Hodori Guava

This is a guava-flavored bottle from HODORI, listed under the soju and wine categories and produced in Massachusetts. That puts it in the fruit-flavored soju family rather than among grape wines, so there is no varietal, vintage, oak or tannin structure to describe. Bottles like this are usually lightly sweet and aromatic. Expect a ripe, floral guava nose with a tropical, slightly musky fruit character, and a soft, smooth body with very little acidity compared with a grape wine. The finish is usually short and clean, with the fruit fading quickly. The label details don't list ABV, so check the bottle for the exact strength. Flavored sojus typically sit well below spirit-strength vodka and above most table wines. Serve it cold. Chill it in the refrigerator or over ice until it is nearly cold enough to frost the glass, because warmth makes sweet fruit flavors taste flat and syrupy. Decanting does nothing for a bottle like this, and the contents are meant to be opened and poured right away. Small tumblers or traditional soju shot glasses suit neat sips. A tall glass over ice with a splash of soda water or tonic stretches the flavor into a long, lightly sweet drink. A white-wine glass also works if you want the guava aroma to come through more clearly. For food, the sweetness and tropical fruit pair well with salty, spicy and fried dishes. Korean fried chicken, grilled pork belly, spicy stir-fried squid, dumplings and tteokbokki all help balance the sugar. Fresh fruit, salty snacks and mild soft cheeses also work. The guava can overwhelm delicate raw fish, so lean toward bolder flavors. This is a drink-now bottle. Flavored soju has no tannin or acid structure to develop in the cellar, and fresh fruit aromas tend to fade with time. Keep it in a cool, dark place before opening, and refrigerate it once it is open.