Baijiu

Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile

Baijiu’s flavor profile is incredibly diverse, ranging from sweet and fruity to earthy, savory, and even smoky. Depending on the style and production method, Baijiu can have a rich, almost funky aroma, with a flavor profile that can include hints of soy sauce, fermented bean paste, roasted grains, fruit, and even spices. Baijiu is typically higher in alcohol content (often between 40% and 60% ABV), with its flavors becoming more complex as it ages. The most common styles of Baijiu are sauce-aroma, strong-aroma, and light-aroma, each offering a distinct drinking experience.

Which Baijiu Should I Try First?

If you’re new to Baijiu, starting with a strong-aroma Baijiu like Moutai (a renowned brand from the Guizhou province) is a great introduction. This style has a bold, herbal, and savory flavor profile with notes of soy, fermented vegetables, and grains. If you’re looking for something with a more delicate and smooth taste, try Fenjiu (a light-aroma Baijiu) from Shanxi, which offers a cleaner, slightly sweet flavor. For a more adventurous experience, explore Luzhou Laojiao or Shui Jing Fang, which are known for their deep, complex aromas and flavors.

How Should I Drink Baijiu?

Baijiu is traditionally enjoyed in small sips, often with food, in social settings, or during celebratory occasions. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Neat: Serve Baijiu in small, traditional Chinese cups at room temperature or chilled. Take small sips to appreciate its unique and often intense flavors.
  
  
• In Cocktails: Baijiu is gaining popularity in modern cocktail culture. You can mix it in creative cocktails, such as a Baijiu Mojito, Baijiu Sour, or a Baijiu Mule, where its strong flavor is balanced by citrus and soda.
  
  
• With Food: Baijiu is typically served alongside a variety of Chinese dishes, such as hotpot, roasted duck, or dim sum, where its bold flavors complement rich, savory foods.
  
  

What Foods Pair Well with Baijiu?

Baijiu’s strong, complex flavors make it ideal for pairing with rich and savory foods:

• Chinese Cuisine: Baijiu pairs perfectly with traditional Chinese dishes like Peking duck, hotpot, and dim sum, where its flavors complement the spices, savory ingredients, and umami-rich sauces.
  
  
• Grilled Meats: The bold flavors of Baijiu work wonderfully with grilled meats, such as lamb, pork, or beef, where the smoky, earthy notes balance the richness of the meats.
  
  
• Cheese: While Baijiu isn’t typically paired with cheese, stronger cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar may complement its intense flavors.
  
  

How Should I Store Baijiu?

Baijiu should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations, much like other spirits. It’s best kept upright in the original bottle to preserve its flavors. Since Baijiu is a distilled spirit with a high alcohol content, it does not require refrigeration and can be stored for long periods without deterioration. Some aged Baijiu, particularly those from renowned producers, can improve with age.

Does Baijiu Improve with Age?

Yes, like many spirits, Baijiu can improve with age. Baijiu that is aged in ceramic jars or wooden barrels develops more complex, rounded flavors over time. Older Baijiu tends to be smoother, with less harshness and more depth, while maintaining its signature aroma and flavor profile. Premium, aged Baijiu brands like Moutai or Fenjiu are often more prized and sought after for their age, refinement, and depth of flavor.

Explore our Baijiu collection and discover the bold, unique flavors of this traditional Chinese spirit. Whether you're sipping it neat, mixing it into cocktails, or pairing it with Chinese cuisine, Baijiu offers an unforgettable drinking experience that showcases the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of this distinctive spirit.