Maotai

Maotai (Chinese茅台酒, Pinyin Maotai jiǔ ) is a Chinese liquor, which consists of red millet ( sorghum) and wheat is burned. It is named after the approximately 10,000 inhabitants of the city Renhuai Maotai large village in the mountainous southwest China's Guizhou Province. By Mehrfachbrennung of Maotai reaches a peak value of 70 vol - % alcohol. The only legal producer of Maotai in the People's Republic of China Kweichow Moutai is the company.

History

During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Maotai became the first Chinese spirits, which was produced on a large scale. The annual production volume amounted to 170 tons. 2007 came the sales volume already at 6800 tons.

The Maotai liquor was the first time an international reputation by the gold medal at the Panama -Pacific Exhibition 1915 in San Francisco. Also at the Paris World's Fairs in 1985 and 1986, there were gold medals for the high percentage. Overall, Maotai has received 14 international awards and 20 Chinese since 1949.

Maotai is the only alcoholic beverage of China, which is the official gift of Chinese embassies in other countries. On Chinese state banquets it was also used. In addition to whiskey and cognac Maotai is considered luxury brand drink. In the French press, the Maotai has been referred to as "Chinese national drink ".

The importance as an international commodity rises. Maotai sold currently (2011) over 200 tons in 100 countries worldwide. 2006 corresponded to the value of Maotai exports 5.3 billion yuan, compared with 4.2 billion yuan last year.

In the detective novels of Qiu Xiaolong abroad Chinese writer of this liquor plays a certain role.