Baijiu by Definition

By Arlo Q. Sterling

"Baijiu By Definition" is a captivating and comprehensive exploration of the iconic Chinese liquor. Authored by Arlo Q. Sterling, a passionate connoisseur, and adventurer, this book takes readers on an immersive journey through baijiu's history, production process, cultural significance, and health benefits.With a deep fascination for discovering new cultures and their culinary treasures, Sterling's journey into the world of baijiu began in Asia. From Japan to South Korea and eventually settling in China for over a decade, he was drawn to the enigmatic allure of baijiu, inspiring him to uncover its hidden stories, traditions, and flavors.

 

Through "Baijiu By Definition," Sterling offers readers an experience of baijiu's rich history, tracing its roots back thousands of years to ancient China. From being a spiritual elixir connecting with the divine to becoming a beloved beverage shared among royalty and commoners, baijiu's journey is filled with cultural significance.

 

The book delves into the intricate production process of baijiu, exploring the artistry and craftsmanship involved. Sterling provides insights into the various types of baijiu, their diverse flavors, and the production regions, offering a comprehensive understanding of this complex spirit.

 

Furthermore, "Baijiu By Definition" highlights the health benefits of baijiu, which has been celebrated in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. From promoting heart health to aiding digestion, baijiu's therapeutic properties add to its allure.

 

But the journey doesn't end there. Sterling presents readers with 50 unique baijiu cocktail recipes, enticing them to explore the spirit's versatile and delightful aspects. Whether classic baijiu cocktails or innovative fusions, these recipes promise to elevate the drinking experience.

 

With an engaging narrative and a wealth of knowledge, "Baijiu By Definition" is a must-read for liquor enthusiasts, bartenders, and anyone eager to uncover the secrets of this beloved Chinese spirit. Sterling's genuine passion for baijiu shines through every page, making the book informative and a delightful adventure into the heart of Chinese culture. Discover the captivating world of baijiu and raise a toast to this truly remarkable and enlightening read.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Actual Facts Productions and Publishing
• Release date: Aug 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988812319

Arlo Q. Sterling

Arlo Q. Sterling caught the travel bug right after graduating high school. Venturing away from his native Ohio to West Virginia for college, he discovered a passion for culture and exploring new cuisines and beverages from different regions. This passion led him to Asia, where Q lived in Japan for a short stint, spent a couple of adventurous years in South Korea, and unexpectedly found himself staying in China for a decade. During his time in China, he immersed himself in the endless variety of cuisines. Q embarked on numerous thrilling adventures, one of the most significant being his introduction to baijiu.   After completing his international master's program at Chongqing University, Q opened a successful restaurant/bar in the bustling city of Chongqing, which boasts a population of 34 million. His achievements and involvement in the Chinese liquor industry caught the attention of Jiangxiaobai, a large national distillery and baijiu brand. Q joined the team. Working with Jianxiaobai and Jiangji Distillery for several years, he honed his expertise in baijiu, delving deep into the intricacies of the production process, the art of sales in China and abroad, and the rich heritage and history behind baijiu.

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BAIJIU

By Arlo Q. Sterling

BY DEFINITION

Copyright © 2023 by Arlo Q Sterling. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the author. Unauthorized duplication or distribution of this work is strictly prohibited.

Table of Contents

DEDICATION 5

INTRODUCTION 6

CHAPTER 1: THE HISTORY OF BAIJIU 9

CHAPTER 2: PRODUCTION PROCESS 15

CHAPTER 3: HEALTH BENEFITS 49

CHAPTER 4: WHY IT’S UNKNOWN GLOBALLY 55

CHAPTER 5: WHY CHINA LOVES IT 61

CHAPTER 6: THE STAGGERING FACTS 75

CHAPTER 7: NOW IS BAJIU’S TIME 84

CHAPTER 8: THE FUTURE OF BAIJIU 94

CHAPTER 9: HOW TO MIX BAIJIU 101

CHAPTER 10: BAIJIU COCKTAILS 104

DEDICATION

To my father,

Thank you for igniting my fascination with drinks. As a child, I recall observing as you searched for new liquors, wines, and beers. I could tell it wasn't just about getting intoxicated; it was about delving into the stories and culture behind each drink, finding what made them unique.

You would exchange your discoveries with friends on weekends and holidays, sharing new beverages, games, cigars, and music. Those moments of camaraderie, where the family would gather at our house, filled with laughter, smoke, drinks, and games, are etched in my fondest childhood memories.

