π₯ Jinro
Korean soju brand dating from 1924; a toad on the label; now owned by HiteJinro; the 2019 relaunch was 16.9% ABV.
Jinro is a Korean soju brand made by HiteJinro. It is considered the oldest of the Korean sojus: according to JoongAng Daily, it dates from 1924. The label shows a toad, which is why the original was once nicknamed "toad soju", and the maker released its 2019 retro version at 16.9% ABV.
History. According to JoongAng Daily, the Jinro company was founded in Seoul in 1924 and began exporting in 1968. Hite bought Jinro in 2005, and in 2011 the merged company became HiteJinro. In 1998 Jinro launched Chamisul. According to JoongAng Daily, the company later focused on it, while the original Jinro sold modestly for a long time under the name Jinro Gold.
What soju is. In 1965 Korea banned the use of rice for soju because of shortages; producers switched to sweet potato and tapioca and diluted the spirit with water. In 1995 the rules allowed additives, including oligosaccharide. So most modern soju is diluted spirit rather than distilled mash.
The range. JoongAng Daily describes the retro version, released in April 2019 in a glass bottle styled after the 1970s and 80s, as 16.9% ABV; by the same article, it is weaker than Chamisul Original (20.1% ABV) and nearly the same as Chamisul Fresh (17%). There are also fruit versions, for example plum and green grape.
Why this matters to you. Soju is weaker than vodka, but it is not harmless: strength differs between versions and brands, so check the label. The name "Jinro" refers to a brand, not to the whole drink. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Facts
| Year founded | 1924, Seoul (Jinro; forerunner of HiteJinro); exports since 1968 |
|---|---|
| Raw material | after 1965, spirit from starch (sweet potato, tapioca) diluted with water; check the label for the composition of a given version |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | 16.9% ABV (2019 relaunch); historically higher, other versions differ |
How it connects to Spirits
π₯ Jinro β affects β π· Alcohol and health β affects β π₯ Spirits
Links
- What it contains
- π· Ethanol
- What it affects
- π· Alcohol and health, π· Drunk driving
- Part of
- π₯ Soju
- Related to
- π East Asia
- Similar and different
- πΈ Vodka, π₯ Chum Churum, π₯ Andong soju
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that Jinro is the oldest Korean soju?
That is what JoongAng Daily calls it: the brand was introduced in 1924. It is the oldest of the known Korean brands, but not necessarily the oldest way of making soju.
Why is there a toad on the Jinro label?
The toad is a symbol of HiteJinro. According to JoongAng Daily, it is why the original was called "toad soju".
What is the ABV of Jinro?
The 2019 retro version is 16.9% ABV, according to JoongAng Daily. Other versions and release years differ, so check the label.
Who owns Jinro?
HiteJinro: Hite bought Jinro in 2005, and the company has used the name HiteJinro since 2011.
How does diluted soju differ from distilled soju?
Diluted soju is made from neutral spirit thinned with water and additives, while distilled soju is made from fermented mash. After 1965 diluted soju predominated in Korea.
What to read next
- π· Alcohol and health β Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- π· Ethanol β The alcohol formed during fermentation that makes you drunk.
- π East Asia β A region in the east of Asia β China, Japan and Korea: milk became an everyday food only in the 20th century, but there are old traditions such as rushan and so; China ranks third in the world for vineyard area.
- π₯ Andong soju β Traditional distilled soju from the city of Andong (North Gyeongsang, Korea): a pure-grain spirit of about 45% ABV, provincial intangible heritage since 1987.
- π₯ Chum Churum β Brand of South Korean soju launched in 2006 by Doosan; owned by Lotte Chilsung since 2008; 15.7% ABV since September 2026 (Asia Economy).
Similar
π₯ Chum Churum Β· π₯ Erguotou Red Star Β· π₯ Hpnotiq Β· π₯ Gujing Gongjiu Β· π₯ Luzhou Laojiao Β· π₯ Eristoff
β οΈ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Korea JoongAng Daily: Jinro soju, which never left, stages comeback (12.07.2019; 1924, toad, relaunch April 2019, 16.9 %)
- Korea JoongAng Daily: Moving beyond the green blur, a history of soju (1924 Jinro, 1965 rice ban, diluted soju, 1995 additives, Chamisul 1998)
- The Korea Herald: HiteJinro marks centennial with renewed growth push (02.06.2024; Hite acquired Jinro 2005, HiteJinro 2011)
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)