Baijiu Education — CNS Imports

WHAT IS BAIJIU什么是白酒

Not just a spirit —
a cultural institution.不仅仅是一种烈酒——
更是一种文化象征

Baijiu (白酒, literally "white liquor") is China's national spirit and the world's most consumed distilled beverage by volume. With over 2,000 years of documented history, it predates Scotch whisky, cognac, and every other major spirit category on earth.白酒是中国的国酒，也是全球按销量计消费最大的蒸馏酒。拥有超过2000年的有据可查的历史，它比苏格兰威士忌、干邑白兰地及地球上其他任何主要烈酒品类都要古老。

Produced primarily from fermented sorghum, baijiu is distilled in ancient underground pits called jiàopits, which harbor unique microbial communities that develop over centuries. The oldest active fermentation pits in China date back to the Ming dynasty.白酒主要以发酵高粱为原料，在被称为"窖池"的古老地下坑中酿造，这些窖池经过数百年孕育了独特的微生物群落。中国现存最古老的活跃窖池可追溯至明朝。

There are five major recognized flavor profiles: sauce (jiang), strong (nong), light (qing), rice, and mixed aromas. Each has its own distinct character, production region, and cultural significance. Far from a monolith, baijiu is as varied as wine, and just as rich with terroir, tradition, and craft.白酒有五大公认香型：酱香、浓香、清香、米香与兼香。每一种都具有独特风格、产区特色和文化意蕴。白酒绝非一成不变，其多样性堪比葡萄酒，同样蕴含丰富的风土、传统与工艺。

AT THE TABLE餐桌之上

More than a toast.不止是一次干杯

In Chinese tradition, sharing baijiu at the table is far more than a toast — it is an expression of trust, gratitude, and connection. From state banquets to family dinners, toasting with baijiu has sealed partnerships and celebrated milestones for generations. Understanding this context is essential for any importer, distributor, or retailer who wants to serve the Chinese-American community, as well as the growing number of Americans who are discovering it for the first time.在中国传统中，共饮白酒远不止于一次干杯——它是信任、感恩与情谊的表达。从国宴到家宴，以白酒相祝已见证了数代人的合作締结与里程碑时刻。对任何希望服务华裔社区，以及越来越多初次接触白酒的美国消费者的进口商、经销商或零售商而言，理解这一文化背景至关重要。

FLAVOR PROFILES香型介绍

Five styles. One tradition.五大香型，同源一脉

Sauce (Jiang) Aroma酱香型

The most prestigious style. Complex, savory, and aged, often described as having notes of soy, dried fruit, and roasted grain. Kweichow Moutai is the most famous example.最为尊贵的香型。层次复杂、鲜醇悠长，常被描述为带有酱油、干果和烘焙谷物的风味。贵州茅台是其中最负盛名的代表。

Key brand:代表品牌： Moutai / 茅台

Strong (Nong) Aroma浓香型

The most widely produced style in China. Rich, sweet, and bold with layers of fruit and spice, typically made in Sichuan Province using centuries-old mud pits.中国产量最大的香型。浓郁、甘甜、醇厚，带有水果和香料的层次感，主要产自四川，使用历史悠久的泥窖酿造。

Key brands:代表品牌：五粮液、泸州老窖、水井坊

Light (Qing) Aroma清香型

Crisp and clean, with a delicate floral character and a mild sweetness. The subtlest of the major styles, often the best entry point for new drinkers.清爽纯净，带有淡雅的花香和温和的甜味。是主要香型中最为细腻的，也常被认为是新饮者的最佳入门选择。

Key brand:代表品牌：牛栏山二锅头

Rice Aroma米香型

The mildest style, made from rice rather than sorghum. Lighter in body with a clean, slightly sweet finish. Popular throughout southern China and among first-time baijiu drinkers.最为柔和的香型，以大米而非高粱为原料。酒体较轻，收口清爽略甜。在中国南方及白酒初饮者中颇受欢迎。

Regional specialty of Guangdong Province.广东省地方特色。

Mixed / Other Aromas兼香型及其他

A growing category of unique regional styles that blend characteristics of multiple profiles. Includes layered, sesame, and medicine aromas — each with its own distinctive identity.一个不断壮大的品类，融合多种香型特征的独特地方风格。包括复合香、芝麻香和药香等——各具鲜明个性。

Emerging category with increasing U.S. interest.新兴品类，在美国市场关注度持续上升。

CNS BAIJIU PORTFOLIOCNS白酒产品组合