Damso Strawberry Soju

Damso Strawberry Soju is a flavored soju made in Massachusetts and bottled under the Esplanda label. The listing doesn't give an ABV, so check the bottle label for strength. Strawberry soju in this style is usually clear to pale pink, sweeter and softer than plain soju, and lower in strength than most spirits. Expect ripe strawberry on the nose and palate, closer to fresh and jammy than tart, with a light body and almost no tannin. Acidity is usually gentle, and the finish is clean and short, often with a faint candied sweetness. Oak plays no part, because soju is not an aged product. Serve it well chilled, around 3 to 6°C, straight from the refrigerator or over a few ice cubes. Decanting does nothing for a drink like this, so just pour from the bottle. The traditional way to drink soju is from a small shot-style glass, sipped or taken in small pours. A stemmed white wine glass suits it as well, because it holds the strawberry aroma while keeping the drink cold. For a longer serve, pour about a third of a tall glass over ice and top with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. You can also blend it with crushed ice for a slushy. Foods that suit it include Korean fried chicken, grilled pork belly, spicy tteokbokki, kimchi pancakes and other salty, savory or chili-heavy dishes. The cold sweetness softens the heat, and the fruit makes a pleasant contrast with fatty or fried food. It also works with fresh fruit, vanilla ice cream or a plain cheesecake as a light dessert pairing. This is a drink-now bottle, not one to cellar. Flavored sojus are made for freshness and are best enjoyed within a reasonable time of purchase. Keep it in the refrigerator after opening and finish it within a few weeks, since the fruit character fades over time.