I don't know about you, but I like Korean food vibrant – popping with peppers, kimchi and fresh garlic. This sort of fare commands a commensurate libation. Specifically soju, a spirit distilled from rice combined with other grains that typically weighs in at about 25 percent alcohol. So I was shocked to learn that Korea's soju makers are waging a battle to produce lower-octane versions. Jinro, Korea's No. 1 soju maker, recently unveiled a lower-alcohol version to cater to young people who can't handle the real thing.
Jinro's new Chamisul Fresh comes in at just under 20 percent. I just don't get it. These kids need to eat more raw oysters rolled in pork belly.
Soy and chickpeas might help stroke victims
The world of pie and tart crusts
Starbucks launches the Piadini 
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-30-2006 @ 4:31PM
sg said...
that's because youve never wandered the streets of seoul between the hours of 2-5am, and havent seen men, women, youth and the old alike, sleeping outside in deep inebriated slumber. it's really a social problem, and not one to be taken lightly. i'm glad you enjoy korea food, but there's much more to the story.
and please, can i petition to have the 'far east' category removed? it smacks of orientalism.
Reply
8-30-2006 @ 6:55PM
guest1234567 said...
Shocked to see a low alcohol version of the worlds must popular alcholic beverage? In a way so am I, because if this was an American beverage, they would add sweet flavors and more alcohol to cater to young drinkers.
Reply
8-31-2006 @ 2:44AM
ShortWoman said...
I know it's not traditional, but Jinro freezes into a very nice adult-slushie kind of thing. We serve it in shot-sized cocktail glasses. Very nice on a hot day.
So thanks for the wikipedia link. I had been wondering how it is "supposed" to be served. Since I'm the only round-eyes who buys the stuff locally, the liquor store people always ask what it tastes like.
Reply
8-31-2006 @ 2:49AM
Joe D. said...
Glad you found the wikipedia link useful. I've experienced the adult Jinro slushie, but only because I left a bottle in the freezer too long. Slushy Jinro mixed with some sort of citrus would make for a wonderful drink.
Reply
8-31-2006 @ 1:19PM
jmforester said...
I have a 3/4 full bottle of Lee Gang Ju soju in my fridge. It has pear, ginger, cinnamon, and honey added. It's 22% alcohol so it's not one of the low alcohol versions, but very interesting.
Reply