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Baijiu Wikipedia

Baijiu (zh-cp|c=白酒|p=báijiǔ) or Shaojiu is potent Chinese alcohol most common in northern China, especially in Manchuria and the area around Beijing and Tianjin. The name "Baijiu" literally means "white alcohol" or "white spirits". Chinese often mistakenly translate the word as "wine" or "white wine", but it is not a wine.

Baijiu is a clear alcohol usually distilled from sorghum, although sometimes other grains may be used. In appearance it is similar to Russian vodka, Japanese sake, or Korean soju, yet its flavour is distinctive and unique. Baijiu is generally about 80 to 120 proof (40-60% pure alcohol), making it a potent (and sometimes dangerous) spirit.

Chinese serve baijiu either warm or at room temperature in a small ceramic bottle. They then pour the baijiu into small cups. Baijiu may be purchased as a set of items consisting of bottles of baijiu, a small heater, and four to six small cups. The serving method and containers are similar to those which are used to serve sake and soju, although as a drink baijiu differs greatly from the latter two beverages.

Category:Alcoholic beverages
category:Chinese cuisine

Last Modified:   2005-11-07