Kinmen Kaoliang 38° Baijiu
Kinmen Kaoliang 38° Baijiu is a 76 proof (38% ABV), 750mL lower-alcohol expression of Taiwan's iconic sorghum spirit, from Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor Inc. on Kinmen Island, Taiwan. The importer's own materials pitch it as lower in alcohol but full in flavor and fragrance — the same light-aroma (qingxiang) character as the flagship 58°, built from wheat, corn, rice, glutinous rice, and sorghum, at a strength that suits longer evenings. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 38% (76 proof — importer page)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: light-aroma (qingxiang) baijiu
- Ingredients: wheat, corn, rice, glutinous rice, sorghum (importer/label-level)
- Distillery: Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor Inc., Kinmen Island, Taiwan — est. 1952
- Award: Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 (importer-sourced)
The Approachable Side of Kinmen
Not every occasion calls for 116 proof. The 38° bottling keeps Kinmen Kaoliang's sorghum character and light-aroma fragrance — crystal, pure, and full-bodied per the importer's notes, which describe bananas, cherries, bitter melon, and minerals, with hot pepper, rice powder, vanilla pudding, coconut ash, and cigar wrapper on the deeper pours (importer/retailer-sourced notes, presented as such). It is the same Kinmen Island distillery and the same sorghum soul, at a proof that invites a second pour. Explore the Kinmen Kaoliang collection and more spirits at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Crystal and pure — bananas, cherries, bitter melon, minerals (importer-sourced).
Palate: Full-bodied for its proof — hot pepper, rice powder, vanilla pudding.
Finish: Coconut ash and cigar wrapper, lingering warmth.
How to Enjoy
Serve neat at room temperature in small cups alongside a meal, the traditional way. The lower proof also makes it the friendlier baijiu for cocktails — try it in place of vodka in a high-proof-style martini or a citrus highball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof is Kinmen Kaoliang 38?
76 proof (38% ABV).
How is it different from the 58°?
Same distillery and light-aroma style at a lower proof — full in flavor and fragrance with a gentler strength.
Where is it made?
Kinmen Island, Taiwan, by Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor Inc.
What is it made from?
Wheat, corn, rice, glutinous rice, and sorghum per importer/label data.
Full Kinmen character at a gentler proof — order Kinmen Kaoliang 38° Baijiu online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.