ChinaTalk Baijiu!
Apr 2, 2021
Derek Sandhaus, author of "Drunk in China: Baijiu and the World's Oldest Drinking Culture" and co-founder of Ming River Baijiu, dives into the fascinating world of Baijiu. He shares insights about the drink's evolution from a peasant’s beverage to a national symbol. The podcast highlights Baijiu's diverse flavors and the challenges of introducing it to Western palates. Sandhaus discusses the cultural appreciation needed for Baijiu to bridge East and West, while revealing personal stories that illuminate the rich tapestry of Chinese drinking culture.
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AA in China
- AA's reliance on religious belief clashes with China's context, limiting its reach.
- Modern, science-backed addiction treatment options are also scarce in China.
Ancient Chinese Alcohol
- Tang dynasty poets like Li Bai drank Huangjiu, a much weaker, sweeter rice wine.
- This ancient alcohol was less potent than modern baijiu.
Baijiu's Mysterious Origins
- Baijiu's origins are uncertain due to limited documentation, as it was initially a peasant's drink.
- Distillation technology likely migrated from the Middle East/Central Asia around the Song/Yuan dynasties.
