Hanjan Pineapple

Hanjan Pineapple is a pineapple-flavored soju made in Massachusetts. It belongs with the Korean-style clear spirits, not with grape wines, so grape variety, tannin and oak don't apply. The listing gives no ABV, sweetness level or ingredient detail. What follows is what flavored sojus of this type usually do, not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect a clear, light-bodied drink with a pronounced tropical pineapple aroma, a soft and fairly smooth texture, and a clean, short finish. Flavored sojus tend to be sweeter and lower in alcohol than standard spirits, but check the label for the actual strength. Serve it cold, either straight from the refrigerator or chilled in the freezer for a short time, so the pineapple reads as bright and the sweetness stays in check. It needs no decanting. A small shot glass is the traditional choice for sipping. A short tumbler with ice or a stemless white-wine glass also works if you want to stretch it over a longer pour. Pineapple suits salty, fatty and spicy food. Korean fried chicken, grilled pork belly, bulgogi, tteokbokki and kimchi-based dishes are the obvious matches, since the fruit cools chili heat and cuts through grease. It would also work with ham, shrimp, or spicy tacos. For mixing, expect it to work in highballs with soda or tonic, over crushed ice with lime, or as a base for easy tropical-style drinks. This is a drink-now bottle. Flavored soju is made for fresh fruit character and doesn't improve with cellaring. Keep it cool, and refrigerate it after opening.