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. 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 typically 375ml and 20% ABV, whch is equivalent to 1/4 of a 750 ml bottle of 40% ABV vodka. Korean bars are filled with imaginative soju cocktails. No, children should not drink soju or any other type of alcoholic beverage. So, to summarise the above, heres some rules of thumb for the alcohol content of soju: But what if youre really stuck? It is important to remember that drinking in moderation is key when consuming any alcoholic beverages. As a whole, the soju outsells all other liquor categoriesit's rival is the Chinese spirit, baijiu. Furthermore, the high sugar content in soju also slows down the rate at which it is absorbed by the body, making it difficult to get drunk quickly. The flavor profile of soju depends on the type and brand. Yes, soju is typically drunk as a shot. All fine dining restaurants in Korea now serve artisanal soju, Kim says. Because soju has a higher alcohol content (20% ABV) than beer (5% ABV), this spirit delivers even more value than the typical beer bottle. 750 ml. Taste the Tangy Twists of Sour Monkey Beer! The government made it illegal to use rice for soju, so distilleries began to use sweet potatoes, wheat, barley, and tapioca as replacements. High-proof soju will stand up better in cocktails as the softer versions can get lost behind a drink's other flavors. 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. 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. 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. 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. The grapefruit flavor was definitely better than we thought it would be. After the first drink, glasses are filled up whenever theyre empty, and people pass the bottle around the table. 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. She enjoys playing tennis, natural wines, and reality competition shows. You tryna be tricky? Soju produced in the city of Andong is also renowned for being some of the best. Step 2. Much like vodka, soju is made today in a variety of flavors. 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. About this item . In summer, one of the most popular fruits eaten in Korea is watermelon. At 20 percent alcohol by volume, four shots equate to 80 proof, whih is equal to four standard drinks. So its no coincidence that this spirit has had a major glow-up in recent years. No, soju does not necessarily give you a hangover, but it can depending on how much you drink and the quality of the soju. Sojuwas first distilled in Korea during the 1300s. 2014 - 2023 VinePair Inc. Made In NYC. 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. By adding your email you agree to get updates about Spoon University Healthier. It is typically made from rice, wheat, or barley and has an alcohol content of around 15-45% ABV. 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. 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. The peach soju alcohol content (soju peach flavor) has 13.5% alcohol content. From Good Housekeeping for Dollar General, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Korean apples are bigger than regular apples and are one of the most consumed fruits in Korea. Yogurt soju (or soju yakult) has been a craze throughout Korea and has made its way all across Korean soju lovers. Flavored soju, however, is amazing. Thomas Ashford is a highly educated brewer with years of experience in the industry. 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. A bottle of Original Soju, on the other hand, has a abv of less than 20%. 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. While conventional soju, sold in iconic small green bottles, has been typically mass-produced from cheap ingredients, a new wave of small-batch artisanal soju is captivating those who imbibe. So while soju is strong, it's not the strongest alcohol out there. [We have the answer 2023 latest info], Does triple sec (like Cointreau, Grand Marnier) freeze? Akin to the global acknowledgment of the natural wine movement, Isae shies away from artificial sweeteners or industrial additives intended to lure drinker's in with an agreeable flavor, but later leave them with a headache. We thought it would be quite bitter, but it's a lot more fruity than we expected. Premium soju is typically stronger, so look to the label's ABV. Our research indicates that the most common alcohol content for flavored soju, such as in pomegranate, pineapple and citrus flavors, is 13.5%. Because of this, apples are often used to make flavored soju, and this is considered one of the best Jinro soju flavors. 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. Made from starches such as rice or sweet potatoes, soju has a buttery-like consistency and a clear appearance. SPIRITS TYPE. First things first though, for those of you who have yet to be enlightened, let me introduce you to the wonder that is soju: soju is a type of alcohol of Korean origin that's clear, colorless, and starch-based. 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. 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. Soju is a Korean distilled spirit that is typically made from rice. 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% 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. Definitely not bad though, a solid middle. Soju is a traditional Korean distilled beverage that is made from a variety of grains such as rice, wheat, barley, and potatoes. 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. [2023 FAQ]. 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. Most bottles of soju will fall in the range of 16 percent to 45 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 32 to 90 proof). At just slightly higher ABV (22%) than most conventional sojus (at around 17%), Mir is a great bottle to start elevating your soju collection beyond the bottles you're bound to find at your local Korean grocery store. 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. 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. Find out here - Drink Pirate, Does Cointreau go bad? Is Malibu rum kosher? Has 23 percent alcohol by volume. What does soju taste like? The ban was lifted in the late 1990s, but many of the best-selling brands in Korea still use alternative starches. Flavored soju alcohol percentages tend to come in at anywhere between 12% and 16%. But a spirit connoisseur will enjoy artisanal soju neat in a wine glass to experience the complex flavors, says Kim. 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. 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. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. ABV . This was probably the one with the strongest alcohol flavor, so if you like that, you might like this one more than we did. 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. Soju is often sweeter while sake is dry in comparison. Jinro. 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. 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. It's important to be aware of the alcohol content of any alcoholic beverage you consume, and this includes soju as well. 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. Made from winter wheat and organic rice, Isae rejects the notion of flavor additives and other unnecessary agents in its soju. The Refreshing Taste of Pink Mikes Hard Lemonade. When dining on dishes like Korean ribs or Gochujang Fried Rice, its only natural to want to reach for something Korean to wash it all down, right? 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. Jinro Soju is a clear, neutral spirit akin to vodka, with about half the alcohol content. It's not uncommon for soju to be made with a combination of starches. Although it can be made from rice, soju is not a rice wine and its very different from sake, which hails from Japan. Get the latest in beer, wine, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox. Here at Can Can Awards we take beer very serious, no matter if its a lager, ale or a radler. 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 Image Party/Shutterstock. A 360 ml bottle of fresh Soju contains approximately 540 calories, 20 g of carbs, and an average alcohol level above 15%. Soju is usually between 20 and 45 percent alcohol by volume, making it slightly stronger than most vodka. 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. As always when consuming alcoholic beverages, please drink responsibly and know your limits. LOTTE Apple Soon Hari. In shorts, Soju is Korean liquor or vodka. Soju is a slightly sweet neutral spirit, similar to vodka. 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