Why the world went crazy for Baijiu
Baijiu: China’s National Drink
It’s the biggest-selling spirit in the world, yet there are still many people who have never heard of baijiu. Often dubbed “China’s national liquor”, this robust-tasting, grain-based spirit has been distilled across the country for centuries. But in recent years, a new, secondary market for top-end baijiu has emerged that is dominated almost entirely by one brand – Kweichow Moutai (or Maotai). And it’s a market that’s increasingly attracting interest outside China
Produced at a state-owned distillery in Moutai Town, in the scenic southwestern province of Guizhou, Kweichow Moutai is rich in symbolism. “Moutai was the favourite drink of Premier Zhou Enlai, Mao’s longtime number two,” explains Derek Sandhaus, a contributor to the drinkbaijiu.com website and author of Baijiu: The Essential Guide to Chinese Spirits.“He made Moutai the baijiu served at all official…
