JINRO Soju
Instantly recognised by its iconic green bottle, curved label and toad icon, JINRO Soju is a true gem amongst Korean alcohol.
Since 1924, it has held its spots as the No.1 soju brand in Korea and the No.1 best-selling spirit globally. For good reason, as people from all walks of life enjoy its crisp yet refreshing taste.
What is the history of JINRO?
Founded as Jincheon Brewing Company in 1924, the 100% Korean company started its production of soju. By 1970, JINRO topped the soju market, establishing itself as Korea’s national spirit brand.
What is soju?
Soju is a clear, distilled drink traditionally made from grains like rice, wheat or barley. Today, most commercial soju may include other ingredients such as sweet potatoes, tapioca and even fruits like grapes and apples.
How is soju made?
Traditional Soju is made through a process of fermentation and distillation. The exact process can vary depending on the ingredients used,but it typically follows these steps:
- Grains or other ingredients are steeped in water to create a mash.
- Yeast is added to the mash to begin fermentation.
- The mash is left to ferment for several days to a week, depending on the desired flavour and alcohol content.
- The fermented mash is distilled to remove impurities and increase the alcohol content.
- The distilled alcohol is diluted with water to reach the desired alcohol content.
JINRO Soju and TokTok
JINRO Soju Original is the flagship product, available in its original clear bottle as JINRO is Back or in the iconic green bottle as JINRO Soju Chamisul Fresh.
Fruit-flavoured soju is also incredibly popular thanks to its fresh, sweet taste and easy-to-drink alcohol content. Available JINRO Soju flavours are:
JINRO TokTok is another popular item, prized for its perfect blend of carbonation and sweet, fruity taste. Available flavours are:
What is the alcohol content in JINRO Soju?
JINRO Soju Original alcohol percentage is typically 16.5%. Flavoured soju and TokTok have a lower 13% alcohol content, making them suitable for light drinkers.
Flavour profile
Soju has a crisp but neutral flavour, with a slightly sweet taste and a clean finish. It is often compared to vodka or sake but with a smoother finish.
Soju’s neutral profile makes it a versatile ingredient in cocktails and other mixed drinks. It can also be mixed with different flavours, providing additional hints of fruit, mint or even chocolate, depending on the flavouring and distillation process.
Food pairings
Soju pairs well with most Korean cuisine. Here are some food pairings you should try out:
- Samgyeopsal: Grilled pork belly is a staple in Korean BBQ. Pairing samgyeopsal with soju enhances its smokiness and helps cut through the meat’s richness, harmonising the contrasting flavours.
- Bossam: The saltiness of bossam (steamed pork) is a wonderful accompaniment to a bottle of JINRO Soju Original.
- Kimchi: The spicy taste of kimchi perfectly complements the flavour of soju without without adding fat, calories and cholesterol.
- Sundubu jjigae: This warm, comforting tofu stew pairs well with the crisp, refreshing taste of soju. The subtle yet spicy flavours of the stew are accentuated with each sip, creating a cosy dining experience.
- Instant ramen: A popular convenience store combo, and for good reason. Spicy instant ramen noodles pair well with fruit-flavoured soju, as the added sugars emphasise the spiciness of certain preparations.
- Korean fried chicken: You can’t go wrong with some fried chicken. The crispiness and bold flavours of the chicken complement the smoothness of the soju, creating a delightful contrast.
- Tteokbokki: These rice cakes smothered in sweet and spicy gochujang sauce pair well with fruit-flavoured soju, providing a cooling effect that enhances the overall dining experience.
- Char Kway Teow: Why limit yourself to just Korean food? Transcend cultural boundaries and pair your char kway teow with some soju. It’s the perfect balance of oiliness and freshness!
How to enjoy JINRO?
Soju is traditionally served cold and neat. The first shot is usually consumed straight, while subsequent servings can be slowly sipped on to enjoy the flavour.
Of course, there’s no one way to enjoy soju. Some prefer to slowly drink their soju from their soju glass throughout a meal, while others may enjoy mixing their soju into cocktails.
No matter how you drink it, JINRO Soju is guaranteed to tingle your taste buds with every shot.
Do’s and don’ts of drinking Korean Soju
Before you grab that bottle, there are some rules and social etiquette you must learn when it comes to pouring and consuming soju with friends. So let’s do a little prep first:
- Keep it cold: Soju tastes best when it’s been refrigerated, mellowing out that alcohol burn.
- Use the right glassware: Soju is traditionally poured into glasses, usually 2-oz. soju shot glasses.
- Know when to pour: Age is a prominent factor in the Korean social hierarchy. Thus, it’s not impolite to ask for someone’s age before pouring.
- Don’t serve yourself: After pouring for everyone else, set the bottle down and let someone else pour you a shot.
Does JINRO Soju expire?
JINRO Soju won’t expire until 10 years from its manufacturing date, which may vary depending on storage conditions.
As always, if your drink tastes off, it’s best to throw it away.
Notable Awards
As the No. 1 best-selling spirit in the world, JINRO has won many prestigious awards and accolades:
- Gold awards in the Mondection 2020
- 2023 Supre, me Brand Champion
- Top 10 in International Wine and Spirits, Record (IWSR) Real 100
Experience the true essence of Korea with JINRO Soju
Whether it’s a bottle of soju or a can of TokTok, JINRO promises the truest taste of Korean tradition.
A single sip is enough to tell you why JINRO remains the No. 1 soju brand in the world. Buy JINRO Soju now and share the legacy together with your friends and family!
