What's in the mysterious (Chinese) bottle?

August 11, 2013 8:13 AM

A Chinese colleague gave me a bottle of some kind of alcohol - photo. It's one of the most... err... distinctive things I've ever tasted. What on earth is it? (And are you supposed to drink it neat? Down it or sip it?)
posted by Luddite to Food & Drink (4 answers total)

Best answer: It looks like you are the lucky recipient of baijiu! Occasionally mistranslated as "white wine," I am sure you have realized that it isn't actually white wine and is in fact a rather strong, and yes, very distinctive-tasting liquor. In my experience it's always drunk neat, and in shots, usually at some sort of banquet or with food.
posted by andrewesque at 8:18 AM on August 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Baijiu.

It's a customary gift, social/professional lubricant, and in China, the rare stuff can sell for large amounts of money (which may or may not be related to bribery among senior Party officials).
posted by holgate at 8:22 AM on August 11, 2013

Response by poster: Live and learn - thanks!
posted by Luddite at 8:35 AM on August 11, 2013

Said one Chinese colleague to another Chinese colleague who brought this to an Anglo colleague as a gift, "The white people aren't ready for this!"
posted by JMOZ at 8:44 AM on August 11, 2013 [15 favorites]