8 Yummiest Soju Brands You Have To Try In 2023 | Authentic Korean Alcohol
If you’re a lover of Korean cuisine, you have to check out these top Soju brands!
Quick, what’s the best-selling alcoholic spirit in the world? Nope, it’s not Scotch whisky or Smirnoff Vodka. The answer is Soju!
Wait, what? Soju is a type of wine made from rice in the Korean region. Think of it as the Korean version of Japanese Sake.
So how does a drink made and consumed in only one country end up being the most sought-after drink in the world?
This is due to South Korea’s drinking culture. If you thought the Irish could drink, wait till you see South Korea!
Soju is sold everywhere in South Korea, and by everywhere I mean everywhere!
You can find it in restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets, drugstores, etc., etc.
| Best Soju Brands | % of Alcohol | Price Group | My Rating |
| West 32 Soju | 20 percent | Expensive | 4.5/5 |
| Jinro Chamisul | 17.9 percent | Affordable | 4/5 |
| Andong | 35 percent | Expensive | 4/5 |
| Chum Churum | 18 percent | Very Affordable | 4.5/5 |
| GoodDay | 18 percent | Very Affordable | 3.5/5 |
| C1 Blue | 18 percent | Medium | 4/5 |
What is the best Soju brand?
After much research on the taste, alcohol content, pricing, and other factors, I’ve decided that the Jinro Chamisul is the best Soju brand in the market today. It’s an authentic Korean brand of Soju, so you know you’ve got the real deal. It also has a strong but palatable taste and comes with an alcohol content of 17.9 percent.
And Soju isn’t just consumed as a standalone drink. It’s also used in cooking.
Then there’s the variety of drinks you can make by adding Soju to fruit juices, colas, beers, and other spirits.
So if you want to try this drink for yourself, here are some of the best Soju brands (both Korean and American) in the market today. Have a look!
Top Soju Brands 2023
How To Choose A Korean Soju Brand: What Factors To Consider
Choosing a Korean Soju brand can be a daunting task, given the sheer variety of flavors and types out there. Before you decide which one to buy, there are several factors you need to consider to make an informed decision.
The first factor you should take into account is your own personal taste preference. Are you looking for a sweet flavor? Or do you prefer a punchier, stronger taste? Do you want something light or a more intense, full-bodied experience?
Understanding your own palate will help you decide which type of Soju you should choose. The second factor to consider is what type of alcohol content you prefer in your Soju.
Low, or low-alcohol content Soju is great for casual drinking, as it is easier to drink slowly, and won’t leave you feeling completely intoxicated after one glass.
High-alcohol content Soju, on the other hand, is best saved for a special occasion, such as a holiday, where you can appreciate its strength and complexity to the fullest. Finally, you must also consider your budget.
Korean Soju brands come in a wide range of prices, depending on the company, the alcohol content, and the drinks popularity.
While price usually serves as a good guide, remember that if you are looking for something special, you may have to invest a bit more to get the correct flavor.
When choosing a Korean Soju brand, you should consider your own preference in flavor and strength, the type of alcohol content, and your budget. Doing this will help you pick the perfect Soju for you to enjoy!
first time seeing soju in target lol pic.twitter.com/7PLVJwXgC6
— ⋆˙⟡ (@boojeons) July 9, 2023
What Is The Best Soju Flavor
When it comes to the best soju flavor, there are a variety of options to choose from. For those who are unfamiliar with the traditional Korean beverage, Soju is a type of clear and usually low-alcohol distilled liquor made from grains such as wheat, barley, and rice.
Depending on the type and brand, the flavor of Soju can range from dry and astringent to sweet and fruity. One of the most popular Soju brands available is Chamisul, which has a distinct and smooth flavor.
This brand uses natural ingredients to create an earthy, herbal taste that both beginners and experienced alcohol drinkers can enjoy. Similarly, there are various flavors of Jinro Soju, which are also cited as some of the best tasting soju drinks in Korea.
Jinro offers a wide selection of tart flavors like original, peach, and grapefruit. Another popular brand of Soju in Korea is Good Day Soju, which is created with all-natural ingredients, making it an outstanding choice for those looking for a naturally sweet taste.
They boast a wide range of flavors including peach, green grapes, and even watermelon. Whichever flavor one chooses, it’s sure to be a delicious and satisfying experience.
Those looking for something a little more exotic can opt for Super-Strength Soju, which is much stronger than traditional Soju drinks and has a more intense flavor profile.
This type can have a higher alcohol content than other Soju brands, so it’s important to make sure one avoids over-consumption.
Overall, there are many amazing flavors of Soju that are sure to please even the pickiest of drinkers. From the dry flavor of Chamisul to the sweet and fruity tastes of Good Day Soju, the best Soju flavor is one that pleases the taste buds and offers a unique drinking experience.
Why Do Koreans Love Soju So Much?
