Kweichow Moutai Baijiu (37.5cl, 53%)

This is a sauce-aroma (jiangxiang) baijiu from Kweichow Moutai, made in Maotai town, Guizhou Province, China, and bottled at 53% abv in a 37.5cl bottle. It is distilled from locally grown red sorghum with a wheat-based qu fermentation starter. The full production cycle takes five years, including at least four years resting in earthenware urns before blending. The nose is savoury and perfumed, with soy sauce-like umami, stewed nuts, tropical fruit, pear and a floral lift. The palate is full and smooth, with white chocolate, sweet plum, Asian pear and warm spice. The finish is long and mouth-coating.