5 American-Made Soju Brands That Deserve a Place at Your Table

Soju, Korea's national spirit and the world's best-selling liquor by volume, is experiencing a renaissance on American soil. While the ubiquitous green bottles of mass-produced Korean soju have long dominated Korean restaurants stateside, a new generation of American craft distillers is reimagining this ancient spirit with local ingredients, artisanal techniques, and bold innovation. Here are five American-made soju brands that are elevating the category and worthy of a permanent spot in your home bar.

1. Yobo Soju Luxe – California's Grape-Forward Game-Changer

When Korean-American lawyer and mother Carolyn Kim founded Yobo in 2015, she set out to create something that didn't exist: a luxury American soju that honored heritage while embracing innovation. The result? A soju blended from Northern California grapes, California rice, and organic wheat, distilled in Southern California.

What makes Yobo stand out is its grape-dominant base, a bold departure from traditional rice or grain soju. It features a floral bouquet followed by hints of apricot and vanilla, rounded out with subtle notes of rice and cream. At 23% ABV and just 36 calories per ounce, it's a lower-proof, lower-calorie alternative to vodka without sacrificing complexity.

TastingTable ranked Yobo Soju Luxe as the number one soju brand in the world, calling it disarmingly cool and undeniably sippable. The brand has since expanded into a full portfolio including YoboKish aperitifs (created with Top Chef winner Kristen Kish), KTOWN flavored soju, and Hunni Sparkling Soju canned cocktails. Now distributed in over 30 states, Yobo represents the sophisticated evolution of American soju.

Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts and those seeking an elegant sipping experience that bridges Korean tradition with California terroir.

2. Tokki Soju – Brooklyn-Born, Tradition-Focused Excellence

Founded in Brooklyn in 2016 by master distiller Brandon Hill, Tokki Soju represents the purist's approach to American soju. After studying traditional Korean fermentation and distillation techniques at Kyonggi University in 2011 (the Year of the Rabbit, or "tokki" in Korean), Hill returned to New York determined to fill a glaring gap in the market.

When high-end Michelin-starred Korean restaurants opened in New York, they couldn't find quality Korean spirits to pair with their elevated cuisine. Hill's solution was uncompromising: 100% glutinous rice from Sacramento Valley, hand-cultivated nuruk yeast, and a distillation process that keeps only 35% of each run (compared to the typical 60-80% most distillers use).

The attention to detail shows. Tokki Soju Black Label won Gold in both the New York International Spirits Competition and San Francisco Spirit Competition. Available in multiple expressions including Black Label (40% ABV), White Label, and Gold Label (a barrel-aged version), Tokki has since established operations in both California and South Korea. The brand also produces Sŏnbi Gin, the first internationally recognized Korean gin, winning Double Gold at the SF Spirits Competition.

Best for: Purists who appreciate traditional methods, higher-proof spirits, and the complexity that comes from meticulous craft distilling.

3. West 32 Soju – Koreatown Spirit, American Soul

Created by college friends Dan Lee and Max Fine, West 32 Soju was inspired by memorable nights out on West 32nd Street in New York City's Koreatown. Their goal was to create an approachable, high-quality soju that could be enjoyed over any meal or celebration.

Made from distilled corn and triple carbon filtered, West 32 is gluten-free, all-natural, and contains no chemical sweeteners or artificial additives. At just 32 calories per ounce and 19.99% ABV, the Original expression offers the smooth texture characteristic of classic Korean soju with a clean base and light sweetness.

The brand also produces West 32 Reserve, the first U.S. barrel-aged soju, aged in first-use American white oak whiskey barrels for over 6 months with notes of oak, vanilla, and spice at 32% ABV. West 32's original soju tastes similar to Jinro and other classic Korean soju, with a smooth texture and taste, making it an ideal gateway for those familiar with traditional Korean soju.

Best for: Those seeking an affordable, approachable soju that stays true to Korean flavor profiles while being locally crafted in America.

4. American Soju – Rocky Mountain Premium

Based in Colorado and made with Rocky Mountain water, American Soju takes pride in its tagline: "So Smooth it's Dangerous!" Distilled six times using 100% natural ingredients with zero sugar and zero carbs, all flavors clock in at 20% ABV.

What sets American Soju apart is its award-winning lineup of flavors. The Original flavor won Gold at the 2021 Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards, while the Cucumber and Lemon expressions both won Silver. The brand positions itself as a no-hangover premium spirit with half the calories of vodka, offering flavors including Original, Cucumber, Lemon, and Watermelon.

The Original provides a full-bodied, clean, crisp taste with a zest at the end that pairs well with almost any food. Their flavored options, particularly the Cucumber (extremely smooth with a refreshing taste) and Watermelon (perfect for summer gatherings), make it versatile for both sipping and mixing in cocktails like the Seoul Mule or Sojurita.

Best for: Health-conscious drinkers and those who enjoy flavored spirits for casual gatherings and creative cocktails.

5. KTOWN Soju by Yobo – All-Natural Flavor Revolution

Part of the Yobo Spirit House family, KTOWN Soju deserves its own mention for revolutionizing the flavored soju category. While many flavored sojus rely on artificial additives and excessive sweetness, KTOWN uses all-natural ingredients and is designed to take the experience of Korea's vibrant Koreatown culture wherever the bottle goes.

The glass is designed to look like a flask, and the liquid is fruity, sweet, and welcoming to first-time soju drinkers. At 21% ABV, KTOWN offers four unique expressions—Seoul, Shine, Earth, and Bliss—each crafted with natural ingredients and without artificial coloring or flavors.

What makes KTOWN special is its commitment to quality in a category often dominated by cheap, overly sweet alternatives. It bridges the gap between premium craft soju and accessible, fun, flavored options perfect for sharing with friends who might be new to soju.

Best for: Social gatherings, those new to soju, and anyone seeking premium flavored spirits without artificial ingredients.

The American Soju Renaissance

These five brands represent more than just American-made versions of a Korean classic—they're redefining what soju can be. From Yobo's California grape innovation to Tokki's uncompromising traditional methods, from West 32's Koreatown-inspired approachability to American Soju's Rocky Mountain purity and KTOWN's natural flavor revolution, American distillers are proving that soju's best days may still be ahead.

Whether you're hosting a Korean BBQ dinner, crafting cocktails, or simply looking for a sophisticated low-ABV spirit to sip, these American soju brands offer quality, creativity, and respect for tradition. They deserve a place not just at your table, but in the conversation about America's most exciting craft spirits.

Geonbae! (Cheers!)