Shochu is a kind of liquor made from sorghum as the main raw material through fermentation, distillation and other processes. Soju has a long history in China and is part of traditional Chinese culture. Soju has a high alcohol content and a unique taste. It is a favorite drink among Chinese people. Next, let’s learn how to make and taste soju.

The production of soju

The production process of soju is divided into two stages: fermentation and distillation.

Fermentation stage

The fermentation stage involves washing, soaking, cooking and other steps of sorghum, and then adding koji for fermentation. Koji is a fermentation agent made from cereals such as bran, rice, and wheat. It contains a variety of microorganisms and enzymes that can promote the decomposition and saccharification of starch in sorghum and produce alcohol and aroma substances.

The fermentation time is generally 3-5 days. After the fermentation is completed, a white foam will be produced, which is the original liquor of Soju.

Distillation stage

The distillation stage is the distillation process of raw wine through a still to separate alcohol and water. There are generally two types of stills, one is the traditional bamboo still and the other is the modern stainless steel still.

During the distillation process, since the boiling point of alcohol is lower than that of water, the alcohol content of soju will increase with the number of distillations. Generally speaking, the more times shochu is distilled, the higher the alcohol content and the richer the taste.

How to taste soju

The tasting method of soju is similar to that of other liquors, but it also has its own special features.

Choose the right cup

Soju cups generally choose white wine cups or tea cups. The material of the wine glass is best to be transparent glass or crystal, so that the color and color of the soju can be better observed. transparency.

How to pour Soju

The way to pour Soju also has its own unique features. First, tilt the cup at a 45-degree angle, then slowly pour the soju into the center of the cup, allowing the liquid to flow along the wall of the cup, so that you can better observe the color and transparency of the soju.

Smell the aroma

After pouring the soju, you can smell the aroma of the soju first. The aroma of shochu is generally divided into two types: light aroma and strong aroma. The light aroma shochu has a light aroma, and the strong aroma shochu has a strong aroma.

Taste the taste

When tasting the taste of soju, you can first rotate the soju in the cup a few times to allow the liquid to fully contact the air and release more aroma. Then, take a sip and taste the wine first, then the aftertaste.

End

Soju is a part of traditional Chinese culture and a favorite drink of Chinese people. The production process of soju is complicated, but its unique taste and aroma can be felt when you taste it. I hope everyone can better understand and appreciate this traditional Chinese liquor when tasting Soju.