Your funny jokes and life lessons, woven into whimsical stories, inspired me to explore the world and experience as much as possible. With immense gratitude and love, I dedicate this book to you, my father, for being the source of my passion and the embodiment of the joy found in celebrating culture together.

INTRODUCTION

Chinese people have been drinking Baijiu for centuries. In fact, it is the world’s first ever alcoholic beverage, brewed from rice, honey, grapes, and hawthorn fruit, it was traced back to nine thousand years ago in Jiahu, Henan Province. And for thousands of years, this beverage has influenced and shaped Chinese culture. It has touched all aspects of Chinese civilization from religion, philosophy, and art to politics. Uniting adversaries, bringing about the downfall of kingdoms, inspiring movements and starting revolutions.

Recorded history holds that in ancient China, spiritualists were the first to use this spirit to transcend reality. Baijiu was believed to create a window into the spirit realm that allowed communion with the gods and the dead. Later, royals and the elite began drinking it too and as time went by it evolved into a drink consumed by everyone across the middle kingdom. Somewhere along the way, at a time and place where no one can actually pinpoint, this mysterious and unique beverage evolved into the version of Baijiu we know today. And with this evolution came along stories, legends, folklore, rituals, and customs that still surround baijiu till this day.

This version of Baijiu (Chinese: 白酒; pinyin: báijiǔ) pronounced bye Gio and known as Shaojiu, is a clear liquor distilled from fermented grain, typically sorghum, barley or rice. It is the world’s most consumed spirit by volume, more than whiskey, gin, vodka, rum or tequila. Baijiu accounts for 31% of the market share while vodka accounts for 19%, and whiskey for 11%. With some of the world’s leading baijiu brands like Kweichow Moutai, Wuliangye, Luzhou Laojiao, and Red Star Erguotou as good as Jack Daniels, Grey Goose, or Smirnoff.

Baijiu is not for the faint-hearted. Typically, between 40% to 60% alcohol by volume, with a very strong scent, a single sip of baijiu is often compared to a mouthful of flames. Baijiu also comes in a variety of flavors as different from one another as tequila is from vodka. With a fluctuating price tag ranging from a couple of dollars to thousands of dollars for a premium bottle. Luxury bottle prices can sometimes go over the roof, like the 2010 bottle of vintage Maotai from 1958 that broke records when it was auctioned for RMB 1.45 million, or US$220,000.

The story of Baijiu is the story of China and vice-versa. Unanimously famous to 1 billion people yet unfamiliar to many outside of this country, baijiu has a character that is both unique and complex especially to foreign drinkers. Experts say baijiu is an acquired taste and understanding it is a true test but when you actually do, it’s an experience of epic proportion. It will appeal to your taste buds like nothing else you have ever tried in your life

BAIJIU

BY DEFINITION

Baijiu is a spirit produced in China. The grain undergoes saccharification and distillation to create a clear beverage with a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume. Typically has a strong, pungent aroma with savory, sweet, sour, and spicy notes depending on several factors in the production. It is typically consumed neat or used in cocktails.

CHAPTER 1

THE HISTORY OF BAIJIU

Baijiu touches every subject under the sun in China. From history to art, sociology, anthropology, music, poetry, chemistry, and Chinese medicine. Everything is somehow connected to this unsung giant beverage. For example, the story of an artifact, found by archaeologists in 1983 from the Jiagu civilization in China’s north-western Henan Province dating right back to 7000-5800 BC. Analysis of this artifact revealed alcohol residue made from honey, fruits, and grains. This is believed to be the oldest proof of the existence of alcohol beverages.

History has it that when Chinese kingdoms united to form one vast empire ruled by dynasties, a kind of sweet grain wine called ‘’huangjiu’’ became very popular. During the Han, Tang, and Song dynasties it became widespread as it inspired poets, painters, and writers who wrote poems and sang songs about it. The consumption of this alcohol spread giving birth to ideologies such as Daoism which preached enlightenment through drunkenness and Confucianism that advocated for moderate consumption.

Famous poets such as Li Bai wrote odes about a spirit called shaojiu, one of the early versions of baijiu. This still exist and have strong influences on global pop culture, think of ‘’Drunken Master’’ and other Hollywood movies were kung-fu fighters became invincible once they drank some mystical elixir.

THE DISCOVERY OF DISTILLATION AND THE BIRTH OF BAIJIU.

Though Chinese writers recount that the secrets of alcohol distillation were brought to China in the 13th century by Mongol hordes from Persian chemists in the middle East, archeological evidence suggests that distillation might have arrived earlier through trade routes or better still, some believe distillation is a Chinese