A taste of Korea: Soju!

After a failed trip to SM (left behind because I overslept), Carolyn and I decided to take a trip to the nearest Munsterific to buy drinks instead. I was tempted to buy a bottle of Soju, after enduring a barrage of Super Junior videos (dance moves and catchy lyrics included) that Carolyn prepared for her students. We decided to drop by Ralph's for a bottle, and the end result is this review: Soju!

Most brands of modern soju are made in South Korea. Though traditionally made from rice, most major brands supplement or even replace the rice with other starches such as potato, wheat, barley, sweet potato, or tapioca (called dangmil in Korean). Soju is clear in colour and typically varies in alcohol content from about 20% to about 45% alcohol by volume (ABV), with 20% ABV being most common. Its taste is comparable to vodka, though often slightly sweeter because of the sugars added in the manufacturing process. It is widely consumed, in part, because of its relatively low price. A typical 300mL bottle of soju costs the consumer 1,000 to 3,000 South Korean Won P40to P150.
(From WIKIPEDIA)

I got a bottle of C1 soju, not really my preferred brand but I do need to wake up tomorrow morning. The brand is not that popular, not like Jinro (the one with the frog logo). But I like this one for casual drinking as it is more smooth and the kick is just right. Jinro for me is for heavy drinking with friends and must come with a bowl of stir fry!


Ralph's had a decent selection of Soju, not to mention other tempting spirits that range from the local cossack vodka (or what id like to call: throat scraper) and the ever tempting but oh so deadly Absinthe. The shelf had about 4 choices of Soju: Jinro original, Jinro fresh, C1 and some other Soju that had no english text whatsoever. Didn't bother with Jinro as I would like to reserve it for special occasions, so C1 it is.


The taste is pretty unique.
It's not like Vodka where you get a pure, strong alcohol taste. Not like tequila as it does not have that specific earthy Tequila after taste. Imagine the taste as sweet Vodka, as do most describe the drink. The smell of this drink is that of watered down rubbing alcohol, really. A shot glass or a small cup/glass will do when drinking Soju. You can actually down two to three bottles in over 30 minutes or less when conditions apply (drunkards around you, pouring you the drink). And the alcohol should kick in after 5 to 10 minutes.
 I really love this drink as it is affordable and is a great solo drink as well. I enjoy a bottle during those stressful nights and the good thing is that it's pretty rare to get a hangover the morning after. Be careful though. You easily lose track how many bottles you had, and it will make you do stupid things if you drink one bottle too many (like hit on Jack when playing Mass Effect 2!!!)

                                                         *Jack and Shephard. (RAWR!)
Overall: Not too strong for both your nose and gastro track, and is dirt cheap! Recommended for poverty ridden "I want to get wasted" nights.




I really recommend Soju for those seeking that quick Alco fix for stressful nights.
One bottle of Soju, headphones with Kaskade playing at high, a bowl of Stir Fry and you should say goodbye to the stress you had for the day. Plus it is less fattening than beer!
Yay for Korean Soju! :D
-Leo
(view the online blog here: http://hellobacolod.blogspot.com)