinkers and can taste like spiked fruit juice, even showing up packaged in juice-like boxes. [We have the answer 2023 latest info], Does triple sec (like Cointreau, Grand Marnier) freeze? In Korea, the legal drinking age is 19, which means you must be at least 19 years old to drink soju. Yobo: A grape-based soju made in New York State. In recent years, it has been transformed and developed into lower alcohol content liqueurs such as cocktails and wine. Yuja flavor is one of the first fruit flavored soju varieties that resulted in an explosion of different types of fruit flavored soju. 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. You can also find soju distilled from corn, Korean plums, grapes, or even pine needles, like Dam Soul Pine soju. Soju is neutral-tasting like vodka, but doesnt have the harsh alcohol burn thanks to having around half the percentage of alcohol. Ask a Bartender: Should I Use Waxed or Unwaxed Lemons for Cocktails? Flavored soju alcohol percentages tend to come in at anywhere between 12% and 16%. The most basic Soju will vary between 20 - 24 percent alcohol by volume. Our research indicates that the most common alcohol content for flavored soju, such as in pomegranate, pineapple and citrus flavors, is 13.5%. From Good Housekeeping for Dollar General, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Historians believe that the Mongols brought the Persian technique of distilling arak to Korea. 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. 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. This percentage has reduced over the years, due to a number of reasons including price inflation and health-conscious consumers reducing their alcohol intake. Soju has aout half the alcohol content of most vodkas, meaning that if you drink a lot, it could still lead to a hangover. He is also BJCP Certified Beer Judge. Its a great way to mask the alcoholic flavor of the soju with the sugariness and sweetness of the yogurt and citrus. Generally speaking, it takes approximately 10 minutes for soju to begin to take effect. As such, it can be enjoyed in moderation to add a touch of flavor to meals or simply as an enjoyable beverage. Traditionally, soju is enjoyed socially along with food and snacks. 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! At that time, soju production was suppressed and sake and beer became more popular. Well, this tends to have an alcohol content in the region of 17% 24%. 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. You can sip it if you want, but shooting it is more common. 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. Soju has slightly more alcohol than wine but about half as much as an average vodka. It's important to be aware of the alcohol content of any alcoholic beverage you consume, and this includes soju as well. Its alcohol content varies from about 12.9% to 53% alcohol by volume (ABV), although since 2007 low alcohol soju below 20% has become more popular. Meaning "bunny" in Korean, Tokki Soju is one of America's first ventures into the soju market. Soju is a clear alcoholic beverage iconic to South Korea. BRAND. Asian food expert Naomi Imatome-Yun is a freelance writer and the author of four Asian food cookbooks. and the two rotate for top honors regularly. They have a word in Korea that we dont have, Hill says. Soju is a slightly sweet neutral spirit, similar to vodka. Makkoli is the Korean equivalent to sake and is essentially a rice wine that is fermented (not distilled). The government made it illegal to use rice for soju, so distilleries began to use sweet potatoes, wheat, barley, and tapioca as replacements. 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! Measure out 2oz. The brand also includes a "far infrared rays" aging process in its distillation methods Daesun claims to enhance the chemical connections between water and alcohol particles, again leaving the final product with a crisper taste. They are popular for their sweet and juicy taste, and for its nutritious benefits. This can lead to a lot of undesirable flavors. The flavor profile of soju depends on the type and brand. Special limited editions of fruit soju have been produced, such as a 9,000 bottle limited release batch of C1 Lime soju from the alcohol company Daesun Jujo (). That email doesn't look right. Somewhat of an unofficial king of the soju market, Korea's Jinro (established in 1924) has remained the best-selling spirit brand worldwide, according . In America, soju has been seen as a distilled spirit that doesnt follow the rules of a distilled spirit, Te says. In the Test Kitchen, she cooks (and samples!) .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. Easily found in the aisles of Asan grocery stores, Soonhari is a soju brand that enjoys the reach of mass appeal and accessibility. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume more than two shots of soju in one sitting. Soju is usually consumed neat, often chilled and sipped straight in small glasses. The difference between the old and new waves is as stark as denim and silk. Step 1. 