Rice wine is one of the traditional beverages of East Asian people, especially in countries like Japan, Korea, China, and Vietnam. However, rice wine is also becoming a popular and widely consumed drink worldwide. There are numerous famous types of rice wine around the world, each with its own flavor and style. In this article, we will explore some famous types of rice wine that should not be overlooked, so you can discover and experience their unique tastes.

1. Korean Rice Wine

Korean rice wine, also known as “Soju,” is a traditional Korean liquor made from rice and fermented. Soju has an alcohol content ranging from 16-45%, depending on the brand and production method. It is often consumed during parties or when drinking with friends. With its distinctive flavor and high alcohol content, Korean rice wine has become an integral part of Korean drinking culture and is one of the most beloved types of liquor worldwide.

1.1. Makgeolli Rice Wine

Makgeolli rice wine is a traditional Korean liquor. Local people make it from glutinous rice, water, and yeast. With its distinctive flavor and alcohol content of around 6-8%, Makgeolli can be cold or warm, depending on personal preference. It has a characteristic milky white color and a sweet and mild taste with a subtle tanginess and the aroma of glutinous rice.

Makgeolli is a nutritious beverage and is used in various traditional Korean dishes such as pajeon (savory pancakes), bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and other dishes. Beyond Korea, Makgeolli is also becoming a popular drink worldwide, with numerous brands and diverse flavors available.

1.2. Kook Soon Dang Rice Wine

Kook Soon Dang rice wine is a traditional Korean liquor. Local people made it from rice and water. It is blended with certain types of yeast and aged in wooden barrels to develop its characteristic flavor. With its rich taste and alcohol content of around 16-17%, people often enjoy Kook Soon Dang during parties or social gatherings.

Kook Soon Dang rice wine has a bright yellow color and a unique flavor that sets it apart from other types of liquor. It can be consumed neat or mixed with ice to reduce its intensity. Outside of Korea, Kook Soon Dang is also gaining popularity and has become a famous rice wine worldwide.

1.3. Jinro Soju Rice Wine

Jinro Soju rice wine is one of the most famous types of rice wine in Korea. HiteJinro, one of the largest liquor conglomerates in Korea, produce it. With an alcohol content of about 20%, Jinro Soju is the most popular and widely consumed rice wine in Korea.

Jinro Soju has a transparent color, a smooth and delicious flavor. It can be neat or mixed with ice. Jinro Soju is often enjoyed during parties or social gatherings. Outside of Korea, Jinro Soju is also exported to many other countries around the world, making it one of the most popular types of rice wine.

2. Japanese Rice Wine

Japanese rice wine, known as “sake,” is a traditional liquor of the Land of the Rising Sun. People made it from polished rice, water, and yeast. Sake in Japan is divided into many different types, ranging from rich and high-alcohol varieties to lighter and easy-to-drink ones. Japanese rice wine is often warm and paired with various traditional Japanese dishes. Sake is also exported to many other countries around the world and has become a famous type of rice wine.

2.1. Sake

Sake, also known as Nihonshu, is a traditional Japanese rice wine. Local people made it from polished rice, water, and yeast. Sake typically has an alcohol content ranging from 14-20% and can be consumed either warm or cold, depending on the type.

It has a distinctive and unique flavor. It is often served in traditional Japanese cups such as sake cups, masu, or tokkuri. Sake can also be paired with various traditional Japanese dishes, from sashimi and sushi to grilled meats.

This wine is one of the most popular types of liquor worldwide, loved for its uniqueness and delightful taste. It is produced and distributed globally, from Japan to other countries around the world.

2.2. Shochu

Shochu is a traditional Japanese rice liquor. People made it from ingredients such as rice, sweet potatoes, barley, or corn. It has a higher alcohol content compared to sake, typically ranging from 25-30%.

This wine comes in various types with different flavors, ranging from sweet to dry. It is often neat or mixed with water, and can also be combined with ice or fruit juice. This wine is a popular and favored liquor in Japan, especially during New Year’s celebrations or other special occasions.

2.3. Awamori

Awamori is a traditional rice liquor from the Okinawa island of Japan. People made it from polished rice, yeast, and water. Awamori has a relatively high alcohol content, ranging from 30-60%, depending on the type.

Awamori has a distinctive and robust flavor and is often consumed neat or mixed with ice and fruit juice. It comes in various types with different flavors, ranging from bitter and sweet to spicy.

Awamori is a unique and beloved liquor in Okinawa, Japan. People often use in ceremonies and special occasions and has gained popularity and distribution worldwide. However, due to production limitations and geographical constraints, Awamori is often quite expensive when exported outside of Japan.

3. Vietnamese Rice Liquor

3.1. Tân Vạn Rice Liquor

Tân Vạn Rice Liquor is a popular type of rice liquor in various regions throughout Vietnam, especially in the southern part of the country. People made it from pure rice that is soaked in water for a specific period. Then fermented in oak barrels for 2-3 days.
Tân Vạn liquor has a distinctive, pleasant flavor and a moderate alcohol content ranging from 15-20%. It is a preferred and widely used liquor for festive occasions such as holidays, weddings, birthdays, and business gatherings.

With its traditional production method, Tân Vạn liquor offers a smooth and satisfying experience, providing a glimpse into the rich culinary culture and traditions of Vietnam.

3.2. Nếp Cẩm Rice Liquor

Nếp Cẩm Rice Liquor is a traditional liquor of ethnic minority communities in the Northwestern region of Vietnam. People made it from Nếp Cẩm rice, a unique purple rice variety. The rice is soaked for about 2-3 hours, cooked, and then fermented in oak barrels for 7-10 days.

Nếp Cẩm liquor has a deep purple color, distinctive flavor of Nếp Cẩm rice, and a relatively high alcohol content ranging from 40-50%. This liquor holds a profound connection to the cultural and traditional legacy of the ethnic minorities in Northwestern Vietnam. Being cherished and prominently featured in festive celebrations, weddings, and various noteworthy gatherings.

Nếp Cẩm rice liquor is also a highly nutritious product due to the rich nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants present in Nếp Cẩm rice. It has detoxifying properties and is to enhance health and promote skin beauty.

3.3. Bàu Đá Rice Liquor

Bàu Đá Rice Liquor is a traditional liquor of the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. It is made from rice, yeast, and water, and then fermented for a specific period. Bàu Đá liquor has a light yellow color, a robust flavor, and a relatively high alcohol content ranging from 40-50%.

Bàu Đá liquor is an essential part of ceremonies and special occasions among the people of the Central Highlands. People consumed it during banquets, weddings, festivals, and other significant events.

Bàu Đá liquor represents a remarkable traditional handicraft product of the Central Highlands region, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted spirit of the local community. It is passionately crafted and enthusiastically embraced across the nation. Especially in regions inhabited by ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands.

Conclusion:

Above are the famous types of rice liquor from South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Each type of liquor offers a unique experience in terms of flavor, color, and carries special cultural and traditional values of its respective country.

However, when enjoying rice liquor, it is important to consume responsibly and in moderation, avoiding excessive consumption and refraining from driving afterward. Additionally, we should respect the culture of each country and seek to learn more about these types of liquor.

We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of the popular rice liquors from South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Wishing you enjoyable experiences when indulging in these types of liquor!