XiJiu

Introduction of XiJiu

 

Xi Jiu advocates a “gentleman culture,” resulting in a wine that has a refined and gentle taste, reminiscent of a gentleman’s warmth and elegance. Although it is associated with Guizhou Maotai liquor, Xi Jiu has its own distinctive style. In contrast to the bold flavor profile of Maotai liquor, Xi Jiu is characterized by being more approachable, elegant, and harmoniously balanced. The concepts of “National Liquor Duty” and “Gentleman’s Quality” have evolved into distinct styles nurtured by the same river.

 

Origin and Distillation:

Xi Jiu is a sauce-flavored Baijiu produced in Xijiu Town, Xishui County, Zunyi City. It comes from the core production area of Guizhou sauce-flavored Baijiu, the middle reaches of the Chishui River valley. It is made from high-quality glutinous sorghum, wheat, and water, following the traditional solid-state fermentation process. The product is carefully crafted by selecting premium aged wine and high-quality base wine from different years, under the guidance of a team of Baijiu brewing experts. It features prominent sauce aroma, rich and full-bodied taste, delicate and clean texture, lingering aftertaste, and a lasting fragrance in an empty cup, embodying its inherent style.

 

Alcohol Content and Flavor Profile:

Xi Jiu belongs to the typical Qian-style sauce-flavored Baijiu with an alcohol content of 53 degrees. It doesn’t have an overwhelming impact upon entry; instead, a delightful fragrance permeates as it lingers on the palate. In the mid-palate, the combined aroma of cellar and aged fragrance emerges with rich layers. After swallowing, one can sense a subtle burnt aroma, along with a slight bitterness and a warm sensation, prompting a desire for another sip.

 

History and Cultural Significance:

The craftsmanship of Xi Jiu dates back to the Western Han Dynasty, evolving over two thousand years through continuous inheritance and innovation. It originated from the Han Dynasty’s brewing method, transformed from small qu liquor to Xishui large qu liquor, and further refined into Xi Jiu and “Xi Jiu·Cellar 1988.” While ensuring the excellent quality of Xi Jiu, the craftsmanship has continuously improved. The “gentleman culture” of Xi Jiu draws inspiration from traditional Chinese culture and the drinking etiquette of ancient literati. “Gentleman’s Quality” can be interpreted as the refined way a gentleman appreciates wine or the character of a gentleman. Whether facing the world or introspecting, a gentleman aligns with nature, adheres to virtue, embraces benevolence and righteousness, values contribution, and bravely shoulders responsibilities.

 

Over 70 years, the Xi Jiu brand has withstood the test of time, becoming more aromatic with age. This resilience is attributed to its ability to grasp the “unchanging” core amidst the continuous “changes” of the times – placing quality above all else. The quality of Xi Jiu stems from its centuries-old brewing craftsmanship and a sophisticated quality management system that keeps pace with advancements.

Baijiu Knowledge

Moutai is a brand of baijiu, a distilled Chinese liquor, made in the town of Moutai in China’s Guizhou province. Produced by the state-owned Kweichow Moutai Company, the beverage is distilled from fermented sorghum and now comes in several different varieties. Maotai originated during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), when northern Chinese distillers introduced advanced techniques to local processes to create a distinctive type of baijiu.

Thereafter Moutai was produced at several local distilleries. During the Chinese Civil War, People’s Liberation Army forces camped at Moutai and partook of the local liquor. Following the Communist victory in the war, the government consolidated the local distilleries into one state-owned company, Kweichow Moutai (the name is an old romanization of ‘Guizhou Moutai’). It became a popular drink at state functions and one of the country’s most popular spirits.

Baijiu Cocktail