Baijiu is the most popular spirit in the world, but until recently it remained relatively unknown in the Western world. That has changed quickly, however, as it is now the fourth most popular spirit category in the United States. If you’re curious about giving the Chinese clear liquor a try, these are the six best Baijius in the world according to the 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC).
The Six Best Baijius In The World According to the 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition
Gansu Binhe Food Industry Wuxinglongpai Baijiu
Scoring a 96/100, the Gansu Binhe Food Industry Wuxinglongpai Baijiu caught judges’ attention for its “Roasted vegetable and grain with tropical fruits in the background and overall savoury impression on the nose. Juicy mouthfeel with ripe fruit flavours of pineapple, pear, melon and grape ending on sweet spiced potatoes and aniseed. Long and flavoursome Baijiu.”
TTL Longtian Yushan Kaoliang Liquor Aged 6 YO
Rated a 96/100, the TTL Longtian Yushan Kaoliang Liquor Aged 6 YO possesses a “Lovely fresh, well-integrated nose with fruit and savoury notes like chocolate, nuts, soy sauce and roast vegetables. On the palate rich mouthfeel with hints of menthol, dried honeysuckle, sorghum and spices. Long umami finish showing a very pleasant Baijiu.”
Shanxi Xinghua Cun Fenjiu Distillery Co. Ltd Fenjiu 20 YO Baijiu
Awarded a 96/100, the Shanxi Xinghua Cun Fenjiu Distillery Co. Ltd Fenjiu 20 YO Baijiu has a “Complex nose with apple and pear followed by dried floral notes, earthy, grassy and savoury. The intense palate shows a creamy textual mouthfeel with balanced fruit and soft spice. Lifted and forward finish, refreshing and delicious.”
Quantujiang Jiu Studio Quantu Jingxuan Soft Style Baijiu
Scoring a 96/100, the Quantujiang Jiu Studio Quantu Jingxuan Soft Style Baijiu possesses a “Slight colour, explosive, opulent nose with higher ester aromas such as dried pineapple, mango, walnut and liquorice, strong soy aroma. Rich and savoury palate, saline and intense with soy sauce, bok choy and ending with a lovely cereal finish, long and focussed.
Guizhou Renhuai Yidu Traditional Distillery Zhencangji Jiangxiangkunzijiu Hongjin Images Baijiu
Rated a 96/100, the Guizhou Renhuai Yidu Traditional Distillery Zhencangji Jiangxiangkunzijiu Hongjin Images Baijiu has “Combined dark powered chocolate, nutmeg, liquorice and mango lychee notes on the nose. Dry palate, round, ripe fruit character with grapefruit, roasted red pepper, savoury undertones, incredible umami and complex pepper finish of this very nice Baijiu.”
Guizhou Donghuang Rongtaihe Rong Tai He 15 YO Baijiu
Awarded a 95/100, the Guizhou Donghuang Rongtaihe Rong Tai He 15 YO Baijiu features “Distinct soy sauce and fermented dochiang on the nose combining with sesame and brown butter, guava, dried stone fruit and nuts. Smooth palate, well-integrated alcohol, rich and long with tropical fruit flavours and a rich long-lasting finish.”
Eight Gins, meanwhile, were awarded Outstanding Gold medals. While 10 Vodkas were also given the contest’s highest prize, along with 8 Liqueurs. Nine Rums scored 96 out of 100, the top ranking in the category. And these are the four best Mezcals according to the competition.