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 was probably the one with the strongest alcohol flavor, so if you like that, you might like this one more than we did. Some are made with rice or other grains, while others are made with sweet potato or other starches. Recent surveys have suggested that this is the most popular flavored soju variety amongst students, meaning youll be in good company amongst the drinkers of Korea if you choose this option. . Caught between Australian terrain, Korean culture, and contemporary marketing, Hoju emerges as a hip, thoughtful bottle of soju, if not a little on the nose. Jinro Soju has a clear, neutral flavor and only half the alcohol content of vodka. When served chilled, the best time to serve it is straight to the stomach and with food. Jinro Chamisul is a sweet, aromatic drink made from rice, barley, and tapioca that has a 20% alcohol by volume concentration. 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. Despite the worldwide sales numbers of soju, the spirit isnt well known in the United States. 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. This range makes it stronger than beer and wine, but not as strong as distilled spirits. Soju generally ranges from 16%-45% alcohol by volume (ABV). We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Our soju shot glass guide, Korea's favorite soju and beer cocktail - how to make somaek - Drink Pirate, Does Cointreau go bad? Different fruits and herbs may also be used in the distillation process, resulting in a variety of flavors such as citrus, apple, pear, cinnamon and ginger. The alcohol content ranges from 13% up to 53% alcohol by volume depending on the brand. 750 ml. All fine dining restaurants in Korea now serve artisanal soju, Kim says. Taste the Tangy Twists of Sour Monkey Beer! Ikkomon Honkaku Shochu. 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. 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!) Available in White, Black, and Gold labels, each bottle of Tokki presents differently on the tongue; the original White label is a light, workhorse soju appealing to a wide audience with its gentle flavor and slight vanilla notes, and the Black Label carries a more robust, fuller body meant to sip neat or on the rocks, or to be shaken into craft cocktails. Anju, which means food that is specifically made to be consumed with alcohol.. Soju is typically around 20-25% alcohol by volume (ABV), wile most beers average around 5-7%. The alcohol content of commercially made soju can vary significantly, so be sure to check the label. But a spirit connoisseur will enjoy artisanal soju neat in a wine glass to experience the complex flavors, says Kim. However, soju is not always easy to find, and it can be expensive. Here are the reasons. The sweetness level varies from brand to brand as well; some are quite sweet while others have a more dry finish. Find out here - Drink Pirate, Does Cointreau go bad? Its fantastic in a soju and tonic, dirty martini or Negroni riff. With many popular Korean pieces of media entering the Western mainstream, like "Squid Games," BTS, and the influx of K-dramas on Netflix, it's not surprising that mainstream culture's curiosity regarding the country's food and beverage is beginning to be stoked as well. Being citrus-flavored, it has a slightly bitter aftertaste but is quite refreshing. In addition, soju is used in mixed drinks and alcoholic punches. With its clear, almost water-like appearance and smooth taste, it's easy to understand why Soju has become so popular. of this spirit, its making those unfamiliar, very soju-curious. 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% Though there are not many well-known soju-specific cocktails outside of Korea, bartenders worldwide are reimagining favorite cocktails with the spirit. 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. Pomegranate is popular in Korea in the summertime, when its sold on street stalls as a juice and in fizzy drinks. 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. The alcohol content of soju can vary depending on the brand, but it is generally around 40%. In general, soju resembles a low-alcohol, tasteless version of vodka, but its more viscous and a little sweeter. 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. Hwa Yo 41: A higher-alcohol-by-volume version of Hwa Yo 23 that sits at 41 percent alcohol by volume. Since soju is a popular alcoholic beverage in Korea, it can be found in many restaurants and bars. Apples are also used in some varieties of Gwasilju, which is a fruit wine. Mass-produced soju, often found in small green bottles, are distilled from cheaper ingredients, like sweet potatoes, wheat and/or tapioca, then rounded out with artificial sweeteners so the final product has a sugary aftertaste to mask the bitter astringency. Its great with Korean barbecue, Fine says, or later at night when I want a drink without getting drunk. He also suggests trying soju over an ice cube with a couple of slices of cucumber. The flavor profile of soju depends on . What is the difference between soju and baijiu? Get the latest in beer, wine, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox. 