Kweichow Chiew Flying Fairy Moutai - 500 ml

Introduction

Kweichow Chiew Flying Fairy Moutai is a Chinese baijiu, a traditional Chinese liquor, from the country of China. It is produced in the town of Moutai, in the province of Guizhou. The history of Moutai can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), and it has a rich heritage deeply intertwined with Chinese culture. The spirit is esteemed as the 'national liquor' of China and is often presented as a symbol of respect and hospitality at state banquets and celebrations. The 'Flying Fairy' version of Moutai has been in production since the 1950s.

Spirit Description

Moutai Flying Fairy is produced from high-quality sorghum, organic wheat, and water. The production process is meticulous and takes a total of five years. It involves steaming the grains nine times, fermenting eight times, and distilling seven times. The spirit is classified, stored, blended, and preserved in cellars for several years before packaging. The colour is transparent and bright, although older liquor will develop a yellowish hue due to continuous fermentation in the bottle. The spirit is renowned for its unique 'sauce fragrance' (Jiang fragrance). The aroma is complex, featuring prominent Jiang fragrance, layers of flowers, grass, fruit, sweetness, and dried plants, as well as notes of tropical fruits, pear, smoky nuts, and sweet plums. The palate is a harmonious, powerful, and complex blend of floral and perfume-like flavours, with hints of pineapple, guava, kiwi fruit, and soy sauce, leading to a smoky mid-palate and a long, herbaceous finish. It has a mellow, smooth, long finish and a pleasant lingering aftertaste. The spirit is bottled at 53.0% ABV.

Accolades

Moutai is celebrated as the 'national liquor' of China, which is the highest accolade for any wine or spirit in the country. It has won numerous international awards, including a Gold Award at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. It was also a Double Gold Medal Winner at the 2014 World Spirit Competition. The Chinese government has also recognised it as a 'national intangible cultural heritage'.

Food Pairing

Moutai is traditionally enjoyed neat at room temperature. The spirit's complex flavour profile requires rich, flavourful foods to stand up to it. It is an ideal pairing for various cuisines, including Chinese dishes, Korean grill, and Japanese sashimi. It is also recommended to pair it with caviar. Spicy Chinese stews and deep-fried seafood dishes with intense flavours also pair well, as the spirit brings out the natural sweetness of fresh seafood. For dessert, a caramelized apricot chocolate cake, where apricots are soaked in Moutai, is a recommended pairing.