Baijiu is a traditional Chinese spirit most similar to vodka. It is made from sorghum grain and other grains, with an alcohol content typically ranging from 40 to 60%.
How it is made
Baijiu is produced through distillation, similar to moonshine. The main ingredient is grain, primarily sorghum, but also includes other Chinese agricultural crops like millet, corn, rice, and wheat. The production process involves fermentation in pits for 15-16 days, followed by distillation using traditional copper stills. Some varieties undergo multiple distillations and filtration processes to improve quality.
History
Baijiu has been produced in China for centuries, with family-run distilleries operating across the country. The name can be translated as 'hot wine', referring to both the distillation process and the historical practice of consuming it heated. Baijiu is the most consumed alcoholic beverage globally but has minimal export presence. Different varieties developed in various regions, with premium varieties like Maotai having over 300 years of production history.
Types and styles
Baijiu is classified into aromatic and non-aromatic varieties based on flavor profiles. The main types include: sauce flavor (like Maotai), rich flavor (like Wuliangye), light flavor (like Fenjiu), rice flavor (like Sanhuajiu), honey flavor, mixed flavor, and others. Kaoliang liquor is one specific type of baijiu with its own page, while other notable styles include Byejoe and Mixiang Baijiu.
How it is served
Traditionally, baijiu was consumed hot from small copper vessels to reduce impurities, though modern varieties are typically served at room temperature. It is served in small ceramic cups with substantial food accompaniments. In the past, quality was tested by pouring the spirit into four cups and igniting it; good baijiu would leave remaining liquid that could fit in one cup after the alcohol burned off.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Байцзю, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Kinds of baijiu
Other styles
- Mixiang Baijiu (People's Republic of China)
Well-known brands
- Maotai
- Byejoe