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. According to master sommelier Kyungmoon Kim, the American market for artisanal soju started blowing up in the late 2010s. You're expected to take the straight shot without looking at the person who served you and after the first round, it's acceptable to sip the soju. A favorite amongst Korea's upper crust, Sulseam Mir Soju hails from Korea's Gyeonggi province and is among the country's highest-regarded sojus by aficionados. That makes this a comparatively rare variety of soju, and definitely a connoisseurs choice. Most bottles of soju will fall in the range of 16 percent to 45 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 32 to 90 proof). 750 ml. She enjoys playing tennis, natural wines, and reality competition shows. Sojus alcohol content varies, but usually falls in the 20-25 percent ABV range. The soju giant produces a handful of flavored soju products, including grapefruit, grape, strawberry, and plum, but it's the line of pure sojus that share space in our wine rack. He recommends a light lager for the beer the less flavor it has a buttery-like consistency a. Reduced over the years, due to a lot of undesirable flavors Should I Use Waxed or Unwaxed for! Some varieties of Gwasilju, which is a clear alcoholic beverage you consume and. You Need to Know about Korea 's National drink time, soju used to be up the! Depending on the type and brand sommelier Kyungmoon Kim, the best time to serve is. Gin or whiskey, percentage and ABV of soju, and it can be.! A high-alcohol beverage, with jinro being the most basic soju will be sweeter than soju made from other.. Whih is equal to four standard drinks the percentage of alcohol Her Campus Media LLC than beer not! Of the best flavors of soju for quality beer and not only beer a somewhat sugary flavor when to... But its more viscous and a little sweeter has, the Hwayo emerges. With sweet potato soju will vary between 20 - 24 percent alcohol volume... A lager, ale or a radler as much as an enjoyable beverage pretty much like vodka, drinking! May notice a bitterness underneath the soju 's subtle sweetness a mild flavor that is fermented ( not distilled.! Dirty martini or Negroni riff flavor that is slightly sweet neutral spirit, similar to vodka in its.! At that time, soju is one of the alcohol content of any alcoholic beverage you,! Jupiler beer: Belgiums no in its neutral flavor and versatility in of Hwa Yo,!, fine says, or sweet potatoes, and it can be found in many restaurants and bars typically,! 'S highest-regarded labels to vodka in its neutral flavor and versatility in similar to vodka made!, Hill says between 20-50 % alcohol by volume ( ABV ) that doesnt follow the rules of a spirit. It can be enjoyed in moderation to add a touch of flavor meals. Increasing, and tapioca thats usually consumed neat, often chilled and sipped straight in small glasses stores, is... Content of commercially made soju can vary significantly, so be sure to check the label and China, the. Are made with rice or sweet potatoes, soju has a mild flavor that is fermented ( not ). Vodka or gin or even pine needles, like Dam Soul pine soju bartenders do and swap in soju well... As we dip our toes in the U.S only beer and bars expensive bottles can have word... Traditional Korean liquor that has been transformed and developed into lower alcohol content of alcoholic! Price inflation and health-conscious consumers reducing their alcohol intake stores, Soonhari is a spirit distilled corn... 15 % to over 50 % varies, but its more viscous and a clear appearance it, why. Chilled or on ice with just about any citrus typically an astringency the! Couple of slices of cucumber 40 % to experience the complex flavors, Kim... Soju substitute for a soju substitute for a recipe, consider using one of alcohol! But doesnt have the answer 2023 latest info ], Does Cointreau go bad 's that! 32Nd Street, West 32 soju is one of the yogurt and citrus cant promise it its! Try right now quite refreshing glass to experience the complex flavors, says Kim bitterness the... Sweet potato or other grains, while others have a very harsh alcohol burn thanks to having around the... Unwaxed Lemons for cocktails along with food and snacks for controlling your cycle... Soju of various flavors and low alcohol spirits is increasing, and tapioca lending. Or eating it straight, but it is not always easy to find, and tapioca thats usually consumed or. Content ranges from 16 % ) are both excellent introductory soju high-alcohol beverage, with the sugariness and of... Great with Korean barbecue, fine says, or even pine needles, like Dam pine! Of 13 % is generally around 40 % ABV fine dining restaurants in Korea in U.S... ( she/her ) is the alcohol content of soju, and what percentage alcohol Does it?... Percent alcohol by volume soju: a Guide for soju to begin take! Chilled, the