Still, the brand's premium bottle, Jinro's Ilpoom (clocking in at 24% ABV) undergoes an extra distillation process where impurities are frozen and filtered away, leaving drinkers with a smoother, crisper, whiskey-like product we consider Jinro's very best. Flavored soju goes really well with savory bar foods and also makes for a pretty great chaser tbh. Its also a perfect after dinner choice, with citrus fruit being good for your digestion. Heres everything you need to know: Soju is a clear, neutral spirit usually distilled from grains. Soju is a spirit distilled from starches like wheat, rice, sweet potatoes, and tapioca thats usually consumed straight or in cocktails. The ban was lifted in the late 1990s, but many of the best-selling brands in Korea still use alternative starches. Why not try a shot (or three) of citrus soju to wash down your evening meal? So its no coincidence that this spirit has had a major glow-up in recent years. This saves you having to have lots of different fruit juices in your fridge, or to worry about the supermarket not having your favorite fruit available. They are popular for their sweet and juicy taste, and for its nutritious benefits. Our research indicates that the most common alcohol content for flavored soju, such as in pomegranate, pineapple and citrus flavors, is 13.5%. We all agree this was our definite favorite! . With the rise of the trend of Korean food, soju is starting to gain popularity even in the U.S. As with whiskey, you can add a large ice cube to a glass of soju, which will soften the burn from the alcohol. 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%. 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. Soju is a colorless grain-based distilled liquor with an average alcohol content of about 15 percent, with the exception of some high-proof sojus up to 50 percent. Soju has slightly more alcohol than wine but about half as much as an average vodka. Not really a fan of this one because it had a bad aftertaste and tastes more like blueberry-flavored gum or toothpaste rather than actual blueberries. 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. 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? 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. They're a far cry from the artisanal soju being made in Korea and, more recently, in the U.S. Premium soju is typically stronger, so look to the label's ABV. Soju has a clean, neutral taste. In summer, one of the most popular fruits eaten in Korea is watermelon. Get the latest in beer, wine, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox. As always when consuming alcoholic beverages, please drink responsibly and know your limits. After the first drink, glasses are filled up whenever theyre empty, and people pass the bottle around the table. Otherwise, its entirely possible youre out of luck unless you know a fantastic liquor store (or off-licence if youre in the UK). 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. We are starting off our top 3 now! 13% ALC./VOL. and the two rotate for top honors regularly. recipes, working with developers to deliver the best written versions possible. Famous amongst locals and internationals alike, Chamisul is currently the . Fill your cup to the top with cubed ice. 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. So, to summarise the above, heres some rules of thumb for the alcohol content of soju: But what if youre really stuck? On average, soju tends to have an alcohol content that ranges between 20% and 24%. Soju has aout half the alcohol content of most vodkas, meaning that if you drink a lot, it could still lead to a hangover. Sake typically has a lower alcohol content than soju. Make your favorite takeout recipes at home with our cookbook! 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. 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. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. 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. Kore- Jinro Strawberry Soju is infused with natural strawberry flavor for a refreshing, sweet taste. Taste the Tangy Twists of Sour Monkey Beer! This can make you fall asleep faster than usual and stay asleep longer. Where to Buy 13% ALC./VOL. The flimsy promise of preventing headaches is C1's main draw, but we're not trying to drink enough of the clear liquid to find out if it's true. 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. In addition to drinking it with food, the way its traditionally served is also important. Taste the Sunshine: Enjoy a Refreshing Key Lime Martini! With an alcohol content of 13%, JINRO STRAWBERRY is a perfect match for any occasion. In fact, regular soju tastes pretty much like diluted vodka. 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. Shochu is a low alcohol Japanese distilled spirit made from barley, rice, or sweet potato, so it is similar to soju. Soju is usually made from fermented grains, such as wheat, barley and/or rice, but can also be made from other starchy ingredients, like sweet potatoes or tapioca. 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. 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% Pomegranate is popular in Korea in the summertime, when its sold on street stalls as a juice and in fizzy drinks. Korea. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. 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. Although it is much stronger than beer or Wine, it is still not as strong as other hard alcohols like whisky and Vodka. That means it contains the same amount of alcohol as 4 shots or drinks. While we still prefer Korean-made sojus for our home fridges, we do keep our eyes peeled for the TY KU blue bottle while at Japanese cocktail bars since it makes an excellent base spirit for creative cocktails. 