You have probably heard of China’s favorite liquor: baijiu, a Chinese distilled alcoholic beverage with a relatively high alcohol percentage. But what are some of the baijiu brands out there? Fenjiu, Erguotou, Wuliangye, Jiugui, Daqu, Maotai, and Red Star to name a few. There are even 12 different fragrances used to classify the various types of baijiu. Which ones are the most famous? Here is a list compiled by China Whisper that can help you get more familiar with the unfamiliar world of baijiu.

Via China Whisper.

1. 茅台Máotái

“Produced in the town of Maotai, Guizhou province, Maotai is one of the best-known brands of Chinese liquor (or baijiu). Maotai is called China’s official “National Liquor.” The most expensive bottle was one from Five Star Maotai made in 1955, which went for RMB 1.26 million. Maotai offers an exceptionally pure, mild, and mellow soy sauce-like fragrance.”

2. 五粮液 Wǔliángyè

“Headquartered in Yibin, Sichuan Province, Wuliangye is another popular brand of high-end Chinese distilled spirits which is comparable to Maotai. Wuliangye—made from sorghum, rice, glutinous rice, wheat, and corn—is up to 52 percent alcohol. Wuliangye features lasting flavors, mellow savor, luscious and refreshing tastes, harmonious and just-right flavors.”

3. 泸州老窖 lúzhōu lǎo jiào

“Luzhou Laojiao is one of the most famous liquors in China. Its history can be dated back to 1573 in the Ming Dynasty. It is a strong (more than 50% alcohol) but clear liquid with a sharp aroma of fermented peaches.”

4. 古井贡酒 Gǔjǐng gòng jiǔ

“Gujing Gongjiu or Gujing Tribute Liquor is produced in Bozhou, Anhui Province. It was originated in 196 A.D.. For some time, it was a tribute drink for the imperial families of China’s dynasties. It received very good comments due to its unique style, ‘limpid as crystal, fragrant and refreshing, with prolonged pleasant aftertaste’.”

5. 剑南春 Jiànnánchūn

“The Jiannanchun Liquor is produced in Mianzhu County, Sichuan Province. The liquor has a history of more than 1,000 years. Jiannanchun Liquor is has strong, rich fragrance, pure and sweet flavor, refreshing and lingering taste, and a unique ‘Daqu-flavor fragrance’.”

6. 洋河大曲 Yánghé dàqū

“Produced in Yanghe Town, Jiangsu Province, Yanghe Daqu Liquor has a history of more than 400 years. It has three specifications, namely, 64 degrees, 61 degrees and 55 degrees. Yanghe Daqu liquor is a kind of pure and transparent liquid, with fragrant and strong scent, soft and smooth taste, sweet and refreshing flavor.”

7. 西凤酒 Xīfèngjiǔ

“Xifengjiu (or Xifeng Liquor), one of the famous and time-honored liquors in China, is produced in Fengxiang County, Shaanxi. It boasts a long history that dated to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Xifeng Liquor is refreshing but not tasteless, strong but not pungent, harmonious but not excessive acid, sweet, bitter, spicy and fragrant flavor.”

8. 双沟大曲 Shuānggōu dàqū

“Produced in Sihong County, Jiangsu Province, Shuanggou Daqu Liquor is renowned both at home and abroad for its ‘strong aroma, sweet taste, harmonious fragrance and lingering aftertaste’.”

9. 郎酒 Láng jiǔ

“Langjiu is named after the town of its origin place, Erlang (near the Chishui River, not far from Maotai), in Sichuan province. Langjiu is made from cool, fresh spring water from the Dragon Cave and aged clay pots. Its history can be traced back to the Han Dynasty and the time of Emperor Wu.”

10. 汾酒 Fénjiǔ

“Fenjiu liquor is a fairly typical example of lightly scented liquor. The Fenjiu name was already known during the Southern and Northern dynasties (420-581 AD). Fenjiu looks clear and tastes soft and sweet. It may contaion 38%, 48% or 53% alcohol, and it has light fragrance and taste. In 1915, Fenjiu won a gold medal at the Panama Pacific International Exposition.”

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