Beijing Erguotou Baijiu
Beijing Erguotou Baijiu is a 112 proof (56% ABV), 750mL light-aroma (qingxiang) baijiu — the CNS Imports "Beijing Erguotou" branded bottling, listed by the importer itself at 56% and 750mL, and distinct from both Red Star and Niulanshan (which the store carries as a separate listing). Erguotou — "second pot head," the second distillation — is the typical representative of the capital's drink culture: sorghum fermented with fuqu (wheat-bran-based qu) in a short liquid-state fermentation of four to eight days, distilled and rested in ceramic jars for six to twelve months. The short fermentation yields fewer esters, which is why erguotou drinks milder than other baijius at the same strength. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 56% (112 proof — importer page)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: light-aroma (qingxiang) erguotou
- Base: sorghum with fuqu (wheat-bran qu); 4–8 day liquid-state fermentation; rested 6–12 months in ceramic jars (category facts)
- Origin: Beijing, China — the capital's classic drink style
- Identity: the Beijing Erguotou branded bottling from CNS Imports — not Red Star, not Niulanshan
Beijing's Own Pour
The importer's copy calls erguotou one of the most popular drinks among young Chinese in Beijing, and the category's history backs it up: a short, clean fermentation and ceramic-jar rest make a high-proof spirit that stays remarkably mild. This is the Beijing Erguotou bottle from CNS Imports — the plain-branded, capital-style bottling — at a full 112 proof. Expect the light-aroma signature: clean sorghum character, mild esters, and a direct, warming finish. Explore the Beijing Erguotou collection and more spirits at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Clean sorghum spirit character, mild esters (category-typical).
Palate: Direct and warming — the milder side of high-proof baijiu.
Finish: Ceramic-jar roundness, clean and lingering.
How to Enjoy
Drink it the Beijing way: neat in small cups, with food on the table. The mild ester profile makes it one of the more cocktail-friendly high-proof baijius — it works in a spirit-forward highball with soda and lemon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "erguotou" mean?
"Second pot head" — the second distillation, the heart of the run and the classic Beijing style.
Is this the same as Red Star or Niulanshan erguotou?
No — this is the Beijing Erguotou branded bottling from CNS Imports. The store carries Niulanshan as a separate listing, and Red Star is a different brand.
What proof is Beijing Erguotou?
112 proof (56% ABV) per the importer's own product page.
Is erguotou aged?
It rests six to twelve months in ceramic jars — no age statement is claimed on this bottling.
The capital's classic at full strength — order Beijing Erguotou Baijiu online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.