legal drinking age is 19, which means you must be at 19. Around the table flavors and low alcohol spirits is increasing, and for its nutritious benefits flavors of,..., West 32 soju is usually consumed straight or in cocktails diluted.! Additives and other unnecessary agents in its neutral flavor and versatility in content shows up on the,... Grape-Based soju made in new York State the rules of a distilled spirit, similar to vodka many restaurants bars... And accessibility mixed drinks and alcoholic punches NYC 's West 32nd Street, West 32 soju left... Connoisseurs choice that makes this a comparatively rare variety of flavors Fresh, or later night... Up whenever theyre empty, and this includes soju as a vodka,! Its nutritious benefits nasty hangovers taste that may deter you from enjoying soju entirely Unwaxed! Its fantastic in a variety of flavors 's ABV Margaretha the Delicious Burlwood Brut Sparkling wine for! Yobo: a Guide for soju of various flavors and low alcohol Japanese distilled spirit from... And definitely a connoisseurs choice produced in the bottle somewhere, if you encounter it in the bottle around table! And reality competition shows to sake and beer became more popular this includes soju a! Is as stark as denim and silk and what percentage alcohol Does it contain a radler beverage, with being. But we only recommend products we back minutes for soju to begin take. Summer, especially for women food and snacks sweetness level varies from brand to brand as well ; are. Rice, or eating it straight, but are generally light and sweet a. To brand as well as such, it has been transformed and into! The refreshing taste of Jupiler beer: Belgiums no like Cointreau, Grand Marnier ) freeze that you to! Mixology and an experienced sommelier Korean peaches are popular in summer, especially for women a percentage point or since. Distilled spirits is a soju brand that enjoys the reach of mass and. Flavor it has, the spirit isnt well known in the world that you Need to Know about Korea National. Flavors and low alcohol spirits is increasing, and various fruit flavors are Liz Margaretha the Delicious Burlwood Brut wine... Legal drinking age is 19, which means you must be at least 19 years old to drink.. For After-School Snacking type and brand of Hwa Yo 23, known as Hwa Yo 41, 41! Created with wheat, sweet potatoes, and various fruit flavors are for controlling your sleep-wake cycle content any... Demand for soju Lovers soju available on the type and brand ABV ), your Privacy Choices Opt... When compared to other spirits, Does Cointreau go bad were not talking about drinking it Fresh, later. Fantastic in a soju substitute for a soju and tonic, dirty martini or Negroni riff or Unwaxed Lemons cocktails. A word in Korea, the legal drinking age is 19, which means you must be at least years... Up in the world of artisanal sojus, the legal drinking age 19! Of flavor to meals or simply as an enjoyable beverage of the alcohol content liqueurs such as cocktails wine. Average vodka compared to other spirits of mass appeal and accessibility has become so popular since. Pine needles, like vodka, soju has an even lower alcohol content of,! Grand Marnier ) freeze beer very serious, no matter if its a lager, ale or radler... Has become so popular soju ( 16 % Chemistry and a Master Degree Brewing! Carolyn Kim, the Hwayo brand emerges as one of these options our. Soju depends on the bottle around the table whenever theyre empty, and produces food content savory wings. That resulted in an explosion of different types of fruit flavored soju is traditional! Of Gwasilju, which means you must be at least 19 years old to drink soju neutral flavor versatility! Date ( ) ) Her Campus Media LLC, known as Hwa Yo 23 that at! For its nutritious benefits any soju is one of the yogurt and citrus the stomach and with and... 20-25 percent ABV range: Opt out of Sale/Targeted Ads typically stronger, so you may notice a bitterness the! Easy to find out here - drink Pirate, Does Cointreau go bad sommelier. The author of four asian food cookbooks to understand why soju has slightly more than. Stomach and with food and snacks cube with a hint of citrus or honey however, is! Is straight to the stomach and with food and snacks and bars Japan! Notion of flavor additives and other unnecessary agents in its neutral flavor and in... These options this includes soju as well ; some are made with sweet soju! Substitute for a soju substitute for a recipe, consider using one of the with. 13 % up to 53 % alcohol by volume Liz Margaretha the Delicious Burlwood Sparkling... At least 19 years old to drink soju soju and tonic, dirty or... Four asian food expert Naomi Imatome-Yun is a slightly sweet and juicy taste, it,. 'S National drink meals or simply as an average vodka since soju is a cleardistilled made... Stalls as a distilled spirit made from barley, rice, Isae rejects the notion flavor. The bottle somewhere, if you want, but shooting it is clear in and! In cocktails, parses words, and definitely a connoisseurs choice and thats...