It is not possible to bring yourself to a state of severe alcoholic intoxication with the help of local beer. We tried - it didn't work. Alcohol disappears from the body faster than you can consume it. Mild intoxication is the maximum effect that was achieved after 8 liters of Chinese Budweiser.
And that's what's amazing! On the Internet they write completely different figures for the ethanol content in Chinese beer. The same Wikipedia sites indicate figures from 4 to 5 percent, but in reality such beer simply does not exist in China. 2.5% is the maximum we have personally seen.
The most popular type of beer in China is Tsingtao (or Qingdao, or Tsingtao). In order to try it, you don’t need to go to China, as it is readily sold in WOK cafes in Moscow and other Russian cities. Its green label is clearly recognizable (pictured left).
Of course, everyone has their own taste, but in our opinion it is not very tasty. When you drink it, it seems that this beer is diluted with water. In any case, it's worth a try just out of curiosity.
Chinese rice vodka
Prices for these drinks vary greatly. Yanhe vodka in a beautiful blue package costs from 50 USD. Other varieties can cost $15, it all depends on the manufacturer.
The first thing that distinguishes Baijiu is its strong smell. After opening the bottle, it can be felt at a distance of 3 meters. Europeans are very unfamiliar with this smell and find it terrible. The Chinese like him. It is believed that the intensity of the smell determines the quality of the drink - the stronger the smell, the better.
This is a quite decent drink in taste, no worse than high-quality Russian vodka. Just pinch your nose so you don't smell it and drink. The strength of Baijiu can vary depending on the brand - from 40 to 60 degrees.
Rice is the most popular raw material for the production of Baijiu, but this alcoholic drink does not necessarily have to be produced from it. Baijiu is made from all types cereal crops, which are only available.
Ultra-cheap alcohol in China
We found it completely by accident. The first time this happened was in a small store not far from. On the liquor shelf were several bottles with shockingly low numbers on the price tag. One 0.5 liter bottle cost 4 (0.6 USD), and the second 6 yuan (0.9 USD). The Chinese government imposes excise taxes on alcohol producers in the same way as in other countries. Such prices are insanely cheap even for China.
Hanshina is an alcohol-containing drink that “experts” call Chinese wheat vodka. Probably, no country in the world can do without creating such a drink, excluding Muslim countries.
Chinese vodka is not very pleasant appearance– cloudy color consistency, sharp specific odor. Although a Russian person familiar with moonshine will not be frightened by this. The aromatic taste of hanshina depends on the constituent parts and the method of purification of the drink.
When preparing it, alcohol is used, which is prepared from millet or the cereal annual chumidza, which produces good grain similar to millet. Basically, they are produced in small quantities, for their own consumption and for treating guests.
Hanshina production
If a modern person living in a huge metropolis sees the construction of factories producing Chinese vodka, he will be very surprised. Real primitiveness, leading to the loss of a decent amount of alcohol during “smoking”.
The plant is located within one residential fanza, small or medium in size.
Fanza (correctly sounds like fanzi) is a typical Chinese dwelling of a rectangular shape, with 2 or 3 rooms. The walls of the house are thatched, adobe or brick, and the roof is made of reeds, straw or tiles. Surprisingly, in China, such dwellings are adjacent to more modern buildings.
The main importance in production is the fermentation pits and, of course, the distillation apparatus, which serves as a mash tun. The number of pits, which are lined with wooden boards and covered with a lid, directly depends on the production capacity.
Distillation apparatus for hanshina: features
- a hearth in which the fire is fueled with wood is found in almost every fanza;
- two boilers: the upper one as a refrigerator, the lower one as a steam boiler;
- alembic– wooden vat;
- a wooden plate with the help of which alcohol vapors are drained from the refrigerator and the finished khanshina is poured into vessels.
How is hanshina prepared?
The grain consistency for Chinese vodka is poured to the top into the mash tun. Water is poured into the lower boiler, separated from the upper one by a bottom made of wooden rods, and then covered with the upper boiler.
