Baijiu: The Chinese Liquor

V.I.P Jiu 8 is Britain’s first authentic Imperial craft baijiu that truly embraces and celebrates the history and traditions of China’s favourite spirit.

V.I.P Jiu 8’s unique recipe was first conceived 300 years ago by one of China’s greatest ever emperors and only now, due to an extraordinary set of circumstances has the original recipe been painstakingly and authentically recreated.

The story begins back in 2014, when V.I.P’s creator Irving Graham bid £300 for a cracked Chinese wine cup at an auction in southern England. He later discovered it was a piece from the Imperial Chinese collection once housed in the Forbidden City during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor between 1654-1722.

Read moreThe UK’s First Premium Craft Baijiu – A PROPER Baijiu For The Purist!

Is Kweichow Moutai the worlds biggest baijiu brand living on past glories? Has Kweichow Moutai SOULED OUT? Is Kweichow Moutai now in name only?

Let’s look at a few of Moutai’s past and present glories.

I recently wrote an article titled (Why is Kweichow Moutai so expensive?) within that article is the following passage.

Moutai is marketed as the national spirit of China. This really became the case in 1949, when Chairman Mao rose to prominence. Mao and his comrades toasted the founding of the People’s Republic of China with Moutai. Perhaps that was because it was the tipple of choice of Zhou Enlai, the Chinese premier and Mao’s second-in-command.

Read moreKweichow Moutai – Can You Spot The Cultural Blunder? Is Moutai Now In Name Only?

Specialist premium Baijiu importer and distributor, Cheng International, is launching a four-part online masterclass in the UK, starting on July 13.

The course, to be held on Zoom, will be aimed at key players in the UK drinks trade. Qiqi Chen, Managing Director of leading exporter Cheng International, said it wanted to offer these events to “encourage people to learn about Baijiu and understand how baijiu it is made”. The world’s largest selling liquor has a deep history in Chinese culture that will also be examined.

Each masterclass will demonstrate how Baijiu can really enhance the range of specialised retailers selling premium spirits. There will also be baijiu food pairing and baijiu cocktail making demonstrations.

Read moreCheng International – Fenjiu Baijiu Launches UK Master Class

For those of you who partied back at home, you’re going to be in for a bit of a shock because that is not the way it works in China.

You might think that playing beer pong and doing whiskey and vodka shots are the ultimate methods of getting wasted. No way!

Further reading: Chinese Drinking Games Top 7 & How To Play

Baijiu looks exactly like vodka and is usually distilled from sorghum, although sometimes grains may be used. Baijiu is produced differently all over China. For example, in southern China, it’s typically made from glutinous rice, but if it’s from northern China it’s made with sorghum, wheat, barley, and millet.

China’s drinking culture isn’t to get drunk ASAP. Usually it involves drinking small amounts of alcohol over a long period of time, so if you’re feeling tipsy, wait for about fifteen minutes and take another drink. Sooner or later you’ll be feeling tipsy again. You’ll be drinking beer or wine if you are lucky; baijiu if you are not (pray that you live to see the next day).

Read moreUnderstanding Baijiu Drinking Culture In China

This is a unique-tasting craft baijiu, unlike many of the more popular commercial brands. On the grounds of originality alone, I’m prepared to recommend it – though the qualities of the spirit also stretch beyond mere novelty.

The V.I.P Jiu 8 brand refers to itself as, “The Imperial Craft Baijiu.” This is more than just a catchy slogan; this spirit apparently follows a recipe laid down by none other than the Kangxi Emperor, thought by many to be one of China’s finest and wisest rulers.

Read moreV.I.P Jiu 8 – The Imperial Craft Baijiu – Review

You’ve likely heard it said that a glass of wine a day will keep the doctor away…wait, that’s apples. But fans of Baijiu can rejoice because it turns out that wine isn’t the only boozy beverage that can positively impact our health.

Yes, despite being classed as hard liquor this Chinese national treasure has been scientifically proven to be even better for the old ticker than wine – go figure! That’s not all, it can even help you lose weight and lower your blood pressure! Did someone say Baijiu Diet? Sign me up!

All jokes aside, the lengthy list of health benefits that come from Baijiu are very real and while I can’t promise that your doctor will be rushing to fill out a prescription for a bottle of this seemingly-magical spirit, adding it to your (ahem) special medicine cabinet might just be the key to improving your overall health.

Read moreIs Chinese Baijiu Healthy? Baijiu Health Benefits!

If you’re looking to impress a visitor to your home, few things are more impactful than a wine cellar. Aged, fine vintages are a sign of class and sophistication – as well as being a great conversation starter. The times are a-changing, however. Whilst enthusiasm for wine and spirits such as whiskey will always be high, it’s just a matter of time before baijiu takes its place at the top table.

Not heard of baijiu? You’re in the majority – for now. This Chinese beverage has yet to make any real inroads into Western culture. This is sure to change soon though, as manufacturers of the spirit are launching a charm offensive to bring the drink into bars, restaurants and living rooms throughout the world.

It may take a while before baijiu comes the national beverage of any country other than China, as it’s something of an acquired taste. You’ll need an iron constitution to remain standing after your first few shots, as baijiu is hugely strong! Once you have mastered the method of consuming baijiu, however, you’ll be at the forefront of a brave new world.

Read moreAntique & Collectible Baijiu

Historically alcohol has been attributed to the advancement of human culture, fueling the development of art, religion, politics, philosophy and language. Alcohol is one of the most controversial by-products of civilisation; it is one of the most universally produced substances throughout history and China, not unlike the rest of the world, has been influenced and shaped by the liquid.

China and its people have been brewing and distilling alcohol for thousands of years.

In fact, it has been revealed that China were making a type of wine from materials such as rice, honey and fruit over nine thousand years ago. Evidence of the drink was found in Jiahu during an archaeological dig and as a result, the drink is now regarded as the world’s oldest known alcoholic beverage.

China’s national liquor is called Baijiu, a clear, potent, spirit, with a typical percentage of 40 to 60 percent, which is distilled from fermented grain (See: How Is Baijiu Made), usually sorghum. (See: Baijiu Ingredients) It originates from the Ming Dynasty, making it a culturally and historically important alcoholic incarnation.

Read moreBaijiu Chinese Liquor History