So far. Soju. So good.

What’s the fun of it all if you can’t enjoy it to the last drop and then take delightful pleasure in blaming someone else, in another part of the world, for this delicious new addiction?

Ever since I got hooked on Korean movies and dramas, I’ve always wanted to imbibe bottle after bottle of ‘the’ real dew, also called soju. One could point a finger at a movie like ‘Daytime Drinking’, or revel in the camaraderie among brothers, friends, and neighbors in my all-time favorite drama, ‘My Mister’ where they meet at their regular watering hole and drink, well, copious amounts of soju. And since we are on that topic, a cursory search of the brand on the Internet has Lee Ji-eun, better known as IU, as the brand ambassador for Jinro Chamisul soju. How sweet is that?

A quick search of the internet convinced me that, besides being served in about six Korean restaurants across the country, the chances of me laying my hands on this drink were practically zilch. Unless I caught a flight to Seoul and drank to my heart’s content. Fat chance that was going to happen anytime soon.

A few months ago, walking through one of the malls in Singapore, I spotted a Korean store. On inquiring, the lady at the counter smiled at me and confirmed she did have soju in stock. Her smile got bigger when I asked for four bottles of Jinro Chamisul soju. She convinced me to pick up the shot glasses too.

Having my first sip that evening, once back in my room at the super cosy Alocassia Apartments, was like experiencing an awakening. Don’t ask. It was then that I knew that the wise people who own the various soju distilleries back in Korea had a new convert in a faraway land. Amen to that.

Now, if there was a way for this fine spirit to spirit itself to India and be freely available. That would truly be a miracle.

Amen again.

PS: I am happy to report that, since my last visit to Goa in December 2022, Jinro Chamisul soju is available at all leading supermarkets and wine stores. If that isn’t reason enough to make another trip back to this small state, then what is?