Jinro Melon Soju

Melon Soju from Jinro is a flavored soju, a clear, lightly sweet spirit-style drink, even though the listing files it under wine. It's shelved here with a Massachusetts designation. It isn't a grape wine, so there's no varietal, tannin or oak to describe. Flavored sojus in this style usually taste of ripe honeydew and melon candy over a clean, neutral base. They tend to be light-bodied and smooth, with low acidity and a soft, short finish that leans sweet rather than dry. Expect a lower alcohol level than standard distilled spirits, but check the label for the exact ABV, since it isn't given in the product details. Serve it cold, either straight from the refrigerator or from the freezer for a thicker, more syrupy texture. Chilling also helps keep the sweetness from feeling heavy. There's no reason to decant it, and it has no aging potential. Open it, pour it and finish the bottle within a few days of opening, keeping it refrigerated and sealed in the meantime. Traditional small soju shot glasses suit the format, and a short tumbler over ice works if you prefer to sip slowly. For a longer drink, top it with soda water, lemon-lime soda or tonic in a highball glass, or stir it into a fruit punch with citrus. The melon flavor pairs well with lime and with other tropical or stone fruits. At the table, the sweetness works against heat and salt. Try it with Korean fried chicken, grilled galbi or bulgogi, spicy stir-fried pork, kimchi jjigae, or fried dumplings. It also suits sushi, ceviche and salty snacks such as roasted seaweed or chips, where the cold, fruity sweetness refreshes the palate between bites. It's a drink-now bottle, best consumed young and cold.