Kweichow Moutai Baijiu 53% ABV 375 ml

Kweichow Moutai Baijiu 53% ABV (375 ml) is one of the most iconic spirits in the world—often called China’s “national liquor.” Revered for its extraordinary complexity and cultural significance, Moutai delivers an intense and distinctive flavor profile known as “sauce aroma” (jiangxiang)—a style famous for its savory, nutty, and umami-rich character. Powerful yet remarkably smooth for its strength, this smaller 375 ml format offers an accessible entry into one of the most prestigious spirits traditions on earth.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Kweichow Moutai is produced in the town of Maotai in Guizhou Province, China, where the distillery uses traditional methods that have been refined for more than two centuries. The spirit is made primarily from local red sorghum and wheat-based fermentation starter (qu) along with water from the nearby Chishui River.

The production process is famously complex. Moutai undergoes multiple fermentation and distillation cycles, typically involving seven brewing rounds and repeated distillation, followed by several years of maturation in ceramic vessels before blending.

This labor-intensive method produces the distinctive “sauce-aroma” baijiu style, characterized by its deep umami character and layered aromatic complexity. The final spirit is bottled at 53% ABV, the traditional strength considered ideal for expressing Moutai’s flavor and aroma.

Moutai is deeply embedded in Chinese culture and diplomacy—famously served at state banquets and historic diplomatic events, including meetings between Chinese leaders and international heads of state.

Critics Reviews
Professional tasting panels have recognized the quality of Kweichow Moutai.

• The Beverage Testing Institute awarded Kweichow Moutai Baijiu 91 points and a Silver Medal, describing it as highly recommended within the baijiu category.

The spirit’s reputation among collectors and enthusiasts places it alongside globally respected luxury spirits such as Scotch whisky and Cognac, reflecting its cultural prestige and distinctive flavor profile.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Intense and complex with soy sauce-like umami, fermented grain, dried fruit, toasted rice, and floral notes, often accompanied by hints of nuts and tropical fruit.

Palate:
Full-bodied and layered, revealing pear, pineapple, roasted nuts, honeyed sweetness, and savory grain character with remarkable viscosity.

Finish:
Long and lingering with nutty, earthy, and umami notes, leaving a complex aromatic echo that persists long after the sip.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

While Moutai is traditionally enjoyed neat in small cups during toasts, it has begun appearing in modern cocktail programs.

Moutai Highball

• 1 oz Kweichow Moutai

• 4 oz chilled soda water

• Lemon peel

Build over ice in a tall glass and garnish with lemon.

Modern Baijiu Martini

• 2 oz Kweichow Moutai

• ½ oz dry vermouth

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe; garnish with a lemon twist.

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Best Baijiu at the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Awards