Hallasan Watermelon Soju newest Korean spirit to hit LCBO shelves

Hallasan Watermelon Soju (375 ml - $10.90) is the newest soju from Korea to land on LCBO shelves. 

Soju, meaning “burned liquor” in Korean, is distilled to various strengths from 12% to above 50% alc.  The bottles we commonly see here have spirit at around 12% making it easy to sip neat. 

It’s most commonly made with rice but can incorporate other grains and even cassava (tapioca). It has a flavour not dissimilar to vodka, albeit a lighter version.

If you’ve enjoyed soju, it was likely a flavoured option. I admit that the watermelon soju from Hallasan is the nicest I’ve had. The flavour does not feel manipulated at all and the mouthfeel is a little rounder due to the sugar used.

I do wish that the LCBO would add the sugar content of these products to their site as they do with wines. The Hallasan isn’t cloying at all but I was surprised by the profile and it would be good to know what I’m drinking.

So you can certainly enjoy this on its own or add one ounce of 100% agave blanco tequila to three ounces of watermelon soju and an equal amount of sparkling water for a fab long drink. 

May spring be around the corner.