Jinro Soju - claimed to be the world’s top-selling spirit brand - is hitting the UK following a distribution deal with supplier Hi-Spirits.

First created in 1926, the South Korean white spirit has a 25% abv and sells an estimated 63 million cases a year in more than 80 countries.

Distilled from a blend of grain including rice and wheat, and filtered through bamboo charcoal, it is described as having a “smooth, clean taste and a neutral flavour profile”, making it a good base for cocktails.

In its home country, it is often served ice cold on its own, or mixed with flavours such as apple and ginger. It will be available in 70cl bottles (rsp £11.84).

Hi-Spirits will distribute the brand to the UK off and on-trade alongside its existing portfolio, which includes Antica Sambuca and Buffalo Trace Bourbon.

“In the off-trade, aperitif-strength drinks have traditionally been brands with very distinctive flavours,” said Hi-Spirits chairman Jeremy Hill. “At 25% abv, the neutral flavour of Jinro Soju allows customers the versatility to make a much wider range of mixed drinks at home,” he added.