Did You Know? Soju

Lately, more and more of our customers are asking about Soju. It occurred to me this would be a great topic for this week’s “Did You Know”.

In case you haven’t heard, Soju is a distilled alcoholic beverage from Korea. It’s traditionally made from rice, wheat, or barley, but modern producers often use other starches like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or tapioca. Soju typically has a clear appearance and an alcohol content that can range from about 16% to 25%, although some variations can be stronger.

Here are a few interesting facts about Soju:

Cultural significance: Soju holds a special place in Korean culture and is often consumed during meals, social gatherings, and celebrations.

Popularity: It is one of the best-selling liquors in the world by volume, largely due to its popularity in South Korea.

Serving tradition: In Korea, it is customary to pour Soju for others rather than for oneself. Younger people typically serve older people first as a sign of respect.

Flavored Soju: In recent years, flavored Soju has become increasingly popular, with varieties like peach, apple, grapefruit, and yogurt.

Cocktails: Soju is often used as a base for various cocktails, including the "Soju Bomb," which is a shot of Soju dropped into a glass of beer, similar to a "Boilermaker."

Soju. Now you know!