Page 48 - Beverage Master_AprMay2022

International News

their first nosing and sip, Baijiu newbies may won- to secure a bottle, I’ll admit I found Moutai to be
der why so much time and effort went into creating rather pleasant—in an “I have never tasted a spir-
something so, well, “unusual” (I’m refraining from it that even came close to something like this,”
using more descrip-tive language here). Baijiu is a pleasant. With its penetrating soy sauce, herbs and
complex spirit, no question there. The real question fermented bean aromas and flavors, it’s a savory,
is whether or not you have any hope of warming to slightly salty, and certainly distinctive tip-ple. For
the sort of complexity baijiu offers. those into the umami-rich profile of nato, soy
sauce, kimchi, miso and other fermented delicacies,
First, it’s helpful to know that baijiu “styles” are sauce aroma baijiu might be your next thing.
defined aromatically and fall into four broad cate-
gories: light aroma, rice aroma, sauce aroma and A note of caution: Baijiu is potent stuff, typically
strong aroma. These are pretty self-explanatory, bottled well over 40% ABV. The traditional Chinese
but you probably won’t be able to figure out which way of toasting with it involves a rather complex
is which by looking at the label, even if you can ritual, culminating in the knocking back—or more
read Mandarin. Of these, the most popular—and accurately, re-peatedly knocking back—of thim-
probably the most challenging to the new-to-bai- ble-sized glasses of the clear liquor amidst cries of
jiu crowd—is the strong aroma variety. I’ve tried “ganbei!” which trans-lates, somewhat loosely, as
a few of these, including Wuliangye and Yanghe, “bottoms up!”
and, personally, find them a bit tough to describe.
Funky, fruity, fishy, earthy: To some, fascinating, On that note, I wish you ganbei and good luck in
maybe not so much to others. your exploration of a new adventure in the spirits
world!
I’ve also tried a few in the sauce aroma catego-
ry, including the famed Kweichow Moutai. While
I wouldn’t necessarily be inclined to get up early

46 April - May 2022 BEVERAGE MASTER

BM040522 Main Pages.indd 46 3/25/22 1:25 PM