Top Shelf Distillers is so thrilled to bring you our first ever SOJU! 

We're so thrilled about our first release from our co-op educational program, Top Shelf Bootcamp!

 

Our summer semester students have produced, from concept to completion, a traditional Korean-inspired Soju. You can expect a clean crisp neutral spirit with vibrant tropical flavours of dragon fruit, lychee, and passionfruit. Our mission at Top Shelf Distillers is to leave the world better than we found it and that includes inspiring the minds of tomorrow. 

For those that are unfamiliar with Soju, the name translates to "burned liquor", first syllable referring to the heat of distillation, and the second syllable referring to "alcoholic drink". It is typically treated like vodka in cocktail recipes but is usually  served very chilled, neat or over ice. We've been told our Soju doesn't have a strong taste of alcohol, is very unique and easily drinkable. 

           

    

Clear, Transparent 

 

Delicate sweet, creamy, floral, mild cereal notes with a tropical fruity background, notes of lycée, dragonfruit and passionfruit (which surprising did not overwhelm as its typically a strong flavoured fruit). Comparable to pear + strawberry + watermelon.

 

Clean, refreshing, no bite, sweet with a light tropical taste, creamy and full bodied with a long lingering sweetness reminiscent of toasted grain, ripe fruit, very light and refreshing though. The acidity of the fruit leaves a 'wet' or juicy feel in your mouth.

 

Our Soju has a very broad spectrum and will pair well with a lot of different taste profiles. It's like a happy middle ground between vodka and gin as it has a creamy mouth feel, with a fruit forward taste complemented by an unexpected floral background (not like rose floral, more acidic and citrusy) but easily can be drank straight with no aggressive alcohol bite.The lingering taste is really surprising and pleasant, like eating a fresh peach or citrusy fruit, ripe and enjoyable. Our Soju could replace vodka or gin in any sweet/floral/neutral cocktail recipe.

  

   

This cocktail combines the wonderful flavours of passion fruit, lycée and dragonfruit from our Soju with the the distinct flavours of yuzu and coconut. Yuzu is often likened to a lemon crossed with a mandarin orange. The flavour is quite distinctive. It is sharp, and acidic with heady blossom notes. The roasted coconut flavours balance the flavours into a light, balanced, bliss of a beverage.

INGREDIENTS

2.5 oz Top Shelf Soju 
1 oz Yuzu Juice
2 Dashes Top Shelf Orange Bitters
Splash of Simple Syrup
Roasted Coconut Juice

   

GARNISH

Optional Citrus Wheels: Lemon, Lime, Yuzu

   

GLASSWARE

Collins glass

   

DIRECTIONS

In a Collins glass filled with ice, add the Soju, orange bitters, simple syrup and yuzu juice. Gently stir to combine. Top with coconut juice. Garnish with citrus wheel.

  

   

1.5 oz Top Shelf Soju
2oz Korean Yogurt* (or Kefir or Lassi would work) 
0.5 oz Black River Grapefruit Juice

*Korean yogurt isn't quite what it sounds like, its drinkable, refreshing, sweet and tangy similar to Kefir or Lassi. We used a brand called Wahaha found at select Loblaws. 

  

GARNISH

Strawberry Pocky Stick

  

GLASSWARE

Rocks Glass

  

DIRECTIONS

Add all ingredients and ice to a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into an ice filled Rocks Glass. Garnish with a Strawberry Pocky stick.