Soju??

[clubman]

So, I'm currently sipping from a nice cold bottle of Jinro 24 soju after an awesome dinner of soon dubu & bibimbap and it's going down rather nicely. Since my previous dabblings in soju are clouded by late evenings and excessive debauchery (the details are pretty hazy ), this is really the first time I've enjoyed the beverage on its own merits, of which there are many - clean, not too boozy (though certainly boozy enough at 24%), with a nice citrusy element. Honestly, if they marketed this stuff properly people would be swilling it all across the USA. Any soju afficianados amongst my fellow badgerites? Any other good brands (Jinro/Chamisul seems to have a stranglehold on the export market)?

 

[Topgumby]

Most of my soju adventures were in Korea. I remember the Jinro brand as being pretty prevalent.

You're right, it's an overlooked beverage here.

Have to cook up some bulgogi after reading this.

 

[The Nid Hog]

My wife brought a two litre plastic bottle back from a business trip to Pusan. It was doubly cool because it came with Tylenol already added to the juice! Unfortunately it was not exactly a top-shelf liquor. In fact, it was more like what you would be drinking if you were collapsed under the bottom shelf.

I've had some really excellent ones in Korea (along with some shockingly nasty wine), but I don't remember what they were.

Unfortunately, I don't think that there's any soju listed here, but this is my usual source for shochu in the US:

http://www.00sake.com/htdocs/?page=shop/index&PHPSESSID=373066f925f022de3717b1c26127dccd

 

[TheChefs]

Just to distinguish, Soju is Korean and Shocho is Japanese.

I had some good Soju when i was in Korea, I can't remember the names of brands. My favourite way to mix it is with lemons, well... the Korean restaurant I go to mixes it and it's nice smooth lemonade. Great drink, I should also mention that I love Plum wine.

 

[dreka]

As a Korean, i find myself drinking quite a bit of soju. Jinro is really good though I tend to lean more towards Chamisul and Ipsehju. The taste is much cleaner and almost crisp. My only problem is, I find myself drinking about two to three bottles by myself. Depending on whom I'm with, it rarely stops there. I don't have that problem with scotch which I tend drink much slower and in smaller portions (I just so happen to like the more expensive scotch...quality over quantity right?)

By the way, in the event that you happen to get some really ****ty soju, (no name brands) ask for some lemon. Mix the soju with lemon and it tastes like juice. Only downside is the massive hangover the next morning (usually caused by the low quality soju)

Happy drinking! It's good to know that people on B&B enjoy Korean food as well.

Drew

P.S.
Speaking of which, today happens to be Chu-Suk (Korean Thanksgiving). Happy Thanksgiving, a wonderful nick-free BBS shave, good food and good drinks!

 

[HDPaul]

I like chamisul soju straight or lemon or YOGURT SOJU!!!! Yes, there is such thing as yogurt soju and it is GOOD!

Also, Baek Se Ju is good too. Its similiar to soju but it is infused with herbs, giving it some flavor and color.

Anyone try Makgeolli? It tastes like fermented OJ to me, hahaha.

Funny thing, all korean men I know drink Scotch, including me, ha!

 

[mouscacha]

I must say, that I am extremely impressed with everyone's level of knowledge regarding Korean foods and alcohol!

If anyone is in Hawaii, you should try a dish called meat jun. It's origin is unknown, as it's only found in Hawaii's Korean restaurants. Basically, it's a piece of bulgogi that is dropped in an egg batter and fried. It's served with the a sauce, very similar to bibim bap's sauce.

 

[Greglam]

As much of a fan of Korean food and culture as I am, I am sad to say that I have yet to have soju. Hmmm, I will have to find a restaurant that serves the brand Hyori endorses. I have to stay loyal to my Korean Queen.

 

[DE_Dude]

I like chamisul soju straight or lemon or YOGURT SOJU!!!! Yes, there is such thing as yogurt soju and it is GOOD!

You mean when you mix soju with yogurt drink? Good stuff.

 

[dreadpirate]

I've never had soju, but I have heard a lot of good stories from troops stationed in Korea who drank it.

 

[clubman]

Also, Baek Se Ju is good too. Its similiar to soju but it is infused with herbs, giving it some flavor and color.

Is that the stuff that's sort of golden-orange in color? I see that around a lot, but wasn't exactly sure what it was!

 

[The Nid Hog]

How did I forget to post about Makgeolli? I love it! That's on my "must drink" list for the week.

 

[johsa]

Awful stuff. I have a bottle of Jinro that I am unable to finish. I also sampled a couple of others when I was in Seoul with similar results. I should maybe not draw any conclusion since I didn't look for more expensive brands.

Sometimes it seems though that drinking is the national sport of South Korea and social status is based upon the amount of Soju you can drink...

 

[breadstick]

I've been in Korea for 4 months now and I haven't had Soju yet. I need to get out more.

 

[Greglam]

I've been in Korea for 4 months now and I haven't had Soju yet. I need to get out more.

Where do you live? Before I came to graduate school I had accepted a job in Cheongju to teach English but subsequently had to decline. Depending on the job market after school I may yet end up in SoKo. Which wouldn't necessarily be a bad option.

Cheers!
-Greg

 

[breadstick]

I am stationed at Yongsan Army Garrison in Seoul. I'm on the base in the barracks, so no downtown living for me.

 

[HDPaul]

Awful stuff. I have a bottle of Jinro that I am unable to finish. I also sampled a couple of others when I was in Seoul with similar results. I should maybe not draw any conclusion since I didn't look for more expensive brands.

Sometimes it seems though that drinking is the national sport of South Korea and social status is based upon the amount of Soju you can drink...

Along with drinking, protesting is a national sport too !

 

[deucalion]

I like chamisul soju straight or lemon or YOGURT SOJU!!!! Yes, there is such thing as yogurt soju and it is GOOD!

Also, Baek Se Ju is good too. Its similiar to soju but it is infused with herbs, giving it some flavor and color.

Anyone try Makgeolli? It tastes like fermented OJ to me, hahaha.

Funny thing, all korean men I know drink Scotch, including me, ha!

ah makgeolli....i remember the time we poured soju, mekju, and god knows what else into a bowl of it....it tasted like ice cream!

....it also gave me one of the worst hangovers ive ever had

 

[armykunin]

wow...i'm surprised at how many people know about soju and korean cuisine on b & b. I love chamisul myself. Are there any korean linguists on here??

 

[Don Barbiere]

My friend always gives me this one, also love Korean BBQ!