Korean Soju, a type of clear, distilled alcohol, is widely popular and loved in its native country. For centuries, Koreans have enjoyed Soju at family gatherings and social events. So why do they love it so much?
The appeal of this alcoholic beverage is rooted in its distinct taste and low alcohol content. It has a light, subtle flavor that is slightly sweet and often described as having a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Soju usually has around 20% alcohol, which is significantly less than other distilled drinks like whiskey or vodka, which tend to have around 40%.
This lower alcohol content often makes it a good choice for those that are looking for a lighter and more refreshing drink, perfect for long evenings of conversation or celebrating occasions.
In addition to its light and refreshing taste and low alcohol content, Soju has also become embedded in Korean culture and customs.
Many popular Korean dramas, films and sitcoms feature characters drinking Soju as they bond and spend time with their friends and families. It has also become part of many traditional Korean festivals and events, and is often served at ceremonies and weddings.
With so much cultural and social significance, it is no surprise that Koreans have come to love and appreciate Soju over the years. The mix of its distinctive taste, low alcohol content and cultural significance mean that Korean Soju has become an important part of the country’s cultural identity.
It provides a unique drinking experience, one that blends traditional drinking customs with the modern values of friendship and celebration. That is why, for centuries, Korean Soju has been enjoyed by many, and why it remains so popular today.
West 32 Soju
So this was the first Soju brand that I tasted. And the biggest reason why I was attracted to West 32 was because of its alcohol content.
The Soju contains a whopping 20 percent alcohol content. Oh boy! This one will get you buzzed for sure.
West 32 Soju tastes just like you’d expect a drink with this much alcohol to taste like. It’s sharp but clean and very refreshing.
Unlike other popular Soju brands such as Chamisul Fresh, it’s not very sweet.
You should look out for other brands if you prefer your Soju mild. But if you love the alcohol content and want to get drunk, drunk. West 32 is the one for you!
And the thing is, this Soju isn’t too bad to drink. It goes down easily and doesn’t leave you coughing up.
It’s a US-based brand though. So if you’re a purist and want to buy Korean-made Soju brands only, you can try Chamisul or some other brands.
The Soju also claims to be all-natural and gluten-free. It is also made with 100 percent GMO-free ingredients.
Now we come to the price! Unfortunately, West 32 Soju is more expensive than others on this list.
But if you want a stronger Soju, it’s worth the price!
Jinro Chamisul
If you’re looking for an authentic, Korean-made Soju, you cannot go wrong with Chamisul Fresh.
It’s perhaps the most popular Soju brand in Korea. The alcohol content here is 16.9 percent.
Want to know something funny? There is a reason why Chamisul Fresh has alcohol upto 16.9 percent and not 17 percent.
The Korean government doesn’t allow advertisements for alcoholic beverages with more than 17 percent alcohol to run between 7 am and 10 pm. Talk about street smarts, eh?
Jinro makes the Chamisul Soju using potatoes and other starchy vegetables. And there are several Chamisul variants under the Jinro brand like Chamisul Fresh, Chamisul original, and more.
Now coming to the taste. The slightly-sweet, mild flavor is common to all of the Jinro Soju products.
I’ve noticed that the Fresh version was lighter but had a somewhat bitter taste to it. Also, there was almost no aroma to this Soju brand.
I actually liked that fact as other drinks with almost 17 percent alcohol can have a strong fragrance to them.
Anyhow, all the Soju products from Jinro go down very well. And they really affordably priced too.
However, you might have to pay extra if you’re buying this Korean brand in the US and places outside Korea.
Related: Best Soju Brands
Related: Best Korean Tea Brands
Related: Safest Bottled Drinking Water Brands In Korea
Andong
Oh my gosh. So remember when I was raving about the alcohol content in the West 32 Soju?
Well, it’s been left several paces behind by this Andong brand of Soju. The alcohol content here is, wait for it… a whopping 35 percent.
Andong makes Soju purely from rice that is fermented for 15 days, unlike other brands that might use starchy vegetables as well.
And it nearly doubles the alcohol content found in common Soju brands like Jinro.
So when you are serving this Soju along with your meal remember not to use shot glasses. The Andong Soju has to sip in leisure or you’re going to get very drunk, very quickly.
I think I blacked out after taste-testing this one. But here’s what I remember.
Andong Soju has a clean, strong taste. It’s very old-fashioned in its approach to Soju. So there are no artificial sweeteners here.
You also won’t find the vodka-like aftertaste that most Soju’s leave behind on your tongue with this one.
This Soju is very strong and has a deep flavor.
Chum Churum
To take a break from the strong, heavy taste of the Andong Soju, I thought I’ll try the Chum Churum brand.
In terms of alcohol content, it matches West 32 with an 18 percent alcoholic base.
But what I liked about Chum Churum is that it’s not as bitter as the West 32 brand.
The flavors are mild and very sweet. So it’s no wonder that a lot of young people have taken a liking to the drink.
