Maotai

Maotai
茅台
TypeBaijiu, Jiangxiang
ManufacturerKweichow Moutai, and others
Country of origin China
Region of originGuizhou
IntroducedQing Dynasty
Alcohol by volume 38%-53%
ColourClear
IngredientsSorghum
Maotai
Simplified Chinese茅台
Traditional Chinese茅臺
Hanyu PinyinMáotái
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinMáotái
IPA[mǎʊ.tʰǎɪ]
Yue: Cantonese
Yale RomanizationMaau4toi4
IPA[maw˩.tʰɔj˩]
Southern Min
Hokkien POJBâu-tâi / Mâu-tâi

Maotai or Moutai (simplified Chinese: 茅台; traditional Chinese: 茅臺; pinyin: máotái) is a style of baijiu made in the town of Maotai, Guizhou Province, China. Maotai is made from sorghum, a wheat based , and water from the Chishui River, and it uses traditional Chinese techniques of fermentation, distillation, and aging, to produce a spirit with a nutty, grain forward and savory aroma and flavor.[1][2]

The most famous and best selling brand of maotai is produced by Kweichow Moutai, which has become the most valuable spirits brand not just in China but in the world as a whole.[3] However, despite common misconception, Kweichow Moutai is not the only producer of maotai, nor do they own any exclusive right to the name. Maotai must simply be produced in the town of Maotai and follow the production guidelines as laid out in regulation.

  1. ^ Sandhaus, Derek (19 August 2014). "Unearthing China's Ancient Terroir in Maotai". punchdrink.com. PUNCH.
  2. ^ Sandhaus, Derek (4 March 2019). "Better Know a Baijiu: Sauce Aroma". drinkbaijiu.com. Drink Baijiu: The World of Chinese Spirits.
  3. ^ "Brandirectory Spirits 50 2023".