Hodori Mandarine Soju

Hodori Mandarine Soju is a flavored Korean soju bottled at 13.0% ABV. That is noticeably lighter than traditional plain soju, which commonly runs 16 to 20%. The flavor is mandarin, and the reference notes point to a sweet, citrus-forward profile. Expect an aroma of fresh orange peel and a juicy mandarin entry, with a sweetness closer to a ripe tangerine than to marmalade. Flavored sojus in this style are typically light-bodied and smooth. They have no tannin and no oak influence, and the acidity is soft. The finish is usually short and clean, with a lingering citrus note. No vintage, aging or maturation applies here. This is a drink-now bottle. It is not made to age, and it does not need decanting. Serve it well chilled, ideally around 4 to 6°C, because cold tames the sweetness and keeps the citrus bright. Keep the bottle in the refrigerator, or put it in an ice bucket for about 20 minutes before pouring. A small soju glass or shot glass is the traditional way to drink it, sipped in small pours. For a longer, more relaxed drink, use a short tumbler over ice or a stemless wine glass, which also gathers the citrus aroma. At this strength and sweetness, the best food matches are salty, fatty or spicy dishes. Korean barbecue such as galbi or samgyeopsal works well, as do fried chicken, tteokbokki and kimchi stew, where the mandarin sweetness offsets chili heat. Light seafood pajeon (scallion pancakes) and grilled shrimp are good choices too. It also mixes easily. Topped with soda water and a lemon wedge, it makes a simple highball, and it blends well with other fruit sodas or with yogurt-based drinks.