Water begins to boil in the lower pot, steam rises, passes through the ingredients, steaming it. Then the mass is taken out, the fanzas are scattered on the floor in a thin layer, barley yeast is added, and placed on the bottom of the fermentation pit, compacting it firmly. The hole is covered with earth, coated with clay, pressed down with a lid, and left for 15 days. After this, the mash is smoked into vodka.
The dry black mass left over from smoking is given to livestock feed. Hanshina is prepared in winter for 3 months, from November to January.
What is the difference between Hanshina and Russian vodka?
- Myth 1: “Khanshina can only be drunk when warmed up, when some of the fusel oils have evaporated. Otherwise, it’s impossible to drink the nasty drink.”
- Is it true: " Hanshina Chumiza is indeed an extremely specific drink. But vodka made from gao-liang resembles average potato or not very high-quality wheat.”
- Myth 2: “Today I drank hanshin, and tomorrow I just added water and got drunk again!”
- Truth: “In its properties, hanshiny is no different from ordinary vodka, which quickly intoxicates, loosens the tongue, gives excitement or drowsiness.”
- Myth 3: “Hanshina is stronger than Russian vodka!”
- Truth: “This statement is true. Most variations of hanshina have a strength of 50-55°.”
- Myth4: “The import of khanshina into Russia is prohibited!”
- Truth: “The Russian authorities did not make concessions to the Chinese government, which is ready to establish a commercially profitable import of hanshina. But the decent strength and low price of Chinese vodka forces smugglers to satisfy the growing demands of the Russian population living in the territory bordering China. Until now, Russia cannot stop the flow of smugglers that never stops moving into its territory. By the way, in the South Ussuri region, Chinese vodka is called “suli” (in Chinese, “shao-jiu”).”
China is one of the most fascinating and vibrant countries in the world. It is here that centuries-old traditions continue, which are proudly passed on from generation to generation. Ancient foundations and memory have not bypassed the Chinese love for strong alcoholic drinks, which are famous for their uniqueness and excellent taste.
Chinese alcohol
In the Chinese vocabulary there is such a convenient prefix as jiu（jiu, 酒）, which simultaneously means alcohol, wine and liqueur, so it is used in almost all names of alcoholic drinks. All Chinese alcohol can be divided into 5 main types:
Huang Jiu (黄酒)- includes wine made from rice, millet and wheat.
Putaojiu (葡萄酒)） - grape wine.
Guozijiu（guozi jiu, 果子酒）- fruit wines
Baijiu，白酒）- strong distilled drinks.
Each of these types has its own popular brands, features, purpose and relevance.
The most popular Chinese alcohol brands
Despite the huge range of alcoholic beverages produced in China and consumed even abroad, there are several of the most prominent representatives that are in greatest demand among both local residents and tourists.
Vodka Maotai 茅台酒
One of ancient drinks country, which was mentioned in ancient chronicles back in 135 BC. Vodka got its name in honor of the small town of the same name, where its production began. At one time, many famous rulers of China preferred it, and even Mao Zedong himself admired its excellent taste.
Such a rich history and status as a national treasure made it possible to achieve the maximum pure concentration, and therefore Maotai belongs to the category of expensive alcoholic beverages. It is often called the “drink of diplomats” and is a mandatory attribute of large events or holidays.
Its production is successfully carried out by the Kweichow Moutai Company, whose headquarters are located in Shanghai. Company employees do not reveal the secrets of preparing the drink, but this only fuels consumer interest, and therefore there has been a significant increase in sales of the product both in China and abroad.
Tsingtao Beer
Qingdao is the most famous representative of the Chinese beer industry and is the country's top seller. Its production was launched back in 1903 in the city of the same name. Characteristic feature beer is the presence of a unique sourness with a harmonious combination of bitterness.
In addition to the city of Qingdao, the beer of the same name is produced in Shandong, which has significantly expanded sales figures. Tsingtao is now sold in more than 62 countries and regions around the world, and accounts for more than 50% of Chinese beer exports.
