Chinese Yellow Liquor


Yellow liquor is a spirit exclusive to China. It derives its name from the yellow or brown color of the fluid. Yellow liquor is brewed from grain such as sticky rice through a complicated process of braising, fermentation and compression. Yellow liquor is generally light with about 15%-18% alcohol. It is nutritious due to its high content of amino acids, sugar and vitamins. The most unique feature of yellow liquor is that its taste is influenced by how long it ages, and generally speaking, the longer the aging process, the better the flavor.

China produces various yellow liquors. The most famous area for yellow liquor is the lower region of Yangtze River, and in Shaoxing in east China's Zhejiang Province.


Types of Chinese Yellow Liquor
Chinese Yellow Liquor  is classified based on various factors. Among them are the liquor's dryness, the starter used in its production, and its production method.

Dryness/Sweetness: This is the formal classification for all Chinese wines. There are five categories: dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and extra-sweet:

Dry: with sugar content no greater than 1%. This type of yellow wine has the lowest fermentation temperature. An example of this kind is Yuanhongjiu, a specialty of Shaoxing, so-named because traditionally the wine jars are painted red.

Semi-dry: with sugar content between 1% and 3%. This type of huangjiu can be stored for a long period of time and encompasses most of the varieties of huangjiu that are exported from China. An example of this variety is Jiafanjiu, a variation on the Yuanhongjiu that involves adding more rice in fermentation. The jiafanjiu is traditionally used for ceremonies, such as child birth, engagement, and funerals.

Semi-sweet: with sugar content between 3% and 10%. The longer the semi-sweet huangjiu is stored, the darker its color becomes. This variety of huangjiu cannot be stored for long periods of time. An example of this kind is Shanniangjiu, a specialty of Shaoxing which partly uses vintage Yuanhongjiu instead of water.

Sweet: with sugar content between 10% and 20%. An example of this variety is Feng Gang Jiu. In comparison to previous types of huangjiu, sweet huangjiu can be manufactured all year round when using traditional production methods.

Extra-sweet: with sugar content equal or greater than 20%. An example of this variety is Xiang Xue Jiu.


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