Ming River Sichuan Baijiu (75cl, 45%)

Ming River is a strong-aroma (nongxiang) baijiu at 45% ABV, distilled from red sorghum in Sichuan, China. It is made at the Luzhou Laojiao distillery in Luzhou. The sorghum is fermented for about two months in long-used underground stone pits, then distilled in small batches in a traditional Chinese pot still. The nose is ripe banana, pineapple and lychee over green apple and melon, with a savoury, creamy note beneath. The palate starts sweet with banana and pineapple, then turns to pink peppercorn, anise and a hint of brine. The finish is medium-long, with a peppercorn tingle and lingering anise.