I served in South Korea. Soju is not a weaker vodka; I can assure you of that.

  • halcyoncmdr@lemmy.world
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    18 days ago

    Soju is not a weaker vodka; I can assure you of that.

    Except, it generally is. Most vodka has an ABV of about 40%. Soju on the other hand has a usual ABV in the 16-25% range. Some can be higher, but we’re talking normal products here. There is stronger Soju just like there’s stronger Vodka, in general though, it is weaker.

    • oleorun@real.lemmy.fanOPM
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      18 days ago

      Soju ranges from 12%-54%. Plus, soju is not well-distilled; it has impurities that vodka does not.

      Edited: We’re likely both right. I was in Korea in 1999; back then the alcohol ABV values were quite a bit higher than today. I am also going to guess that the soju ABV content was skewed quite high around the Army bases. For reasons. I also could be wrong. It’s been known to happen.

      • doc@fedia.io
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        18 days ago

        Soju is to Korea as sake is to Japan. OP mentioned Korea so it’s unlikely a mistake. And Sake is a similar rage for abv. It’s naturally brewed and not distilled. Most yeast dies around 20% abv so virtually no naturally brewed product can get stronger. Vodka and other spirits are distilled so the skys the limit. Most are 40% for historic tax reasons.

        • stoly@lemmy.world
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          18 days ago

          Not sure why you wanted to give me a geography lesson when I obviously know what it is. Soju is far stronger than sake. It may be fortified in some cases.

          • Wrufieotnak@feddit.org
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            18 days ago

            Because the way your original comment is worded it can be understood in two ways: either the soju or the vodka was written wrong. You meant the vodka, they thought you meant the soju.