Jinro Original Soju

Jinro Original Soju is a clear, neutral-style Korean spirit. This listing is filed under Massachusetts in the United States. Soju in this style is typically light-bodied and faintly sweet, with a clean, slightly grainy edge and very little aroma. It is not an aged or botanical spirit, so expect a soft, smooth profile that works as a base for mixing and also sits well beside food. The traditional way to serve it is straight, well chilled, and poured into small shot glasses. Keep the bottle in the refrigerator or freezer, since cold temperature tightens the texture and mutes the faint sweetness. Soju is customarily poured for others at the table and sipped in small rounds alongside a meal. It pairs most naturally with Korean barbecue, grilled pork belly, kimchi stew, spicy braised dishes and fried chicken. The mild sweetness and clean finish help reset the palate between salty, fatty or chili-heavy bites. It also adapts well to simple mixed drinks. Over ice in a highball glass, soju with soda water and a squeeze of lemon or lime makes a crisp, low-fuss long drink. Its neutral character takes on fruit well, so grapefruit, yuzu, melon and strawberry all work, either as juice or in a lightly muddled build. The popular somaek pairs soju with a light lager, with the soju poured into the beer and stirred. Because the base is mild, keep mixers light and avoid sweet syrups that would flatten it. For stirred drinks, a soju martini-style build with a dash of dry vermouth and a lemon twist works as a gentler alternative to vodka. Use a chilled coupe or small stemmed glass and stir with plenty of ice before straining.