Soju, the distilled drink has been the number 1 drink in South Korea and is also the world’s most popular spirit.

For most people, soju is a cheap, simple alcohol with little taste. The drink is only made in South Korea and can be distilled from bamboo or sweet potato. It is best drunk with food, barbecue and raw fish for example. It’s rare to see Koreans drinking it in more expensive bars and restaurants. Here are the most popular soju brands.

Chamisul – Jinro

Made since 1926, this is the most well-known brands. The taste is little metallic, almost like a solvent. It’s very clean tasting but it has little flavour.

https://www.foodforfoodies.co.uk/

Chum-churum

I really like this one. At first I was sure I was drinking vodka, the taste is very similar although the ABV is only 17.9. I got some citrus here as well and it would be good to try it with a slice of lemon or lime to bring this taste out. Highly recommended.

https://www.japancentre.com/en/products/15464-hitejinro-chamisu

Jo-eun Day

Jo-eun day is a slightly harsher soju that once had a much higher alcohol content that has been successively lowered over time. https://hmart.co.uk/shop/gb/