The world's best-selling spirit is Baijiu. Baijiu, however, does not specifically relate to any one brand. Rather, "baijiu" refers to a wide variety of transparent spirits in China. There are baijiu distilleries in every part of China. Because of this, those living in these areas are fond of Baijiu. These could differ depending on the scent.
The preferences and requirements of each person determine what constitutes the best Baijiu. Some fans of baijiu search for a brand that complements a certain dish. Similarly, some people like very strong Baijiu, while others choose milder, more fragrant varieties.
These ten well-known baijiu brands are regarded as some of the best based on general popularity and brand recognition. Read more!
Top 10 Baijiu Brands To Know About
Fénjiǔ Baijiu
Being a baijiu with a light aroma, FénjiƔ has a milder flavour. It smells really good, too. Known as "the grandfather of Chinese spirits," it is also among the oldest brands of Baijiu.
Indeed, FénjiƔ has been around for so long that Light Aroma baijiu was once called "Fen Aroma," after the distillery that makes it. This distillery is situated in northern China's landlocked Shanxi province.
For a beginner, FénjiƔ is a good baijiu. This spirit has a much milder flavour than many other types of Baijiu, even though it has an extremely high amount of alcohol. FénjiĔ won a gold medal in the Pacific International Exposition in Panama, where this beverage was recognised.
Jiànnánchūn Baijiu
Another baijiu with a distinguished and lengthy history is Jiànnánchūn. This Strong Aroma baijiu is made in the Sichuan province's Mianzahu County.
Jiànnánchūn has a distinct grain flavour. Because Jiànnánchūn might have an overpowering taste, it is not advised for the beginning of Baijiu. On the other hand, Jiànnánchūn is highly valued by seasoned baijiu fans.
The history of this centuries-old Baijiu is likewise incredibly romantic. According to a well-known Chinese folktale, Jiànnánchūn was in love with the renowned poet Li Bai. According to legend, he sold a valuable mink vest on his deathbed to pay for a final sip of this Baijiu.
V.I.P Jiu 8 – The Imperial Baijiu
The story of V.I.P. Jiu 8 starts on July 2, 2014. The story starts with an incorrectly identified, cracked, and chipped wine cup that concealed an incredible mystery about imperial China related to the country's longest-reigning emperor, Kangxi, who ruled from 1662 to 1722. The Imperial Craft Baijiu, or V.I.P. Jiu 8, is the first high-end Baijiu in Britain that combines innovation and tradition.
Máotái Baijiu
Máotái is a baijiu with a scent of sauce. The brand's name is derived from the little town in Guizhou, where the distillery is situated. Among the priciest brands of Baijiu, Máotái maintains its prestige. The average bottle will cost about 8000/- INR at retail. On the other hand, an old bottle from before the 1960s will be valued as a collector's item. At auction, these bottles of Máotái brought five figures.
Láng Jiǔ Baijiu
Láng JiƔ is a historical baijiu. Fresh spring water from the legendary Dragon Grotto of Erlang, located in the province of Sichuan, is used to make this spirit. Compared to other baijiu brands, Láng JiƔ has a slightly different strategy by offering a variety of scents. Láng JiƔ is primarily a Source Aroma baijiu. But there are also Layered and Thick Aromas of Láng JiƔ baijiu. One of the most potent brands of Baijiu sold commercially is Láng JiƔ. Seldom is this liquor made with less than 55% alcohol.
Gǔjǐng Dòng Jiǔ Baijiu
The light-scented Baijiu, known as Guizhou Dong Jiu, is made in the highlands of China's Anhui Province's eastern region. The history of this bajiu is lengthy and remarkable. Indeed, it is considered a favourite of the Ming Dynasty's Hongwu, Yongie, and Wanli Emperors.
Guizhou Dong Jiu has a distinct, subtle flavour. Some commentators have even likened this Baijiu to gin. Guizhou Dong Jiu baijiu has a milder, peppermint-like aftertaste despite having a high alcohol content. For those who are new to Baijiu, this makes it more acceptable.
Wǔliángyè Baijiu
WĔliángyè is a baijiu with a source aroma. But this Baijiu has a wide variety of tastes. WƔliángyè is the Baijiu that best blends sweet and savoury flavours. Anise, cotton candy, and soy sauce have all been mentioned as flavours connected to this Baijiu. The town of Yibin, located in the province of Sichuan, is where WĔliángyè is made. This Baijiu has the potential to be highly esteemed.
Lú Zhōu Lǎo Jiào Baijiu
Originally, Lú Zhōu LƎo Jiào was a rice wine from China. But at the turn of the century, the production method was altered to produce a baijiu with a thick aroma. In this manner, Lú Zhōu LƎo Jiào is still well-liked and respected today. The production of Lú Zhōu LƎo Jiào relies more on tradition than any other baijiu. This spirit is made in clay pots in the Chizhou province's Xinhua Village.
With an alcohol concentration of more than 50%, Lú Zhōu LƎo Jiào is frequently an extremely potent baijiu. But fruit is also used in the distillery's brewing process. The end effect is a strong flavour that many customers find reminiscent of peaches.
Yánghé Dàqū Baijiu
Dàqū Yánghé The eastern province of Jiangsu has been producing and distributing Baijiu Yánghé Dàqū for almost 400 years. But the Baijiu itself has a much longer history. The Qing dynasty saw the creation of this spirit. Although Yánghé Dàqū has a strong aroma, it tastes sweeter than most of its rivals. This implies that this brand is more likely to appeal to a newcomer to baijiu drinking. The fact that Yánghé Dàqu is produced at three distinct temperatures further distinguishes it from other Baijiu. The majority of Baijiu is maintained at a constant temperature.
Shui Jing Fang Baijiu
The Guinness Book of Records lists the Shui Jing Fang distillery in Chindu, Sichuan province, as the oldest in China. This distillery is said to have been established in 1408. Shui Jing Fang is aged for at least five years before being combined with spirits (usually 40 years old) and activated charcoal and sold in stores. As a result, Shui Jing Fang has a distinguished reputation. This Baijiu won two gold medals at the 2015 World Spirits Competition. Compared to most Baijiu from the Sichuan area, this one has a milder scent with notes of fruit and flowers. In comparison to most Sichuan baijiu, it has a sweeter flavour.