Kinmen Kaoliang 58° Baijiu
Kinmen Kaoliang 58° Baijiu is a 116 proof (58% ABV), 750mL light-aroma (qingxiang) baijiu from Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor Inc. — the county-government-owned distillery on Kinmen Island, Taiwan, built in 1952. Made from sorghum, wheat, and water, it is the distillery's flagship high-proof expression of a style born when General Hu Lien encouraged sorghum farming on Kinmen during the Chinese Civil War era. Clear, sorghum-fragrant, and clean, it is one of Taiwan's most iconic spirits and a staple at celebrations across the island. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 58% (116 proof — importer page)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: light-aroma (qingxiang) baijiu
- Ingredients: sorghum, wheat, water
- Distillery: Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor Inc., Kinmen Island, Taiwan — est. 1952
- Award: Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 (importer-sourced)
Taiwan's Defining Spirit at Full Strength
Kinmen Kaoliang is to Taiwan what the island's high mountains are to its tea — the reference point. The 58% bottling is the classic expression: sorghum fermented with wheat qu, distilled and rested into a spirit that is clear and fragrant with no harsh off-notes. It is the bottle that anchors Taiwanese banquets and festivals, and the light-aroma profile makes it the most approachable entry into serious baijiu for a Western palate. Explore the Kinmen Kaoliang collection and more spirits at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Clean sorghum fragrance, clear and direct (retailer-sourced).
Palate: Light-aroma profile — fragrant and full-flavored without harshness.
Finish: Clean and warming, true to the high-proof style.
How to Enjoy
Traditionally sipped neat in small cups, often with food — it is the classic banquet pour. For newcomers, serve it well-chilled in small pours; a little water opens the sorghum fragrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof is Kinmen Kaoliang 58?
116 proof (58% ABV).
What is baijiu made from?
This light-aroma expression is made from sorghum, wheat, and water.
Where is Kinmen Kaoliang made?
On Kinmen Island, Taiwan, by the county-owned Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor distillery founded in 1952.
What does "58°" mean?
58 degrees of alcohol — 58% ABV.
Taiwan's iconic high-proof baijiu — order Kinmen Kaoliang 58° Baijiu online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
