Chum Churum - Saero Apricot Soju

Chum Churum is produced by Lotte Liquor, one of South Korea's largest and most established spirits producers. The name translates roughly to 'like the first time,' and the brand has built a loyal following domestically for its notably smooth, lower-ABV style.

Saero, a newer expression in the lineup, was developed to appeal to a generation of drinkers looking for lighter, more fruit-forward soju. The Apricot variant is flavored with apricot essence and sits at a gentle alcohol level typical of modern Korean soju, making it an approachable and sessionable spirit.

It is made using a column distillation process with a diluted neutral grain base, which is standard for the diluted soju category. The result is a soft, sweet, and fruity spirit that works well chilled and straight, poured over ice, or mixed into simple cocktails like soju sodas or fruit punches.

At 375ml and under eleven dollars, it is one of the more affordable ways to explore the flavored soju category. It is best suited to casual settings, shared among friends at a meal, or used as a mixer where its apricot sweetness can complement lighter flavors.

It does not aim to be a complex sipper, but within its category it delivers exactly what it promises.