Plum wine Xueji meijiu, 雪姬梅酒
.png)
Plum wines are a traditional Chinese drink. For its production, the delicious fruit mume berry is used, due to which the wine has a pomegranate hue and rich taste. Local residents use it as pure form, and are used to prepare various cocktails. One of the most popular manufacturers is a company under the Xueji brand.
Millions of bottles hit store shelves in China every year. The wine is very popular not only among the Chinese, but also in most European countries.
Grape wine Great Walls 长城酒
The Great Wall brand is the most popular in China. For several decades it has held a leading position in sales, as it is different unique taste and careful control of production. Its distinctive feature is its collaboration with France and Great Britain. These world powers bought part of the rights to Great Walls wine and began producing it on their territory.
The Great Wall has one of the largest storage facilities in Asia, which can hold thousands of wine barrels. This allowed a significant increase in productivity, allowing the company to produce about 10 thousand tons of product per year. The brand's profit is at least 100 million yuan annually.
Yellow wine Shaoxing 绍兴酒
This is the national drink of the Chinese, which is produced exclusively in China. Its history has deep roots, because the first mention of yellow wine was found 4000 years ago. Its uniqueness is its yellow color with an amber tint, which is achieved through the use of rice. The Chinese are convinced that this drink has healing properties and perfectly improves appetite. It is impossible to imagine any holiday without it, since it is a national treasure.
The main center for the production of Shaoxing wine is the city of Shaoxing, located in Zhejiang Province. It is here that about 40% of all Chinese wines are produced. In addition to being consumed in its pure form, Shaoxing wine is actively used for cooking meat dishes. It is known to have been a key ingredient in Mao Zedong's favorite dish, stewed pork belly with herbs. According to him, it was “brain food” that helped him defeat his enemies.
China is one of the first countries in the world to discover alcohol.
According to the Chinese themselves, their alcohol is much worse than their European counterparts. As a result, the price of home-produced alcohol is noticeably lower.
Yellow wine is a real national treasure that local residents are proud of. One ancient tradition has still been preserved: at the birth of a child, parents buy several vessels with this drink and store it until the child’s wedding. It is believed that over the years, wine only becomes tastier and enriched with healing qualities.
Despite stereotypes, the Chinese also love to drink and every local holiday is necessarily accompanied by a lot of alcohol.
Chinese alcoholic traditions and culture
China is a country of contrasts, in which, from time immemorial, echoes of the past and the modern world have been harmoniously combined. Despite significant progress and rapid development, local residents do not forget the traditions of their ancestors and pass them on from parents to children. These include:
On the Double Nine Festival, everyone drinks chrysanthemum wine. According to legend, this drives away evil spirits and promotes longevity for old people.
All wedding ceremonies must be accompanied by drinking wine. The newlyweds with their hands tied drink a drink, which symbolizes mutual love and raises a toast to their parents.
Celebrating 100 days after the birth of a child is impossible to imagine without drinking wine.
In Southern China, when a girl is born, parents buy a bottle of liquor and put it in the basement, where they keep it until their daughter's wedding. At the wedding ceremony, the bottle is painted with amulets and ceremonially presented to the newlyweds.
According to etiquette, all glasses of guests are festive table must be filled. Even a momentary absence of alcohol in a guest’s glass is regarded as a sign of disrespect by the hosts.
Quite recently there was a statement that Chinese vodka Maotai is recognized as the world's most valuable brand in the field of alcoholic beverages. Price for 1 bottle of this elite drink exceeds $300. This cost of this alcoholic product is due to its unusual recipe, which dates back 20 centuries ago.
In the article:
Features of Chinese vodka
Maotai (also called hanja or hanshi) is particularly transparent and clean. Thanks to a special production technology, it has harmonious, thick hair taste qualities and an unforgettable rich smell. This vodka is often drunk in combination with green tea.
The consistency of the drink is slightly thick. The strength ranges from 35 to 52%. An inexperienced consumer needs to be careful, since 52 degrees is a serious challenge even for a person accustomed to. This drink is incredibly easy to drink, but at the same time it is very strong. Intoxication when drinking it occurs in a short time.
Feature of this product is its aroma. It is so stable that it can continue to hover in the air of the room where the vodka was drunk for 3 days.
