Banzai Bunny Strawberry Soju

Banzai Bunny Strawberry Soju is a flavored, lower-strength take on the Korean spirit, bottled at 12% ABV. That puts it well below traditional soju and closer to the strength of a table wine. Expect a drink built around ripe strawberry, with the sweetness that fruit-infused soju styles usually carry, and a light, smooth body rather than the neutral, dry bite of classic soju. Styles like this typically show little to no tannin or oak, a gentle acidity that keeps the fruit from tasting syrupy, and a short, clean finish that fades quickly rather than lingering. Because it is a flavored, ready-to-drink product, the simplest way to serve it is well chilled, ideally at about 4 to 8°C, either straight from the refrigerator or over a few cubes of ice. Cold temperatures keep the sweetness in check and sharpen the strawberry character. There is no need to decanter or aerate it, and a small wine glass, a stemless tumbler, or a traditional small soju glass all work; a stemmed white-wine glass will concentrate the berry aromas a little better if you want to notice them. On the table, sweet fruit-forward soju tends to suit salty, fatty or lightly spicy food better than delicate dishes. Korean fried chicken, pork belly, tteokbokki and kimchi pancakes are natural fits, since the sweetness and chill offset salt and chili heat. It also holds up alongside salty snacks such as popcorn or chips, and grilled or barbecued meats. For something lighter, try it with a mild soft cheese or a plain fruit plate, or splash it over ice with soda water or tonic for a longer, less sweet drink. This is a drink-now bottle, not one for the cellar. Flavored spirits and fruit-based drinks like this are made for freshness, so there is no benefit to aging it. Keep it cool and out of direct light, and once opened, store it in the refrigerator and finish it within a reasonable time so the fruit flavor stays bright.