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Home » Is Soju a Tequila or a Vodka?

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Is Soju a Tequila or a Vodka?

Soju is a popular Korean distilled alcoholic beverage that is often compared to vodka due to its taste and strength. While it is not classified as tequila, it could technically fall under the vodka category. Soju, however, also carries cultural significance in that it is traditionally made in Korea, traditionally has a different alcohol percentage than most vodkas (normally between 12-25% while vodka is typically ~40%), and it is widely sold in green beer bottles which are the same shape as western style beer bottles. Soju is normally made using rice, wheat, sweet potato, tapioca, or barley and has a clear and colorless appearance. It is also one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages in the world, with an estimated 71 million cases sold globally in 2019.

On the other hand, tequila is a type of alcohol made from the blue agave plant, which is grown primarily in the central western Mexican state of Jalisco. The city of Tequila, located 65 km (40 mi) northwest of Guadalajara, is where the drink gets its name. Tequila is produced by fermenting the sugars extracted from the agave plant and then distilled to increase its alcohol content.

In terms of taste and aroma, soju and tequila have distinct differences. Soju has a smooth and slightly sweet taste with hints of rice and barley, while tequila has a distinctive agave flavor with hints of herbs and spices. Soju is commonly consumed neat, on the rocks, or mixed with other ingredients to create cocktails and mixed drinks. In contrast, tequila is often enjoyed neat or as part of a mixed drink, such as a margarita.

What’s the difference between Vodka, Soju, and Tequila?

  • Vodka
    • Distilled from grains
    • Typically ~40% abv
    • Distilled all around the world
  • Soju
    • Distilled from rice, sweet potato, tapioca, barley, or wheat, and sometimes other grains
    • Typically 12-25% abv
    • Typically distilled in Korea
  • Tequila
    • Distilled form blue agave from the Tequila region of Mexico
    • Typically ~40% abv

In conclusion, soju could be considered a subcategory of vodka and is not similar to tequila other than being a distilled beverage. It is a unique alcoholic beverage with a rich history and culture in Korea. Its production process and ingredients differ from those of tequila and vodka, making it a distinct drink that stands out in the world of alcohol.

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