Sake vs. Soju: What Is the Difference? (Explained!) (2024)

Sake and Soju are alcohols well-known to their native lands. For example, the former is from Japan, while the latter is from Korea. Due to their popularity, you may wonder about their differences (if they aren’t the same) and which is better (if you want to compare both). So, if you want to know what is the difference between Sake and Soju, here’s our answer:

Sake and Soju are different types of alcohol, and the most significant difference comes with how these two are made. Sake is made through fermentation and brewing, while Soju is made by distillation. Sake also has lower alcohol than Soju. If you want to find a Japanese alternative to Soju, it’s Shochu.

Both liquors have unique properties and tastes. Thus, you can understand which suits you better once you know more about these two. If you’re torn between these two, then reading further may help you.

Below, you’ll see a list of all the things you need to know about Sake and Soju. It includes differences and factors that make them unique from the other. Thus, by the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer picture of the two and see which one suits your preference.

Without further ado, let’s get into it!

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What is Sake?

Sake is a rice-based liquor from Japan. Although Sake is commonly referred to as “rice wine,” it is essentially more akin to beer.

Sake, like beer, is made by soaking grains while they boil and develop with yeast. The difference between Sake and beer is that rice is used instead of grains like hops, barley, and wheat.

Furthermore, beer typically has an ABV of 4 percent, but Sake has 16 percent. After brewing and fermenting with yeast, it is fermented a second time with koji mold.

Sake, like wine and beer, has a wide range of taste profiles. Therefore, you may sample a variety of sake brands, spanning from dry to sweet.

Most people interpret Sake’s flavor as clean and somewhat sweet. Then there are the subtleties, like nutty or flowery aromas.

If you drink Sake and it has a muddy white tint, it is unprocessed. This appearance signifies that the Sake contains rice solids that have not been fermented or filtered away.

What is Soju?

Soju is a Korean distilled liquor prepared traditionally made from rice. However, after distilling rice was forbidden in the 1960s owing to rice shortages, Koreans began manufacturing Soju from sweet potato, barley, tapioca, wheat, or any combination of the components for a long time.

Soju’s taste is pleasantly sweet, light, and clean, and it pairs nicely with hot and greasy dishes.

Koreans frequently consume shots of this distilled alcohol alongside meals such as spicy rice cakes, kimchi stew, soybean paste stew, and Korean pork belly barbecue. Thus, many Koreans see Soju as a palette cleanser for this sort of dish.

What is the difference between Sake and Soju?

Sake and Soju come with a lot of differences. Here are some of the aspects where their differences begin:

Production

Soju and Sake are produced through different methods. Soju is distilled, whereas Sake is brewed. There is also a distinction in the environments in which the two beverages are produced. While Soju is more abundant in warm regions, Sake is more abundant in chilly climes.

Main ingredient and appearance

The two also differ in their source and appearance. Soju is created from rice, barley, and sweet potatoes, whereas Sake is only derived from rice.

Because the two beverages are created from different ingredients, they have distinct scents. Compared to Soju, which has a distinct scent of the base materials utilized, a Sake beverage has a mellow and delicate aroma. In addition, Soju, unlike Sake, is colorless.

Taste

The taste of these two spirits also differs from each other. Soju tastes like Vodka, while Sake tastes like beer. Soju’s taste is pleasantly sweet, light, and clean, and it pairs nicely with hot and greasy dishes.

Sake, like wine and beer, has a wide range of taste profiles. Therefore, you may sample a variety of sake brands, spanning from dry to sweet.

Most people interpret Sake’s flavor as clean and somewhat sweet. Then there are the subtleties, like nutty or flowery aromas.

Alcohol content

Soju has a higher alcohol content than Sake. However, one can also see that there are considerable differences in the alcohol content.

When Sake has about 15 to 17 percent alcohol, Soju has about 15 to 46 percent of alcohol in it.

As said earlier, Sake is more related to wine. On the other hand, Soju has a likeness to whisky or Vodka.

Cooking

Both are primarily used for drinking but can also work as a substitute for cooking. Since Soju isn’t used much for cooking, you’ll find Sake has varieties that are ideal for cooking.

For instance, you can find salty cooking sake and isn’t considered a liquor since you can’t drink it as is.

Calories

Sake has a higher calorie count than Soju. This difference is seen at about 65 and 80 calories, respectively, per 1.5-ounce serving. For this reason, you should go for Soju if you want to consume lesser calories, although the difference isn’t subtle.

Can I substitute Soju for Sake?

No, you cannot substitute Soju for Sake, and it’s because these two liquors are different from each other. Also, you can find better alternatives to Sake.

Thus, if you have Soju, but you’re looking for Sake, you can find other alternatives out there or simply enjoy Soju as it is.

Can I substitute Sake for Soju?

No, you cannot substitute Sake for Soju. As mentioned earlier, these two liquors have entirely different tastes and user experiences. Also, you can find better alternatives that have a closer taste and scent to Soju.

For instance, Japan has Shochu, which is a bit more similar to Soju than Sake. So it’s your best bet if you’re looking for a Japanese version of Soju.

Which is stronger, Soju or Sake?

Soju is a stronger liquor than Sake. Soju has more alcohol than Sake, making the former stronger in alcohol than the latter. There are also significant variances in the alcohol content.

Soju has between 15 and 46 percent alcohol, while Sake contains between 15 and 17 percent alcohol.

Sake, as previously said, is more closely connected to wine. Soju, on the other hand, is similar to whiskey or Vodka.

Which is better, Sake or Soju?

Sake and Soju have unique characters that make them better in their ways. Thus, it will depend on your preference to see which one is better.

The best way to know the answer is to give a shot of both. This way, you can see which one suits your taste preference. It will also give you an idea of which one you’d enjoy drinking any time.

Which is healthier, Soju or Sake?

Both liquors are healthy options, although you may find Soju a bit clearer and healthier. Soju has more alcohol than Sake. Soju has between 15 and 46 percent alcohol, while Sake contains between 15 and 17 percent alcohol. Sake, as previously said, is more closely connected to wine. Soju, on the other hand, is similar to whiskey or Vodka.

Summary

In a nutshell, Sake and Soju are different from each other in many ways. For instance, the Japanese Sake is made through fermentation like beer, while the Korean Soju is made through distillation like Vodka.

Further, Sake and Soju differ in appearance, taste, alcohol content, and many other aspects. In short, you won’t find it ideal to use one as a substitute or alternative for the other.

Related:

• Cooking Sake vs. Sake
• Sake vs. Rice Wine
• Sake vs. Wine
• Sake vs. Vodka
• Shaoxing Wine vs. Sake

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Image credits – Canva