What is Baijiu(白酒)？And the 5 famous Baijiu brands you need to know

If you’ve ever traveled to China or joined a China food tour, you’ve probably heard people talking about Baijiu (白酒). Often called “China’s national drink,” Baijiu is a distilled spirit made mainly from sorghum and other grains. While the name translates to “white alcohol,” don’t confuse it with vodka or gin. Baijiu is truly unique, both in its history and its taste.

Cheers on wedding

Maotai-the most famous baijiu

Ganbei(cheers) on family party

A Spirit with 1,000 Years of History

Baijiu is more than just a drink - it’s part of Chinese culture and tradition. Archaeological evidence shows grain-based spirits in China dating back thousands of years. Today, Baijiu is an essential part of weddings, family banquets, and business dinners. A toast of Baijiu is never just about alcohol; it’s about respect, friendship, and building connections.

How Strong is Baijiu?

One reason Baijiu surprises first-time drinkers is its strength. Most bottles range from 40% to 60% ABV, which makes it stronger than wine, sake, or most beers. But don’t let that scare you away. The flavor profiles are complex — ranging from fruity and floral to earthy and even savory.

Different Aromas and Styles

Baijiu isn’t one single taste. It’s usually classified into several major “aroma types”:

• Sauce Aroma (酱香型) -The most famous style, led by Moutai (茅台). It has deep, layered flavors with notes sometimes compared to soy sauce or umami.

• Strong Aroma (浓香型) - Represented by Wuliangye (五粮液) and Luzhou Laojiao (泸州老窖). Bold, sweet, and full-bodied.

• Light Aroma (清香型) - Fenjiu (汾酒) is the classic example. Clean, crisp, and approachable for beginners.

• Other Types – Such as rice aroma and mixed aroma, popular in certain regions of China.

  
  

5 Famous Baijiu Brands need to Know

1. Moutai 茅台, Guizhou 

   -Known a the “national liquor.” Feitian Moutai is iconic, top choice for gifting and collecting.

   

   Volume:500ML ABV: 53% Price: $389.99 USD

   PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 

   Born over five hundred years ago from ancient artisans, Kweichow Moutai Baijiu has risen to become a central part of Chinese culture as the #1 luxury brand in China, and the #1 most valuable Spirits Brand Worldwide. Moutai is made from organic sorghum and premium wheat harvested during the summer solstice Dragon Boat Festival, then distilled and blended with up to 200 spirits and aged for at least 3 years in terracotta pots. Steeped with tradition, Moutai is consumed in groups during a toast using half-ounce baijiu glasses. With its bold yet balanced flavor, Moutai pairs best with spicy and rich foods, savory sauces, and grilled meats.

   As the most prestigious baijiu of China, it is the first choice used by government officials and business elites to entertain distinguished foreign and domestic counterparts.

   
   

2. Wu Liang Ye Crystal 五粮液,Sichuan

   -A classic multi-grain strong-aroma baijiu, smooth taste, very common in business banquets.

   

   Volume:750ML ABV: 52%  Price: $339.9 USD

   PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 

Wu Liang Ye is a Strong Aroma Baijiu from Sichuan and the leading brand in the category. Wu Liang Ye’s signature blend has a peppery nose and a complex yet balanced taste with strong notes of pineapple and meadow grass.ass.

3. Luzhou Laojiao 泸州老窖, Sichuan

   — Considered the origin of strong-aroma baijiu. Its premium label Guojiao 1573 is highly recognized.

   

   Volume: 500ML ABV: 48%  Price: $163USD

   PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 

   Luzhou Laojiao is one of the four oldest distilleries in China, originated during the Time of the Ming Dynasty in 1573. It is famous for being produced in an environment with a unique clay composition that gives the spirit its famous aroma and taste.

   Bainian – the direct translation in Chinese is "Hundred Years", this bottle is the special batch from the 100-year old pit. It is well known for its significant floral notes

   
   

4. Fenjiu 汾酒, Shanxi

— The leading light-aroma baijiu, clean and refreshing, with a very long history.

Volume:750ML ABV: 52%  Price: $58.99 USD

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 

Fen Jiu, a Chinese traditional mild-flavored spirit, is made in Fenyang, in the Shan Xi Province. It can be traced back over 6000 years to the ancient Yangshao culture period; over 1500 years with liquor fame as an highly praised imperial wine, and recorded in the history archives of 24 Dynasties! It is acclaimed as the forefather of Chinese spirits!

5. Jiannanchun 剑南春, Sichuan

   — Strong-aroma style, stable quality, usually priced lower than Wuliangye.

   

   Volume:750ML ABV: 52%  Price: $120 USD

   PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 

   Jiannanchun Baijiu is famous for its unique alcohol content and rich flavor profile. With an alcohol content of 52%, this liquor presents a rich and complex flavor profile when tasted. Upon pouring, it exhibits a clear and transparent appearance with a tempting amber gloss. Swirling in the glass leaves a long-lasting film, showcasing its richness. When tasted, Jiannanchun reveals a rich and full-bodied flavor with pronounced cereal aromas, subtle fruitiness, and floral notes. It offers a soft and mellow sensation on the palate, gradually unfolding layers of complexity and depth. Its lingering aftertaste leaves a delightful impression.