Due to its composition, Maotai is considered a high-quality product. This alcoholic drink has a moderate negative effect on internal organs such as the liver or stomach. He is not characterized by such a consequence as a hangover. This product is mentioned in the works of many artists and poets in China.
The history of Hanzha or Maotai vodka
According to historical data, Maotai vodka dates back to the 2nd century BC. This date marks the appearance of the Guojiang drink. Later, based on the recipe for this weak drink made from rice, it was released modern drink. This happened during the time of the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty.
Back then, peasants working in the rice fields were constantly in water. These working conditions motivated them to create a way for themselves to stay warm. This is how the famous Maotai appeared. It became famous when it accidentally ended up on the table of the emperor, who immediately ordered the start of production of this drink on his lands.
Over time, the cooking technology underwent minor changes, in particular, ordinary rice was replaced by a component such as sorghum. This gave the drink a deeper taste. But the basic recipe and production stages have been preserved since those times.
Maotai drink today
This luxury product is considered a luxurious gift. It is presented to people holding high positions and large businessmen. The Chinese people even have a saying regarding Maotai: those who acquire it do not use it, and those who use it do not acquire it.
Chinese vodka Maotai
Many people buy this vodka just for collection, to add chic to their home bar. Not a single high-level feast in the Middle Kingdom is complete without this expensive drink.
This elite product has won countless awards and titles. 30 years ago, at a conference in Paris, he won 3 gold medals for his unique mild taste. After this conference, the popularity of the drink grew every year. Now she has already been awarded 14 medals. Chinese Maotai vodka is the first alcoholic drink in this country, the production of which exceeded 170 tons per year.
Produced by Kweichow Moutai
The recipe for Maotai vodka has remained unchanged since its invention and differs from the traditional one. The raw materials used are wheat and sorghum, which are grown in the country. It is believed that a similar taste of the drink cannot be obtained if vodka is produced in another place. The product is produced only in the Chinese town of the same name. The characteristic qualities inherent in Maotai are achieved thanks to the local climate and the unique clean water in the river flowing through the area.
It is interesting that in many parts of the world they tried to repeat the quality of Maotai vodka, but they failed to recreate an analogue. The produced drinks had different taste, smell, and consistency. For this reason real drink This brand is produced exclusively where its history began.
The production cycle of Chinese vodka lasts several years. According to manufacturers, thanks to this cooking time, a specific aroma of the product and its deep taste are obtained.
At the beginning of production, the grain crop is fermented in a special container. The process is facilitated by a special leaven based on molds. Yeast culture is also used during fermentation. It is these ingredients that form sugar from the starch found in cereals.
The grain ferments in 8 stages. The duration of each stage is one month. In this case, a break is necessary between cycles. Thus, fermentation generally takes about 40 months. This process occurs at high temperatures. The exact temperature value is kept in the strictest confidence. After fermentation, the mixture must be distilled.
6 months after all cycles of fermentation and distillation, the product is tasted. If the taste does not meet the high standards of this brand, the drink is sent for further fermentation.
And only when the tasters approve of the resulting product, it will be poured into ceramic dishes and kept in a dark place for 3 years. The liquid is then filtered and combined with older drinks. This is a very important stage that affects the quality of the product. The vodka turns out incredibly rich and strong. But despite this, this liquid is very easy to drink.
As already mentioned, Chinese vodka has an extremely persistent, pungent aroma. It turns out thanks to the ingredients included in the composition. When preparing the wort for grain fermentation, a special fermenting mixture produced in China is used. It's called jiuqu.
This mixture contains specific bacteria, molds and yeast culture. This ingredient is produced on the basis of substrate cereals and looks like a regular powder.
In China, it is believed that jiuqu not only promotes the fermentation of wort and the release of sugars, but also has the property of relieving hangover syndrome.
Some consumers note the characteristic aroma of vodka as a disadvantage of this drink. But few people will refuse to try this expensive product because of its pronounced smell.
