Baijiu Guide
What is Baijiu?
Baijiu is a traditional Chinese liquor made from grains like sorghum or rice. It has a strong aroma and high alcohol content (35–60% ABV). Popular in China for festivals and social events, it’s usually served neat to enjoy its bold flavor. A key part of Chinese culture, it’s been made for centuries. Check more>>
How is Baijiu made?
Start with sorghum and other grains: crush, steam, mix with distiller’s yeast (qu), and ferment in earthen/ceramic vessels to turn starch into alcohol.
Distill the fermented mix to separate alcohol vapor, which condenses into high-proof base liquor—removing impurities and boosting alcohol content.
Age the base liquor in ceramic jars for months to years to mellow the flavor, then blend different batches to craft the distinct styles of Baijiu (e.g., Strong Aroma, Sauce Aroma). Check more>>
The alcohol by volume (ABV) of Baijiu？
The alcohol by volume (ABV) of Baijiu generally ranges from 35% to 60%, with common strengths often between 40% and 55%.
This measurement indicates the volume percentage of alcohol in Baijiu, a key factor in its flavor and intensity.Check more>>
Which brands of Baijiu are there?
Market Cap: ¥197,000 million｜Brand: Kweichow Moutai｜Trait: Premium Jiangxiang (Sauce Aroma) leader
Market Cap: ¥51,240 million｜Brand: Wuliangye｜Trait: Nongxiang (Strong Aroma), dominates ¥1,000+ market
Market Cap: ¥26,610 million｜Brand: Shanxi Fenjiu｜Trait: Qingxiang (Light Aroma), rapid nationwide expansion
Market Cap: ¥19,520 million｜Brand: Luzhou Laojiao｜Trait: Historic Nongxiang brand, Guojiao 1573 core product
Market Cap: ¥11,560 million｜Brand: Yanghe｜Trait: Soft aroma style, focuses on mid-premium market Check more>>
Why do Chinese people love drinking Baijiu?
Baijiu is a cultural symbol with millennia of history, appearing in poetry, festivals, and rituals while embodying deep historical meaning.
In social life, it acts as “social currency” to strengthen relationships—toasting at banquets or family gatherings reflects traditional etiquette and human connections.
Its varied aromas (e.g., sauce, strong, and light aromas) suit different regional tastes, and moderate drinking is linked to traditional Chinese health concepts (TCM).Check more>>
What flavors does Baijiu have?
Strong Aroma (Nongxiang): Rich aroma, sweet and refreshing, mellow on the palate with a long finish. Examples: Wuliangye, Luzhou Laojiao.
Sauce Aroma (Jiangxiang): Prominent fermented aroma with hints of caramel and floral notes, smooth and full-bodied, lingering fragrance in the empty glass. Example: Moutai.
Light Aroma (Qingxiang): Clean and pure aroma, crisp and soft taste with a clean aftertaste. Example: Fenjiu.
Rice Aroma (Mixiang): Subtle honey-like aroma, sweet and smooth with a fresh finish. Examples: Sanhua Jiu, Changle Shao.
Phoenix Aroma (Fengxiang): Balances light and strong aroma characteristics. Example: Xifengjiu.
How should Baijiu be consumed?
Neat at Room Temperature:
Start by pouring into a traditional Baijiu cup (10-20 ml). Inhale the aroma gently, then take small sips to savor the liquor’s richness and aromatic nuances—such as the smooth sweetness of Strong Aroma (e.g., Wuliangye) or the layered depth of Sauce Aroma (e.g., Moutai). Perfect for tasting sessions or pairing with dishes.（Novice Baijiu drinkers should pair it with food.）
On the Rocks/Cold:
Add 1-2 ice cubes or chill in summer. This softens the sharpness and brings out a crisp finish, working well with Light Aroma styles like Fenjiu. Note: Ice may slightly mellow the fragrance’s intensity.（A modern twist on traditional Baijiu, ideal for summer refreshment.）Check more>>
What foods can Baijiu be paired with?
Ideal Food Pairings for Baijiu
- Spicy dishes (e.g., Sichuan hotpot, chili garlic chicken).
- Salty/savory dishes (e.g., braised pork belly, cured duck, pickled mustard greens).
- Oily/fried foods (e.g., crispy spring rolls, fried chicken, scallion pancakes).
Not Recommended: Foods to Avoid with Baijiu
- Light, mild dishes (e.g., fresh green salads, steamed fish, delicate seafood).
- Sweet desserts (e.g., chocolate cake, fruity tarts).
- Fresh fruit — The acidity or sweetness clashes with Baijiu’s bold character.
How to identify the authenticity of Baijiu?
To identify the authenticity of Baijiu, focus on packaging details, anti-counterfeit features, and purchase channels: check for high-quality printing, consistent logos, and secure seals; verify QR codes/holograms via official platforms; and buy from authorized retailers to avoid suspiciously low prices.
What are the differences between Baijiu, vodka, and whiskey?
Baijiu, a Chinese spirit made from fermented sorghum (a staple in Chinese distilling), is known for bold, complex aromas like Strong Aroma, Sauce Aroma, or Light Aroma.
Vodka is typically distilled from potatoes or grains, offering a neutral, clean taste with high purity.
Whiskey, aged in wooden barrels, derives flavors from barley/malt or corn, with distinct oak-driven or smoky notes.
What kind of Baijiu do Chinese people usually drink?
The value of big-brand Baijiu lies mainly in business and social occasions. In daily life, people prefer mid-range Baijiu. For example, those who like the sauce aroma flavor can purchase mid-to-high-end Baijiu produced by other wineries in Maotai Town, as Chinese consumers favor cost-effectiveness.More>>
Can Baijiu be used to make cocktails?
Here’s a Baijiu Mojito (Modified Version) cocktail recipe:
Base spirit: 45ml light aroma Baijiu (e.g., Fenjiu, a renowned Chinese light aroma brand)
Ingredients:
- 15ml lime juice (about half a lime)
- 5–8 mint leaves
- 10ml syrup (or 1 tsp granulated sugar)
- Soda water (as needed)
- Ice cubes (as needed)
Steps:
- Muddle mint leaves:
Place mint leaves in a glass and gently crush them with a muddler (a tool for releasing herb flavors) — no need to grind them finely. - Add syrup & lime juice:
Pour in syrup and lime juice, stirring to dissolve sugar. - Add ice & Baijiu:
Fill the glass halfway with ice, then pour in Baijiu and stir to combine. - Top with soda water:
Slowly pour soda water along the glass edge until almost full, then stir gently. - Garnish & serve:
Decorate with a mint sprig or lime slice, insert a straw, and enjoy.
Tasting Notes:
- Bright lime acidity and fresh mint pair with Baijiu’s subtle fragrance, balanced by soft fizz that smooths out the liquor’s sharpness.>>More>>
Buy Baijiu online
Where can I buy Baijiu?High-quality Baijiu from Maotai Town：https://liquorchinese.com/