Jinro Plum Soju

Jinro's Plum Soju is a flavored soju bottled at 13% ABV, well below the roughly 16 to 25% range of standard soju. That lower strength puts it closer to a wine or sake in weight, and it changes how it behaves in the glass. Styles like this usually lead with ripe plum and a gentle tartness, with a light, slightly syrupy body rather than the dry, neutral bite of unflavored soju. Expect no tannin and no oak. The acidity should sit in the background, balancing the sweetness, and the finish is typically short, soft and fruity, without much alcoholic heat. Because the sweetness and plum character are the point, serve it well chilled, around 4 to 8°C, either straight from the fridge or over plenty of ice. There is no need to decant, and it does not need time to open up. A small tumbler or rocks glass works for sipping over ice, and a small soju or shot glass suits the traditional way of drinking it neat and in small pours. If you prefer a longer drink, it takes well to a splash of soda water, tonic or lemon-lime soda over ice with a wedge of lemon or lime, which cuts the sweetness and stretches a bottle further. At the table, it is best with food that has some heat, salt or char, since the fruit and sweetness balance spice and fat. Korean fried chicken, grilled pork belly, tteokbokki and kimchi-based dishes are natural matches. Salty snacks, dumplings, and fresh fruit with a mild soft cheese also work. This is a drink-now bottle and not one for the cellar. Flavored spirits like this are made for freshness, so keep it cool and upright and finish it within a reasonable time once opened, ideally refrigerated.