Niu Lan Shan Er Guo Tou Baijiu
Niu Lan Shan Er Guo Tou Baijiu is a 56% ABV (112 proof), 750mL Beijing erguotou — "er guo tou" means "second distillation," the defining cut of this Qing-dynasty-born style. Made from sorghum, wheat-bran qu, and water at Niulanshan Distillery, it ferments briefly in stone or steel vessels and rests in ceramic jars for six to twelve months, emerging milder in aroma but full in strength. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 56% (112 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: light-aroma (qingxiang) erguotou
- Ingredients: sorghum, wheat-bran qu, water
- Origin: Beijing, China — Niulanshan Distillery
- Rest: 6–12 months in ceramic jars
The Second Cut That Made Beijing
Erguotou's name tells its production story: the spirit is drawn from the second distillation run, the "second pot head," which is why the house has sold it since the Qing dynasty as the purest cut. Short fermentation — about four to eight days — produces fewer esters than other baijius, so erguotou is famously milder in aroma while still bottling at a formidable 56%. Niulanshan, alongside Red Star, is one of the two defining houses of the style, and its green bottle is a fixture of Beijing banquets and corner stores alike. Explore more baijiu at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Light and floral with a hint of pomelo-like citrus.
Palate: Clean sorghum fire — peppery warmth, grain sweetness.
Finish: Warm and fading fast, inviting another sip.
How to Enjoy
Traditional service is neat at room temperature, banquet-style, in small cups. It also shines as the backbone of a baijiu cocktail where a clean, fiery white spirit is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Er Guo Tou" mean?
"Second distillation" — the spirit takes its name from the second cut of the still run, historically the finest.
Is this the same as vodka?
No — erguotou is a grain-fermented, distinctly aromatic Chinese white spirit, very different from neutral vodka.
How is it different from other baijiu?
Its short fermentation and ceramic rest make it the mildest-smelling (light-aroma) of the major baijiu styles.
Who makes Niulanshan Er Guo Tou?
Beijing's Niulanshan Distillery, one of the two great houses of Beijing erguotou.
Beijing's iconic second cut — order Niu Lan Shan Er Guo Tou Baijiu online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.