Jinro Green Grape Soju

Green Grape Soju from JINRO is a flavored soju, not a grape wine, and at 13.55% ABV it sits well below the roughly 16 to 20% of classic soju. Flavored sojus of this style are usually sweet and fruit-forward, so expect a candy-like green grape aroma, a light and smooth body, and a soft, short finish. There is no tannin and no oak, and the acidity is typically gentle, with a touch of tartness to balance the sweetness. Serve it well chilled, straight from the refrigerator or over a few cubes of ice. Because it is clear and shelf-stable until opened, it needs no decanting. Small glasses suit it best, such as a traditional soju shot glass, a short tumbler for ice, or a stemless wine glass if you want to pour it as a long, cold sipper. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and finish it within a few weeks, as the fruit character fades with time. This is a drink-now bottle with no aging potential. Its sweetness works against salty, spicy and fried food: Korean fried chicken, tteokbokki, grilled pork belly and kimchi dishes all benefit from the cooling, fruity contrast. It also pairs with salty snacks such as seaweed chips and with spicy instant noodles. For mixing, it can be topped with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a quick highball, or blended with a splash of citrus to cut the sweetness.