Distributor Hi-Spirits has launched Chinese baijiu brand Ming River in the UK to attract a “new audience of cocktail lovers”.
Ming River Baijiu is made from sorghum grains that have fermented for three to four months. The mash is distilled at the oldest distillery in China using pot stills and is then rested for at least two years.
Bottled at 45% ABV, Ming River is recommended served neat or as the base for a wide range of cocktails. It is described as having flavours of pineapple, papaya, guava and spicy pink peppercorn with an earthy finish.
Derek Sandhaus, baijiu expert and Ming River co-founder, said: “The UK has one of the most dynamic and exciting food and beverage scenes in the world, and expanding into its market has long been a priority for the Ming River team.
“In many respects, the nation is ahead of the curve when it comes to baijiu – many of London’s bars and restaurants, for example, were experimenting with it years before most of their global peers.
“With Ming River and Hi-Spirits actively promoting baijiu education in the UK, we believe our team can establish a lasting place for Chinese spirits in the country’s culinary landscape.”
Distributor Hi-Spirits will focus on “demystifying the baijiu category” in the UK through demonstrations of the spirit’s versatility.
Ming River will be distributed across the UK by Hi-Spirits and is priced at RRP £32 (US$41).