Soju Explained: Your Complete Guide to Korea's Most Popular Spirit

K-drama watchers don't need an introduction to this famous alcoholic beverage. They've seen their favorite characters sipping it during emotional scenes or gulping it down with chicken or pork during parties. It's soju - the South Korean clear spirit that has become the best selling liquor in the world by volume.

Here at Big Bear Wine & Liquor in Pueblo, CO, we've seen a surge in customers asking about this newly globally famous drink. Our stores at 2037 S Pueblo Blvd and 940 Hailey Lane stock an extensive selection of soju brands and flavors.

If you’re curious about what makes soju so special, keep reading to find out. 

Soju starts with rice, sweet potatoes, or barley - sometimes all three. Modern producers often add tapioca and wheat to the mix. The ingredients are fermented with nuruk, a Korean fermentation starter that's loaded with helpful microorganisms. These little workers break down the starches into sugars, creating alcohol in the process.

The ABV (alcohol by volume) in soju has had an interesting evolution. Traditional soju packed a punch at 40-50% ABV, similar to vodka. But after the Korean War, when rice became scarce, the government put a cap on using rice for alcohol production. This led to the development of diluted soju, bringing the ABV down to 17-25%, which is what you'll find in most bottles today.

Most commercial sojus clock in at around 17% ABV, making them stronger than wine but gentler than standard spirits. The lower alcohol content means fewer calories too - a standard 50ml shot of soju contains about 65 calories, compared to a shot of vodka's 110 calories.

If you've heard of soju, you've probably heard of Jinro. It was the best-selling spirit brand globally in 2022. Their classic Chamisul Fresh comes in at 17.8% ABV, with a clean, neutral taste that carries subtle hints of rice and a gentle sweetness. The finish is crisp with zero burn, making it dangerously easy to drink. It pairs beautifully with Korean BBQ, especially samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), where its clean profile cuts through the fatty meat.

Jinro's Grapefruit flavor sits at 13.5% ABV and tastes like biting into fresh citrus - not the artificial stuff you might expect. It's incredible with seafood, particularly raw fish dishes like hwe (Korean sashimi). Their Green Grape version matches the same ABV and works wonders with spicy foods, cooling down dishes like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

Good Day takes a softer approach with their original soju at 16.9% ABV. They use a blend of rice and barley, creating a slightly sweeter profile than Jinro. You'll catch notes of vanilla and cream, with a rounded mouthfeel that makes it perfect for sipping neat or mixing into cocktails. Food-wise, it's a match made in heaven for Korean fried chicken - the sweetness balances out the spicy yangnyeom (Korean sweet and spicy sauce) coating.

Their Strawberry Soju deserves special attention. At 12.5% ABV, it delivers real strawberry flavor without being cloying. Unlike many flavored spirits that taste like candy, this one captures fresh strawberry brightness. It's become a favorite base for Korean party drinks, especially when mixed with Yakult (a Korean probiotic drink) and lemon-lime soda.

Soon Hari brought something new to the table with their original soju at 17.5% ABV. They use mineral-rich water from the Pyeongchang region, giving their soju a uniquely soft texture. The taste is remarkably clean with a slight mineral note that wine enthusiasts might appreciate. It's particularly good with mild-flavored dishes like steamed dumplings or simple seafood preparations.

Their Plum Soju (14% ABV) is a standout, using actual Korean plums instead of artificial flavoring. The result is a complex drink with sweet and tart notes, backed by a subtle almond character from the plum pits. It's traditionally served as a digestif but also makes an excellent companion to desserts, especially those featuring red beans or nuts.

The Korean yogurt drink Yakult inspired one of soju's most ordered flavors. Yogurt soju combines the smoothness of Yakult with soju's punch, creating a drink that's both refreshing and potent. Most bars mix one bottle of Yakult with about 200ml of original soju, serving it in a glass filled with ice.

Peach soju comes next in popularity, particularly during summer months. The natural sweetness of peach masks soju's characteristic burn while maintaining its 13-14% ABV content. Many brands like Jinro and Good Day have released their own peach variants, each offering subtle differences in sweetness levels.

Strawberry soju has gained massive traction, especially among younger drinkers. The fruity aroma pairs well with soju's clean finish, making it an excellent choice for newcomers to Korean spirits. Commercial strawberry soju typically contains 12-13% ABV, slightly lower than traditional varieties.

Some emerging flavors worth noting include green grape, plum, and citrus. Green grape soju offers a crisp, light profile that works particularly well in spritzer-style drinks. Plum soju, known as maesil-ju in Korea, brings a more sophisticated sweetness along with subtle almond notes from the plum pits.

Soju and sake share some common ground - they're both clear spirits with deep cultural roots. However, the similarities end there. Modern soju uses sweet potatoes, rice, or barley as base ingredients, while sake exclusively uses rice. The fermentation process differs too. Sake undergoes parallel fermentation, where starch converts to sugar while sugar converts to alcohol simultaneously. Soju follows a linear process: starch converts to sugar first, then to alcohol.

The alcohol content marks another major difference. Most soju contains 16-45% ABV, with popular brands averaging around 17%. Sake typically stays between 15-16% ABV. This difference affects how each spirit pairs with food. Soju's higher alcohol content cuts through fatty foods better, explaining its popularity with Korean barbecue.

In terms of serving temperature, soju tastes best chilled, usually around 5-10°C (41-50°F). Sake offers more flexibility, tasting great both chilled and warm, depending on the variety and season.

Traditionally, Koreans serve soju in small clear glass cups, holding them with both hands when receiving a pour - it's a sign of respect. The first round typically goes neat, while subsequent pours might include mixers or accompaniments.

Store unopened soju bottles in a cool, dark place - no special temperature control needed. Once opened, keep the bottle refrigerated and consume within a week for best taste. The spirit won't spoil, but exposure to air affects its clean flavor profile.

When serving, chill soju to about 5°C (41°F). Too cold numbs the taste buds, while room temperature emphasizes the alcohol burn. Small glasses work better than large ones - they keep the drink cold and encourage the Korean drinking culture of sharing and pouring for others.

Soju's unique character and growing popularity make it a must-try for any spirit enthusiast. So why not head to Big Bear Wine & Liquor, pick up a bottle, and start exploring Korea's national drink? We look forward to helping you discover your new favorite soju.

Stop by our South Pueblo location at 2037 S Pueblo Blvd or our Pueblo West shop at 940 Hailey Lane to browse our selection. Our knowledgeable staff would be happy to help you find the perfect bottle.