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Soju Korean drink that delights!

do you want to know Soju, what is it, where does it come from, how should you drink it? Korea is one of those Asian countries that enjoys a marked history, which has led it to be today a stable nation with a well-rooted culture. Of course, Korean gastronomy does not escape from being one of those points of interest when visiting Korea, and nowadays they have one of the most sold alcoholic beverages in the world, soju is a liquor that enjoys a lot of fame.

what is Soju?

Soju is a clear alcoholic beverage of Korean origin, which has existed for many centuries and is still one of the most popular distilled beverages in Asia today. Soju is often compared to vodka, however, it has a much sweeter taste due to the fact that it has more sugar in its production process.

Origin of Soju

For some historians, the Koreans may have learned the method of distilling Soju from the Mongol invaders while fighting with them, while the Mongols, in turn, had learned this method from the Persians. Soju Soju was first distilled around 1300 A.D. during the Mongolian war with Korea. After the Koreans learned the technique, distilleries were erected around the city of Kaesong, and the production of Soju began itself.

During the Meiji period between 1868 and 1912, a shortage of rice caused the Korean government to ban the traditional distillation of Soju with fermented grain, forcing producers to use pure ethanol distilled from other materials mixed with water and flavors.

In some regions of Korea, the ancient methods of Soju distillation are still practiced. The Korean people perform ceremonies to make a ritual offering of alcohol for their ancestors and to show their gratitude for their abundant harvests. Nowadays, most brands of soju substitute rice with starch, wheat, barley or cassava, as their use has been banned at different times.

what is soju made of?

Soju is made from rice, but most major brands substitute rice with other starches such as potato, wheat, barley, sweet potato or cassava. Soju Its color is light and its alcohol content usually varies between 20% and 45%, with 20% being the most common in the market. The taste of soju is usually compared to that of vodka, although it is a little sweeter due to the sugars added during its production.

how is Soju made?

Soju is a handmade liquor, originally made with rice, but nowadays other starches are used in its preparation. Its alcohol content can reach 45%, but a regulation by the State has reduced it to less than 35%. Soju is a distillate that has derived over time in 6 different types, which are: Traditional Soju It is rare, due to the rice shortage between 1965 and 1999, and the government’s ban on rice distillation. As an alternative, use was made of pure ethanol, which was distilled from sweet potatoes and tapioc, water was added and mixed with sweetener and flavor.

Diluted Soju It is produced mixed with water, first appeared in 1965, and then had an alcohol content of 30%. Types of diluted soju include gongdokji soju, which is made from rice in the Kongdokjo region near Seoul, chabssal soju, which is a type of sticky rice, and samhae soju, an herbal infused soju. Andong Andong It is brewed in the South Korean region and has been popular since the Goryeo dynasty between 918 and 1392.

This traditional distilled liquor has been produced by a well-known family in the region. The process begins with the steaming soju from five cereals, including barley and rice and the addition of a starter culture known as nuruk. The result is fermented for a week, distilled for a day and then made into the finished beverage.

Jukryeokgo Soju This is soju made with bamboo sap and added water. Gwanso-gamhongro soju A soju made with herbs and honey. Iganggo soju It is a type of soju made with herbs, ginger, cinnamon and pear, plus the addition of water.

How to drink soju correctly

Soju is a millenary drink, and it has certain rules regarding the time to drink it, so if you want to enjoy this charming liquor you should take into account the following:

  1. You should never serve yourself, someone else should serve you.
  2. If it is your turn to serve, always start with the oldest person at the table, this action is a sign of respect.
  3. Both hands are important, so when serving, the right hand should hold the bottle and the left hand should rest on the right forearm.
  4. To receive, the glass should be grasped with both hands, especially if the server is an older person.
  5. A glass can only be filled if it is completely empty.
  6. You should not drink from your glass until the person who served everyone toasts, and you should always drink, even a little, after you have been served.
  7. As a sign of respect, you should drink with your back to older people, if you do not have too much confidence with them.
  8. Eat and drink, not just drink.
  9. The one who invites pays, for Koreans it is impolite to invite a person and that person pays when you invited him, so if he invites you he has to pay for everything.
  10. If the boss buys you a drink, then he respects you and it means he cares about you, it is a gesture of affection.

Soju usually accompanies dishes such as kimchi, a type of fermented cabbage and cooked tofu, with the option of including some type of meat, usually pork or beef. Bossam, cooked pork rolled in a lettuce leaf and usually accompanied by garlic, onion, bell bell pepper or cabbage, is also served.

Another much requested dish is the spicy fish soup called maeuntang, hweh, strips of raw fish dipped in a sweet and spicy sauce and wrapped in sesame leaves. Korean food stands out thanks to its great taste and its combination of ingredients, which achieve the perfect point to make you always satisfied.

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