A state-distilled clear spirit from rice or maize, poured at official banquets. Distilling arrived in Korea with the thirteenth-century Mongol invasions, and the Pyongyang plant now bottles the north’s standard state-brand spirit.
It is a state distillery’s product, and distilling spirits without a licence is a criminal offence.
What goes into it
- rice or maize
- nuruk — a Korean starter cake of moulds and yeasts
- water
How it is made
Grain is fermented with nuruk into a mash over one to two weeks, then distilled — traditionally in a pot still, industrially in a column. The distillate is filtered and diluted to bottling strength. It is not aged; the grain and the still decide everything.
How long it takes: one to two weeks to ferment, then distilling
How it is eaten
Neat and cool in small glasses at banquets, poured for others rather than for oneself.
History
Distilling arrived in Korea with the thirteenth-century Mongol invasions; the Pyongyang plant now bottles the north’s standard state-brand spirit.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pyongyang Soju?
Pyongyang Soju is a wine & spirit from North Korea: state-distilled clear spirit from rice or maize, poured at official banquets. Distilling arrived in Korea with the thirteenth-century Mongol invasions; the Pyongyang plant now bottles the north’s standard state-brand spirit.
How is Pyongyang Soju made?
Grain is fermented with nuruk into a mash over one to two weeks, then distilled — traditionally in a pot still, industrially in a column. The distillate is filtered and diluted to bottling strength. It is not aged; the grain and the still decide everything. It takes one to two weeks to ferment, then distilling.
Can I make Pyongyang Soju at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It is a state distillery’s product, and distilling spirits without a licence is a criminal offence.
What goes into Pyongyang Soju?
Rice or maize, nuruk — a Korean starter cake of moulds and yeasts, water.
How is Pyongyang Soju eaten?
Neat and cool in small glasses at banquets, poured for others rather than for oneself.