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. These tend to be more complex with a longer, resonant finish and a wide range of flavor profiles, depending on the distillate and production methods. 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. 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. Additionally, because children metabolize alcohol faster than adults, even a small amount of soju can lead to high blood-alcohol concentrations that can be extremely dangerous. There is typically an astringency to the flavor, so you may notice a bitterness underneath the soju's subtle sweetness. As a comparison, sake or wine is generally between 14 and 16 percent alcohol by volume, and your average shot of vodka or whiskey is 40 percent alcohol by volume. [We have the answer 2023 latest info], Does triple sec (like Cointreau, Grand Marnier) freeze? Here at Can Can Awards we take beer very serious, no matter if its a lager, ale or a radler. Whiskey: Whats the Difference? Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, which slows down your brain activity and causes you to relax and become sleepy. Soju is a slightly sweet neutral spirit, similar to vodka. But what many people don't realize is that Soju is actually quite powerful, and can be surprisingly high in Alcohol content. Soju is conventionally served chilled in shot glasses, which you can shoot or sip. Step 2. Some people also like to mix ther soju with other ingredients to make cocktails or other drinks. It is typically clear and has a mild flavor that is slightly sweet and often compared to vodka. 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 is widely available in Korea and other Asian countries. 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. Soju ( / sodu /; Hangul: ; Hanja: ) is a clear and colorless distilled alcoholic beverage popular in the Korean Peninsula. 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. 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. There are different levels of alcohol in different types and brands of soju. Watermelon is regularly eaten at family get-togethers, so it makes perfect sense to pair it with soju, which is itself a communal drink. Has 23 percent alcohol by volume. It is a cleardistilled liquor made from rice, like many drinks in Korea. The rise in demand is also thanks to the enthusiasm for Korean cuisine. There is a customary way to drink it and you can enjoy it straight or use it to make cocktails. How does soju taste? Yobo: A grape-based soju made in New York State. 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. Soju is neutral-tasting like vodka, but doesnt have the harsh alcohol burn thanks to having around half the percentage of alcohol. . 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. of Yakult (or you can use the whole 2.7oz. [1] [2] [3] It is usually consumed neat. 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. 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%. 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. Made from starches such as rice or sweet potatoes, soju has a buttery-like consistency and a clear appearance. 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. Jinro is often the top-selling liquor brand in the world. 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. The Image Party/Shutterstock. The most basic Soju will vary between 20 - 24 percent alcohol by volume. Hite Jinro chamisul . 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. 375 ml. The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Gift for the Bourbon Lover, Taste the 21st Amendments Hell or High Watermelon, Beer Taps The Different Types and How They Work. 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. Peach soju is a popular variety of soju that is flavored with peach. This must be one of the best Jinro soju flavors, as theyve decided to can it and make it available as a single serve drink! 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. Grapefruit is one of the most commonly consumed fruits in Korea, along with apples and pears. It is typically made from rice, wheat, or barley and has an alcohol content of around 15-45% ABV. Tom has worked hard to become one of the most experienced brewers in the industry. To come up with this ranking of the best soju flavors, I went to two liquor stores in Koreatown and grabbed a bottle of every single soju flavor available. Carolyn Kim, founder of Yobo Soju in California, enjoys the spirit chilled or on ice with just about any citrus. 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. 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. 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. No, soju is not the strongest alcohol. Jinro, the best-selling soju brand in South Korea, has been selling soju since 1924. ABV . Several of the most popular soju brands contain no more than 24 percent alcohol. 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. Soju with a lower alcohol content (124%) and fruit flavored soju (16%) are both excellent introductory soju. The Perfection of Bombora Vodka: A Price of Luxury. In general, soju resembles a low-alcohol, tasteless version of vodka, but its more viscous and a little sweeter. And to drink alongside each of these meals and occasions is a clear, clean, crisp soju also meant for every circumstance. It smelled and tasted fine, but it was slightly artificial. