Kweichow Moutai
Kweichow Moutai is a legendary beverage, synonymous with Chinese culture and revered for its flavour profile and rich history.
History and origin
Kweichow Moutai’s history spans over 800 years, originating from Maotai village in Guizhou Province, China. The region’s favorable climate and natural resources, alongside time-honored production techniques involving multiple fermentations and distillations, give Moutai its unique character and esteemed quality.
Kweichow Moutai Co. Ltd., established in 1951, is now China’s most famous baijiu brand, celebrated globally among dignitaries and known for its distinct sauce aroma. The company is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and is recognized as the most valuable spirits brand globally.
What is Kweichow Moutai made of?
Kweichow Moutai is crafted from locally sourced red sorghum, wheat, and water from the Chishui River, all organically produced without artificial additives. The production process spans five years, incorporating 30 distinct processes and 165 procedures, all guided by traditional methods passed down through generations.
Unlike other grain spirits, Moutai liquor is produced using a combination of fermentation processes that involves multiple strains of yeast and fungi.
This process results in a spirit with a remarkably diverse flavour profile, and quality of this celebrated baijiu cannot be replicated elsewhere.
What type of alcohol is Moutai?
Kweichow Moutai baijiu is a clear, grain-based alcohol with a relatively high alcohol content, typically ranging between 53% and 54% ABV (alcohol by volume).
Why is Kweichow Moutai price so expensive?
Kweichow Moutai’s high price stems from its meticulous, labour-intensive production process, using high-quality ingredients like pure, mineral-rich water from the Chishui River, sorghum, and wheat-based qu.
The unique fermentation and ageing in underground clay pots, influenced by local soil, enhance its special flavour profile. Limited annual production and significant cultural importance in China drive strong domestic and international demand.
Moutai is a sought-after collector’s item, often released in limited editions that appreciate over time.
Kweichow Moutai brands
Kweichow Moutai offers a variety of baijiu products, each catering to different preferences and occasions.
A distinguished baijiu with a unique taste. Unlike typical smoky or fruity spirits, it starts with a strong soy sauce flavor, complemented by subtle notes of fruit, plants, grains, flowers, and yeast. This baijiu, with an alcohol content of 53%, is best savored neat to fully experience its complex character.
Kweichow Moutai Prince offers a lighter, more approachable alternative to the classic Moutai liquor, targeting younger drinkers. It retains Moutai’s traditional taste profile but with a smoother character, featuring notes of apple and pear. Made with the same water and grains, it undergoes a shorter distillation process, resulting in a fresher, more delicate spirit with a prominent “jiangxiang” or “sauce aroma.”
Kweichow Moutai Ying Bin is a 50cl bottle of Baijiu, a type of Chinese alcoholic beverage. It is a lighter and fresher variation of Moutai, featuring a mild and mellow taste. Featuring a sweet and fruity aroma of apple and pear, making it a more approachable option for those who appreciate a softer and more delicate spirit.
The 1992 version of Moutai presents an enchanting aroma, blending the savoury essence of soy sauce with lively hints of tropical fruits and flowers. Its taste is smooth and well-balanced, carrying a lingering sweetness accompanied by floral notes.
Moutai Chun 1998 presents a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Its taste encompasses subtle notes of chocolate, peanut butter, and creamy yoghurt, providing a luxurious and indulgent experience.
Crafted as a special edition to commemorate the 2008 Beijing Olympics, this 2008 Moutai liquor is made using locally sourced ingredients and traditional techniques. Incorporating local red shell waxy sorghum and wheat, Moutai Chun 2008 promises a harmonious blend of aromatic, opulent flavours resulting in a velvety finish.
What is the difference between Kweichow Moutai and Moutai Prince?
Kweichow Moutai is known for its bold, divergent flavor with strong soy sauce notes and a longer distillation process, appealing to experienced baijiu drinkers.
In contrast, Kweichow Moutai Prince offers a lighter, smoother taste with apple and pear notes, using a shorter distillation process. Moutai Prince is targeted at a younger audience who may find the classic Moutai liquor too intense.
Both have around 53% ABV, but Moutai is generally more expensive due to its traditional production and status, while Moutai Prince is more affordable.
Flavour profile
Kweichow Moutai boasts a visual simplicity, appearing clear and colourless with a possible subtle hint of yellow depending on age and bottling.
The initial aroma is a sophisticated “jiang” fragrance, a touch reminiscent of soy sauce but far more elegant. This savoury base is then surprised by a burst of tropical sweetness. A final flourish of delicate floral notes, like lily and orchid, completes this captivating bouquet.
The taste echoes the complexity of the aroma. A smooth and mellow character graces the palate, while the signature soy sauce note returns, adding a special savoury depth that lingers pleasantly.
Food pairings
Kweichow Moutai’s multifaceted flavour profile lends itself beautifully to a variety of culinary pairings. Grilled meats and traditional Chinese cuisine find a harmonious partner in Moutai, as the spirit elevates the overall sensory experience.
For a truly immersive exploration, consider Sichuan cuisine’s fiery notes, the luxurious indulgence of Peking duck, or the delicate sweetness of fresh seafood.
Beyond formal meals, Moutai can also be enjoyed in a more casual setting with simple accompaniments like nuts or dried fruits.
How to drink Kweichow Moutai?
Moutai liquor is best enjoyed neat in a small glass to savour its full flavour. It is traditionally served at room temperature, allowing the aromas to fully develop.
Toasting with baijiu is a cherished Chinese tradition, often used to celebrate joyous occasions or seal business deals, with Kweichow Moutai holding particular significance in these rituals.
Notable awards
Kweichow Moutai has earned numerous prestigious awards, establishing itself as a top-tier spirit in the industry. Notable accolades include the following:
- Gold Medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) Spirits Selection
- “Best Baijiu” Prize with a “Double Gold Medal” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Gold Medal at the 9th World Spirits Award
- Supreme Gold Prize at the Hong Kong International Food Fair
- Gold Medal at the Panama Pacific International Exposition
Experience the essence of China with Kweichow Moutai
Whether you are a connoisseur or a curious novice, a glimpse into the heart of China, waiting to be savored and celebrated. Buy a bottle now and embrace the legacy.
