Luzhou Laojiao Six Years Ton Qu. 52% vs Kweichow Moutai Prince, 53%

As it’s WorldBaijiuDay I thought a couple of big hitting Baijiu were in order.

Luzhou &Moutai c/othewhiskeynut

Founded in 1573, Luzhou Laojiao has a long history. This Six Years Ton Qu is a mid price offering.

Known for it’s ‘strong aroma’ style this attractively presented bottle is not for the faint hearted.

Pungent, earthy, meaty yet softly sweet this umami packed spirit doesn’t hold back.

Powerful stuff.

Baijiu in the Tuath c/othewhiskeynut

Kweichow Moutai Prince is also a mid price Baijiu – with a slightly higher 53% & demonstrating a ‘sauce aroma’ style.

The pungency was equally evident, with the meatiness dialed up a notch and less of a spirity kick.

Soya sauce, marmite, yeast extract have all been used to describe the flavour. For me, Moutai delivers a more rounded & earthy drinking experience.

I’d love to explore this category more – but it’s fierce hard to get hold of in Ireland.

Asia Market in Dublin is where I sourced my bottles – and even they are selling out!

Gan Bei!

Luzhou Laojiao Zisha Daqu, Baijiu, 52%

Well the whole presentation is a bit of a performance!

Delightful packaging c/othewhiskeynut

Red cloth wrapped around a clay pot!

At 52% – this baijiu is a bit of a performance too.

‘Strong Aroma’ it says on the box – & it does exactly as stated – in a very pleasing way.

Strong Aroma c/othewhiskeynut

An enticing savoury, meaty umami type of thing going on.

The high ABV pack a punch – but doesn’t over power.

The EU/China trade agreement has opened the door for Irish Whiskey exports to China – as well as Baijiu imports to Ireland.

I’m certainly enjoying exploring the fruits of that deal!

Ganbei

I purchased my Baijiu from Asia Market, Dublin.

Kweichow Moutai Prince, 53%, Baijiu

It’s World Baijiu Day on August 9th.

My journey to baijiu took a long road.

The first steps were probably progressing from large volume generic lager to flavoursome craft beers – then moving beyond easily available whiskey to seek out new & unusual styles & tastes.

Along the way fellow imbibers gave recommendations. Like a young couple from China suggested at an AllTech Craft Brew Fair a few years ago.

Impressed they had travelled to Dublin to explore our whiskey – they in return suggested I explore their spirit – baijiu.

Kweichow Moutai @ Alltech 2019 c/othewhiskeynut

My chance came at a following AllTech Fair. Kweichow had a stall.

Very sleek,

Very classy,

Very professional.

I can’t say their ‘Feitian’ Moutai blew me away at the time – although certainly intriguing. The cost meanwhile at around €220 was a bit of a barrier & didn’t elicit further investigation.

For a spirit that’s the most consumed in the world – there had to be other offerings.

Asia Market in Dublin sold a handy 100ml bottle of baijiu at an affordable price – so I went for it.

JXB S100 Baijiu c/othewhiskeynut

JXB S100 proved suitably entertaining – so I moved up to the next option – Kweichow Moutai Prince.

At €55 for 500ml – it’s not exactly cheap – but it comes with an impressive back story of heritage, culture and an astounding sales record. Oh – I’ve also paid more for whiskey.

Moutai Prince c/othewhiskeynut

The packaging is very attractive – a garish outer box complete with a stylish ceramic bottle.

When poured the liquid is clear & colourless with thick oily legs.

It’s immediately apparent Kweichow Prince has a far more distinctively aromatic appeal. There’s a hint of sweetness & a strong savoury note going on too. Certainly in marked contrast to the whiskeys I enjoy.

The palate is pleasingly smooth with a wholesome mouthfeel. More of those vegetal savoury notes come through. I found them quite pronounced, earthy & possessing an unusual solidity to them.

Back label c/othewhiskeynut

Very entertaining.

The 53% ABV added a prickliness on the rear – which didn’t detract from those bold flavours dancing away on the long finish.

Importers c/othewhiskeynut

I’m pleased my spirit of adventure has taken me on this journey of discovery.

Wherever you are.

Happy World Baijiu Day!