Ming River Sichuan Baijiu, 45%

Lacking proper glasses I was reduced to sampling out of a ceramic cup!

Didn’t deter the wonderful taste experience!

Baijiu – a clear colourless Chinese spirit mainly made with sorghum grain & possessing a centuries old distilling tradition.

Ming River is a collaboration with Luzhou Laojiao – 3rd most valuable spirit brand in the world 2022 – & renowned author Derek Sandhaus to try & bring Baijiu’s charms to a western audience.

As such it’s presented at a lower strength of 45% as opposed the the usual 52% or over of other baijiu I’ve tried.

If anything this allows those distinctive umami style flavours to shine even more as I often find high ABV spirits can sometimes numb the tastebuds.

Ming River certainly opens with a flourish of meaty BBQ notes.

On the palate it’s quite mild & mellow – allowing those gorgeous notes to fully coat the mouth.

I love the drying, slightly tingling, salty BBQ style of flavours going on in the finish.

Ming River displays all the classic attributes of Baijiu without the high strength explosion associated with stronger offerings.

Derek Sandhaus & Luzhou Laojiao have created a worthy addition to the baijiu cannon.

If you haven’t tried baijiu yet – get your hands on Ming River!

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The Spirits Business article on the World’s Biggest Brands here.

My blog on Derek Sandhaus’ book here.

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Red Star, Erguotou Baijiu, 56%

Erguotou is the more popular mass market style of Baijiu & Red Star is one of the biggest sellers.

Using a mixture of sorghum, wheat & peas – yes, peas! – it’s classified as ‘light aroma’ – although I experienced a joyously full on umami pungency on nosing.

Delightfully meaty on the palate.

The rich flavours maintained their wholesomeness despite the 56% strength.

I’m left a bit disappointed however.

Red Star was a delight – should have bought a larger bottle!

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All images authors own.

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!

Drunk In China, Derek Sandhaus

Everything you need to know about Baijiu – and then more – in one highly entertaining & informative publication.

Book & Baijiu c/othewhiskeynut

Derek takes you on a journey of discovery into Baijiu – the World’s most popular spirit.

A journey exploring the history, culture, politics, economics & most importantly for drinkers – the taste of this alluring white spirit.

A great read! & the Baijiu’s pretty cool too! c/othewhiskeynut

If you’ve never tried Baijiu – isn’t it about time?

Pour yourself a glass – preferably paired with this insightful book – & sit back to ponder the wonders of Baijiu.

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Luzhou Laojiau Six Years Ton Qu, Baijiu, 52%

Another immaculately presented bottle with a very distinctive design.

Fancy bottle c/othewhiskeynut

Another strong tasting Baijiu from the Luzhou Laojiau company.

On a back to back with the clay pot Zisha Quo I couldn’t discern much of a taste difference.

Delightful packaging c/othewhiskeynut

Maybe it’s just down to the fancy packaging?

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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.

Jiangxiaboi S100 Chinese Baijiu, 40%

Whiskey has always been a journey of exploration for me. An exploration of tastes, styles & presentations.

Irish Whiskey travels all over the world. Some of the spirits produced in those countries consequently finds it’s way back to Ireland – like this baijiu.

Chinese Baijiu c/othewhiskeynut

Which I choose to explore.

Baijiu is mainly a sorghum based distillate produced in China. It has a long history – possibly longer than whiskey – and is as diverse too.

For a more detailed account I’d recommend the ScienceDirect.com article by clicking on the highlighted link.

This S100 bottle is a popular seller in China – & happens to be found in Dublin via Asia Market.

Outer packaging c/othewhiskeynut

The bottle itself is very catchy – unlike anything I’ve encountered in the whiskey world. A cutesy childlike image probably doesn’t sit well with age appropriate rules – but may have assisted sales in China.

The liquid is clear & colourless – much like our indigenous poitín.

The nose isn’t too dissimilar either – but more of a sweet & sour thing going on.

Sweet from the sorghum I presume & sour as in a new make kind of way.

The palate is light & refreshing. A wonderful mouth coating effect gave way to a depth of wholesome flavours that pulled me in.

A soft prickly pepper spice added appeal.

Back label info c/othewhiskeynut

Yes – I’m left wanting more!

Welcome to baijiu!

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