A Simple Guide to China's National Spirit

Never tried baijiu? Time to give it a go. It's China's most famous spirit, and it's been poured at celebrations for centuries. Here's a quick guide to help you get started.

What Is Baijiu?

Baijiu (say "bye-joe") is a Chinese spirit made from grains like sorghum, rice and wheat. It's made through solid-state fermentation, then distilled. It's strong, it's bold, and it's meant to be sipped, not skolled.

Meet the Brands

Luzhou Laojiao | National Cellar 1573 泸州老窖・国窖
From Luzhou, Sichuan, with cellars dating back to 1573, it's rich, fruity and smooth.

• Biggest range in our collection
  
• Try: National Cellar 1573 Classic, Australia Open Commemorative Edition

Yanghe 洋河
From Jiangsu, its Blue range is soft, mellow and easy to sip.

• Famous Blue range: Sky Blue, Ocean Blue, Dream Blue
• A great first baijiu
• A favourite for gifting

Xi Feng Jiu 西凤酒
From Shaanxi with over 3,000 years of history, it's dry, clean and savoury.

• Classic green bottle
• Small 125mL bottle for a first taste
• Fruity and savoury notes

Zhenjiu 珍酒
From Guizhou and made since 1975, it's bold, earthy and savoury.

• Range: Zhen 5, Zhen 8, Zhen 15, Zhen 30
• Served at state banquets
• One for the adventurous

Jian Nan Chun 剑南春
From Sichuan with roots back to the Tang dynasty, it's rich, fruity and smooth.

• Try: Qing Tong Ji Face Mask, Dong Fang Hong, Crystal
• Great packaging for gifts
• Clean, smooth finish

How to Drink It

• Sip it slowly in a small glass. A little goes a long way.
• Have it with food. It's made for sharing at the table.
• Take it easy. Baijiu is strong, so pace yourself.
• Try the small bottles first if you're not sure.

Good Food Matches

• Spicy Sichuan dishes
• BBQ and grilled meats
• Dumplings and hot pot
• Roast duck

Great for Gifts

Baijiu is a classic gift for Lunar New Year, birthdays and big celebrations. Pick a bottle in a nice box and you're sorted.

Baijiu is bold, full of character and a big part of Chinese culture. Start small, take your time, and enjoy. Ganbei! (That's "cheers" in Chinese.)