Soon Hari Apple Soju

Apple Soju from Soon Hari is made in Massachusetts and falls into the flavored soju category. Despite the Wine and Sake shelf listing, treat it as a Korean-style distilled spirit with apple flavoring. It is not a grape wine or a brewed sake, so don't expect those profiles. The details supplied don't give an ABV, a base ingredient or a tasting profile. What follows is what a flavored soju like this usually delivers, not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect a clean, light-bodied spirit with a lightly sweet nose led by apple, probably closer to fresh-cut or candied green apple than to baked or cider notes. Soju has no oak, no tannin and no real acidity structure. Any tartness comes from the flavoring. The texture is typically smooth and thin, and the finish is short and fairly neutral, with a faint sweetness that fades quickly. Flavored sojus are often bottled at a lower strength than traditional soju, so check the label for the exact ABV. Serve it well chilled, around 3 to 6°C, straight from the refrigerator or freezer. Cold temperatures soften any sweetness and keep the apple note crisp. No decanting is needed and nothing is gained by aerating it. The traditional way to drink soju is neat from a small shot glass, poured in rounds and shared. A small tumbler over ice works as well, as does a tall glass with soda water or tonic as a light highball. It also mixes well with lemon or lime juice, ginger beer or white grape juice, where the apple adds flavor without overwhelming other ingredients. For food, soju's neutral profile works well with salty, spicy and fatty dishes. Try Korean fried chicken, grilled pork belly with ssam, kimchi pancakes, spicy braised dishes such as tteokbokki, or fried dumplings. The apple note also suits a cheese plate with sharp cheddar and sliced pears. This is a drink-now bottle with no aging potential. Once opened, keep it capped in the refrigerator and finish it within a few weeks so the flavor stays fresh.