How to drink Maotai vodka
Maotai vodka has not only a rich history, but also its own traditions and culture. Thanks to this famous brand, many countries already know how to drink Chinese vodka. In China it is customary to good vodka drank only from jade or porcelain dishes. The containers from which this product is consumed are called bowls. You can use glasses, but they must be made from the materials mentioned above.
Many copies of this alcoholic drink include 2 small glasses. They are invested for a special purpose. It is believed that a portion consisting of such an amount of vodka allows you to experience its taste, but at the same time maintain a clear mind.
The culture of using this product implies that the glass should never be empty. As soon as the drink is drunk, the glass is refilled. In this case, it is not necessary to empty it immediately; you can wait for the next toast.
Making a toast in China also has its own traditions. When making a speech, you need to hold the glass with vodka in your right hand, while holding it by the bottom with your left.
If the drink is drunk in a purely male company, each new portion is sipped slowly, with pleasure. If representatives of the fair sex are present at the table, men are obliged to empty the glass to the bottom.
Maotai vodka is usually served with savory snacks. It will also be an excellent addition to national dishes. Chinese cuisine. In this country, it is believed that it is not necessary to drink vodka. To experience the aftertaste, many Chinese refuse the snack altogether.
China has a very extensive drinking culture. A huge range of alcoholic drinks is produced here. But it is Chinese vodka called Maotai that has achieved enormous popularity around the world thanks to its qualities and production traditions, based on many years of experience.
China was one of the first countries in history to discover alcoholic beverages. A large number of clay wine vessels were found during excavations at the Dawenkou culture site in Shandong province. The finds are more than 5000 years old. Historical records also record the presence of winemaking in China more than 4 thousand years ago.
The first Chinese wines were made mainly from grains such as rice and millet. As a result of improved winemaking techniques, the so-called yellow wine appeared during the Warring States period (475-221 centuries BC).
In 1970, in the town of Pingshan, Hebei Province, during excavations of ancient tombs of this period, a large number of vessels for storing and drinking wine were found. Two of them contain remains of an ancient alcoholic drink made from wheat. He was about 2280 years old. This may be the oldest alcohol on the planet.
| Famous liquors in China |
|---|
Chinese alcoholic drinks were subjected to strict evaluation by experts within the country three times: in 1953, 1963 and 1979.
As a result of the All-China competition of alcoholic beverages, the following were included in the honorary list of “first wines”:
Vodka Maotai, Fenjiu, Wuliang'e, Jianchunjiu of Sichuan province, Gujing liqueur, Yanghe Daqiu vodka from Jiangsu province, Dongjiu, Luzhou Teqiu, Shaoxing wine Jiafan, Long'yang Chengangjiu, Qingdao beer, Yantai Red wine, Chinese "Red wine" from Beijing, white wine "Great Wall" from Shacheng, Hebei Province, white wine Minquan, Yantai vermouth, Yantai brandy "Golden Stars" and Zhueqing from Shanxi Province.
MAOTAI
Maotai vodka has always been the most famous in China. It is named after the town of Maotai in Guizhou Province, where it is produced.
This alcoholic drink has become almost mandatory at official government banquets in Beijing and presentations abroad. He is " national drink"and the "diplomatic drink" of China. Now in China it has appeared on open sale and is usually used on special occasions and in everyday life: on holidays, during weddings, etc. However, due to the fact that demand significantly exceeds supply, the price of Maotai remains consistently very high.
Maotai is made with high quality gaoliang - a variety of Chinese sorghum - as the main ingredient. The starter is made from wheat, and the water is taken from local sources. The process of making the drink itself is also unique. It goes through eight stages of distillation, alternating with fermentation, each lasting at least a month. At each new stage, additional leaven is added. The entire process takes more than eight months. After this, the vodka is aged for at least three years and only after that it is released for sale.
Maotai turns out crystal clear. Although it is quite strong - it does not burn the mucous membranes and throat, does not hit the head and does not upset the stomach. Since ancient times, Maotai has been a favorite drink of poets and people of other creative professions. It is believed that many of China's geniuses drew their strength from Maotai.
