Korean rice wine or soju is popular not just in its home country but all around the world, and for good reason. With high alcohol content and a bit of a kick, it becomes the perfect accompaniment to Korean food or even just a laid-back Saturday night with friends. If you’re intrigued and plan on bringing some home, here’s a list you will want to see.
Chamisul
This was the obvious winner, considering it’s the most popular soju brand in Korea but also because it’s made by HiteJinro which also produces Jinro Fresh and Jinro Original (try these out too). It’s pretty hard and is quadruple-filtered through charcoal to make it smooth to the taste. For the very best experience, knock some back when the bottle is extremely chilled and served in chilled glasses.
Chumchurum
Second comes Chumchurum. It may not be a Chamisul but it sure is just as good. It’s crisp and has a bitter aftertaste but is softer than Chamisul. It has an alcohol content of 18% and is affordable so you know you’re getting a bang for your buck. Korean women are known to enjoy this the most.
Andong
A high-end soju, this one’s for the truly elite who enjoy splurging once in a while for the best in alcohol. It can’t be had with as much abandon as the rest of the brands because of it’s alcohol content – more than 40%. It also has a 700 year old brewing process combining wheat and rice and is meant to be sipped.
C1 Blue
Crisp, clean and claims to not give you a hangover because of asparagine – what more do you need? It’s made through a process called SOVIA (Sound Vibration Aging) which has been proven to be the best technique for aging. It’s many awards and popularity in Busan stand testament to its quality.
Charm
When trying to figure out a soju that isn’t too harsh or too light, this one comes to the rescue. It doesn’t have a vodka-like aftertaste like most soju does and instead is slightly sweet. With an alcohol content of a little over 19%, it’s perfect for any occasion where you want to get drunk but not completely wasted. It comes in a variety of fruity flavors and can be found in the Daegu region of Korea.
Summing Up
We hope you’ve noted down these names to know what exactly to carry at the next sushi party at your friend’s place. From smooth Chamisul by HiteJinro to strong Andong, these Japanese drinks are heavenly. Check each one of these out and know the hype yourself!
FAQs
What is the Best Soju for Beginners?
For beginners, a chilled green bottle of Chum Churum is perfect. The great thing about Chum Churum is that they use alkaline water. It’s tradition to shake the soju bottle before opening and sharing it with friends, as this makes the drink smoother. The soju is straightforward and enjoyable for everyone.
Which Brand of Soju is Best?
HiteJinro Chamisul is one of the world’s most iconic and respected soju brands, celebrated for its remarkable purity and smooth taste. Chamisul has established a high benchmark for quality in the industry.
Is Soju Stronger than Vodka?
