SOOL. .Lovely alcoholic beverages from Land of the Rising Sun
Korea has a long history of making liquor, some of which have even been designated “Major
Intangible Cultural Asset”. There is also churye, a specific set of manners and customs centered
around drinking. As well as commercially available liquors, there are many homemade
versions, particularly when it comes to fruit and herbal liquors. So all in all, there is plenty
of evidence of love of drinking in Korean culture.
SoJu – Similar to vodka with alcohol content (a.c.) of 25%, soju is made from fermented
potatoes, and are priced to appeal to the masses. It is drunk neat cold, as a cocktail, mixed with
Coke or Lemonade; or steeped with julienne cucumber (Oiee Soju) or lemon slices (Lemon
Soju) in a porcelain pot for extra flavor. As befit the most popular spirit, there are many brands,
with new brands apprearing from time to time. Right now, we offer Jinro, with highest market
share in Korea, Green, ChamEeSeul, and ChamNaMooTong, a premium soju.
MahkGulLi is the oldest liquor in Korea, made by steaming non-glutinous and glutinous rice
together, then drying and mixing with malted wheat and water and letting the mixture ferment to
make the milky white MahkGulLi. With just 6% a.c., it is drunk much like beer in other
countries, and is a truely folk drink that goes well with PahJuhn or BinDaeDduk, Korean style
savory pancakes.
JungJong is clear distilled rice liquor, like Japanese sake; Arirang stocks Chung Ha, with 16%
a.c. sold in own bottle, to drink cold, as well as warmed sake served in dokuri, a porcelain pot.
MaeShim - popular sweetish plum wine with a.c. of 14%, it goes well with most Korean dishes
including all barbecues and vegetarian dishes.
We also stock MunBaeJoo, potent with 40% a.c., distilled spirit made from wheat, millet and
sorghum, and has a distinct aroma of Munbae tree flower, thus the name. AnDong SoJu is
another well known potent distilled liquor made from wheat and rice.
BaekSehJoo with a.c. of just 14% is a relatively newcomer, and is made with medicinal herbs to
Boost your health!
Then there is MaekJoo. Beer is a modern drink in Korea, but one around which a whole social
culture has grown. We stock several Korean brands, OB, Cass and Hite, as well as local San
Miguel draught in jugs, and other major brands.
More about Korean Cuisine:
Introduction to Korean Cuisine
"Bahb Mug Ut Ni?" (or more politely, "Jin Ji Jahb Seu Sheut Suh Yo?)
Bool Go Gi, barbecue Korean style
Kimchee; NOT just another pickle !
About Bahn Chahn, the side dishes
Myu Reu Chi: Anchovies, anyone?
Seasonings and flavorings in Korean Cuisine
Naeng Myun, it's only cold noodles, right?
Treasures from the Korean seas
SOOL. .Lovely alcoholic beverages from Land of the Rising Sun