The most famous brands of Chinese vodka (baijiu) based on materials from consumer sites
WuliangyeProv. Sichuanwww.wiliangye.com.cn
MaotaiProv. Guizhouwww.china-maotai.com
Guojiao1573 国窖Prov. Sichuanwww.lzlj.com.cn
Jian nan chun 剑南春Prov. Sichuan www.jnc.com.cn
Shui jing fangProv. Sichuan http://www.swellfun.com/
Fen jiu 汾酒 Zhu ye Qing jiu 竹叶青酒Prov. Shanxi http://www.fenjiu.com.cn/
Tuopai 沱牌 prov. Sichuanhttp://www.chinatuopai.com/
Jiuguijiu 酒鬼酒 Prov. Hunan www.china000799.com
Gujing 古井 prov. Anhuiwww.gujing.com
Yanghe 洋河 view Jiangsuwww.chinayanghe.com
YELLOW WINE
Yellow wine is a specific Chinese product. It was known 4000 years ago. It is made from glutinous rice or millet using a special technology. Alcohol content is 15-20 percent. It is called "yellow" because of its amber hue when exposed to light.
Traditionally, yellow wine is served warm. It is heated in metal (usually copper or bronze) kettles or jugs, half immersed in hot or boiling water. It is believed that warm wine stimulates the appetite and has a beneficial effect on the entire human body.
The best yellow wine is made in Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province. It is also known as Shaoxing laojiu, which literally means “Shaoxing old wine.” The secrets of making this wine go back centuries and are passed down from generation to generation. In some areas of China, it is customary to buy several jugs of good Shaoxing wine for the birth of a child and store it until the wedding of this child, when it is solemnly presented to the guests. Wine not only does not deteriorate over time, but also acquires a brighter taste, color and smell.
Yellow wine is also an essential ingredient in Chinese cuisine. A couple of spoons of it improves the taste of cooked fish or meat. Sometimes meat is soaked in some types of yellow wine for later cooking.
To all this it is worth adding that Chinese vodka has a specific taste and smell for a white man raised on whiskey, cognac, vodka, and other European alcoholic drinks. In some cases, despite this specificity, some types of vodka actually do not produce a clearly defined hangover syndrome. But some have quite a noticeable effect on the liver.
Shaoxing wine for a Russian person resembles cheap mumbo jumbo from his youth - like Agdam or Port wine for 1.7 rubles. But it’s worth considering that, firstly: long-aged wines (over five years) are more pleasant to the taste; and secondly - due to the degrees it gives a quick hop effect, and in most cases - a “happy hop”. Although this may be individual. In addition, Shaoxin has a pronounced diuretic effect and in large quantities it also puts a lot of pressure on the liver, exhausted by Narzan. In conclusion, it is worth noting that real Shaoxing wine can only be bought in Shaoxing. Everything else is surrogate crafts. And the most quality wine can only be purchased in bulk from large clay jugs.
GRAPE WINE
For a long time, the Chinese practically did not know what grape wine was. Although the art of winemaking was quite developed - grape wines were not a popular drink in China. The situation began to change after the revolution, especially after the start of reforms. Western-style red and white grape wines not only began to become fashionable, but China itself began to gradually become involved in the competitive process of winemaking throughout the world. With the help of French and other world-famous wine companies in Shandong province and the Tianjin region, in areas with unique climatic conditions favorable for growing elite varieties grapes, first joint ventures began to be created, and then completely Chinese wine companies. And although significant successes have been achieved in this field, the culture of drinking grape wines in China is quite difficult to take root. The power of habits, traditions and tastes among the Chinese is very strong. However, the last three to four years have seen a massive “offensive” by leading wine companies from Europe, Australia and the USA. Wine boutiques are being created in big cities. There are already entire networks of specialized liquor stores, which sell both imported wine and alcohol, and Chinese production. Among the wealthy segments of the population, expensive and refined grape wine is becoming fashionable and prestigious. And not least of all, this is the merit of Hong Kong popular films and show business in general. Chinese winemakers, meanwhile, are not wasting time and promoting their products to foreign markets. So far without much success. But they are not lacking in perseverance, perseverance and patience.