Despite the sweetness, this Soju has a strong bite thanks to the addition of alkaline water.
So I suggest shaking it up a bit before opening the bottle.
This Soju brand comes under the larger company called Lotte Liquor. And they make use of both grains and rice to make the Soju.
Chum Churum originally had an alcohol content near to 19-20 percent. However, the company has lowered it a few years ago.
It’s hard to say if you’ll like the Chum Churum Soju. If you’re a purist, you’d better opt for Chamisul.
But if you’re a novice to Soju, it’s good to start with something sweet like this brand.
GoodDay
Okay so after tasting the sweet Chum Churum, I just had to find more flavored Sojus. That’s when I came across GoodDay.
The main selling point of the Goodday Soju brand is that they come in a variety of flavors. Grapefruit, lemon, pineapple – you name it, they’ve got it!
And these are YUMMY!
Yes, they don’t really have the sharp taste of Soju anymore. But I wasn’t really complaining.
Also, they claim to use mineral water from Korea’s Jirisan Mountain to make their Soju. So it already has an alkaline base to it.
C1 Blue
After what was a Soju tasting marathon, I was really worried about the hangover that would surely be my prize later.
So then I tried the C1 Blue Soju to help mitigate some of its effects. Umm, what am I talking about?
Oh, just that the C1 Blue Soju doesn’t give you a hangover. At least that’s what it claims!
It has an ingredient called asparagine that is supposed to prevent the worst symptoms of a hangover from ever occurring. Genius, I say!
Another thing that makes this Soju brand stand out is the technique they use to age their Soju.
The process is called SOVIA or the Sound Vibration Aging Process. Also, they use water from the bedrocks of Mount Samgak in the Gijang region of Korea. So it’s got that alkaline fizz to it.
Like the Chum Churum Soju and Chamisul, the alcohol content of this brand rests at a comfortable 18 percent. Not too extreme like Andong and not too less.
I also liked the taste of this Soju, it feels very clean. And there’s no bitter aftertaste either, so the C1 Blue Soju is very easy to gulp down.
The best part about the C1 Blue soju is how easily it was available in the US.
Makgeolli Soju: A Traditional Twist on Soju
As a Soju enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of trying Makgeolli Soju, and it truly stands out as a unique offering in the world of Korean spirits. Combining the crispness of traditional Soju with the smoothness of makgeolli, this brand brings an exciting twist to the table.
Makgeolli Soju offers a slightly milky appearance and a mellow sweetness that balances out the usual alcohol kick. The traditional makgeolli flavors blend seamlessly with the Soju’s rice base, creating a harmonious and refreshing taste. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a drink that’s not overly strong but still delivers a satisfying punch.
The packaging is aesthetically pleasing with a traditional touch, making it a great gift option for friends or family. Whether you’re a Soju connoisseur or a newcomer to Korean spirits, Makgeolli Soju is definitely worth a try for its unique and delightful flavor profile.
Hwayo 41: A Premium Soju Experience
Hwayo 41 is the pinnacle of premium Soju in Korea. From the moment you lay eyes on its exquisite packaging, you know you’re in for a treat. This Soju is a true connoisseur’s delight, and I was blown away by its sophistication.
What sets Hwayo 41 apart is its meticulous production process, using the finest ingredients and a 41-step distillation process that results in unrivaled purity and smoothness. The taste is immaculate, with a gentle sweetness and a subtle floral note that dances on your palate.
While Hwayo 41 is undoubtedly on the pricier side, it’s well worth the investment for special occasions or when you want to savor the very best. This Soju embodies the essence of Korean tradition and craftsmanship, making it a must-try for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
In conclusion, these three Soju brands offer unique experiences that cater to a variety of preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a twist on tradition, seeking a smooth and elegant option, or ready to indulge in a premium Soju, each of these brands has something special to offer your taste buds. Cheers to exploring the world of Korean Soju!
Soju is super popular in South Korea. It’s always served with a Korean BBQ and can be seen as an accompaniment to most meals be it dinner or lunch.
There are several soju brands that claim to offer the smoother, chiller version of this drink.
But to be fair, unlike whisky or wines, Soju doesn’t have distinguishing features or technical specifications that make it good or bad or best.
The difference between the brands mostly lies in flavors available, pricing, and availability.
So at the end of the day, the best Soju is the one you enjoy with family and friends, no matter the brand. As that’s what Korea’s drinking culture is all about.
Cheers!
Why You Should Trust Koreatruly?
All our editors including the author of this article, Song-i do extensive research on the products reviewed and recommended in the article. We also use these products ourself to give you accurate, first hand information without any prejudice or bias. Koreatruly has also got a team of medical reviewers and skincare experts to help give accurate advice and provide research-based facts concerning a product, its formulation or ingredients.
Also Read:
Best Korean gifts and souvenirs
Things to do in Itaewon, Seoul
Things to do in Seoul during spring
English 
Japanese