Jinro Is Back Soju

Jinro's Is Back is a soju, a clear Korean-style spirit, even though the store files it under wine. That puts it outside the usual grape-and-vintage framework. There is no oak, no tannin and no vintage to track. The listing gives the origin as Massachusetts, United States, and the details provided don't state a strength or flavor profile. What follows is therefore what soju in this style typically offers, not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect a colorless, neutral-leaning drink with a light body and a soft, slightly sweet start. Soju of this type usually shows faint grain or rice-like notes and a clean, quick finish with little lingering heat. Acidity is minimal. Most mainstream soju sits well below the strength of vodka or whiskey, which is why it can be drunk in small pours alongside a meal without overwhelming the food. Serve it cold, ideally from the refrigerator or freezer at roughly 3 to 7°C, since chilling smooths the sweetness and tightens the finish. It needs no decanting. Traditional small shot glasses suit neat sipping, and a short tumbler over ice or a tall glass works when you mix it. Common mixers include citrus juice, grapefruit soda or yogurt-based drinks. Soju also sits in the middle of the soju-and-beer mix known as somaek. At the table, soju belongs with salty, spicy, fatty food. Korean barbecue, grilled pork belly, fried chicken, kimchi stew, tteokbokki and seafood pancakes all give the clean finish something to cut through. The same logic works with fried appetizers and heavily seasoned grilled meats from other cuisines. This is a drink-now bottle. Soju is not made for cellaring, so there is no gain from aging it. Keep it cold and drink it within a reasonable time after opening.