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Her Campus Media LLC. At 20 percent alcohol by volume, four shots equate to 80 proof, whih is equal to four standard drinks. Soju. Overall, we enjoy the small, plum-centric bottle of soju but believe that most of its fans will eventually graduate to a more grown-up bottle as their interest in soju blooms. SKU. Tacitly intended to be served in Korean earthenware known as onggi, the history of Hwayo sojus has its roots in the brand's desire to elevate and popularize Korean-style cooking and hosting to a wider audience. [4] [5] 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. 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? Sometimes beer on its own is too light and needs a boost, says Kyungmoon Kim. Because of this, the Korean people have long been using them as a way to enjoy sojus unique flavor and color. [Your questions answered for 2023]. The biggest difference is how the two are made: Sake is fermented and brewed like beer and soju is distilled like vodka. Less expensive varieties are often . Taste the Sweetness of Truly Strawberry Lemonade Hard Seltzer 6 Pack Cans! Our soju shot glass guide - Drink Pirate, How many calories are there in soju? At its most basic, soju is a clear, 20-24 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) spirit. 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. Long underrated in America, soju is finally starting to gain traction stateside. Perhaps because of its ubiquity in the country, its also considered one of the best flavors of soju. 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. Its no surprise that plums are used to flavor soju, given the popularity of plum flavored beverages in Korea. There were two peach flavors in our roundup and this one had a stronger alcoholic bitterness than the other, hence the lower placement. The Unique Taste of American Spirit Brown Cigarettes. How To Make Espresso Like a Literal Barista, No Vegetable Oil on Hand? of this spirit, its making those unfamiliar, very soju-curious. It can be used in place of soju in most recipes. It became one of the most popular spirits in Korea over the centuries until the Japanese occupation in the early 1900s. To make it easy, some brands even mention the alcohol content of the soju in the branding, by ending the name with a number which corresponds to the alcohol by volume percentage. The result, as reflected in Yobo's elegant bottle, is a bright, light, uplifting spirit, free of any sour, clingy aftertastes, and makes essential pairing not just for Korean food but also light meals of crudos, salads, and any other bites as finely honed as Ms. Kim's exemplary sojus. I bet you're wondering right nowwhat even is soju and why I am trying to find the best soju flavors? Related content: Check out our page on flavored soju here weve got the alcohol content of every variety we could find! Therefore, it is not recommended to consume more than two shots of soju in one sitting. You might be wondering, given this reduction, what the alcohol content of soju was traditionally. BRAND. This range makes it stronger than beer and wine, but not as strong as distilled spirits. Soju's alcohol percentage can range greatly, from 16 to 45 percent (32 to 90 proof, also similar to vodka). What does soju taste like? Peach flavored soju is also available in a sparkling canned drink. Jinro Soju has a clear, neutral flavor and only half the alcohol content of vodka. Four shots of soju is a very large amount to consume in one sitting. Yogurt soju (or soju yakult) has been a craze throughout Korea and has made its way all across Korean soju lovers. Being citrus-flavored, it has a slightly bitter aftertaste but is quite refreshing. If you're not ready to take a plunge into the world of soju flavors, then this is right up your alley being one of the best Jinro soju flavors! 750 ml. 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. The peach soju alcohol content (soju peach flavor) has 13.5% alcohol content. He has a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry and a Master Degree in Brewing Science. Tom is an expert organizer of beer festivals, wine tastings, and brewery tours. BRAND. Photo credit: Photo by Bundo Kim on Unsplash. Peaches are one of the few fruits that tastes good both fresh and cooked. 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. Soju typically has an ABV of around 20%, whle whisky and Vodka have an ABV of 40% or higher. Pomegranate Liz Margaretha Korean culture is instilled with social rules associated with drinking soju. You never pour your own soju; its always consumed as a communal drink. Additionally, it is important to note that soju can cause intoxication more quickly than other lower-alcohol beverages. Jinro Chamisul is a sweet, aromatic drink made from rice, barley, and tapioca that has a 20% alcohol by volume concentration. Even the reduced alcohol content Fresh brands have come down by a percentage point or so since their launch. Historians believe that the Mongols brought the Persian technique of distilling arak to Korea. 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. 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. Hailing from NYC's West 32nd Street, West 32 Soju is another American-made soju that takes notes from its Korean predecessors. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Though there are not many well-known soju-specific cocktails outside of Korea, bartenders worldwide are reimagining favorite cocktails with the spirit. 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. 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? Soju is usually consumed neat, often chilled and sipped straight in small glasses. 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). But there are other ways Koreans indulge in the juicy and refreshing goodness of grapefruit. The grapefruit flavor was definitely better than we thought it would be.

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flavored soju alcohol percentage