🥃 Erguotou Red Star

Erguotou Red Star is a light-aroma baijiu from Beijing, produced by Beijing Hongxing, whose name translates as 'Red Star'. According to the Oxford Companion, the company was formed in April 1949 by merging about a dozen private distilleries. The spirit is made from sorghum in the erguotou style, the most common style in Beijing.

History. According to the Oxford Companion, the erguotou style emerged in the late 1600s, developed by the Zhao brothers who ran the grain store Yuan Shen Hao. The name refers to the second phase of distillation, the 'second head of the pot'. Hongxing became the best-known brand of this style. The same source dates the company to April 1949 and says it now produces about 30,000 bottles an hour.

How it's made. According to the Oxford Companion, the sorghum mash ferments in stone pits and vats with a daqu starter made from wheat bran. Baijiu of this type belongs to the light-aroma category (qingxiang), and the national standard GB/T 10781.2-2022 sets its requirements; it has been in force since 1 February 2023.

Range. Hongxing makes several erguotou versions with different strengths and ages. Check the label for exact figures, because the sources do not agree on them, so we do not list a precise range.

Why it matters to you. Erguotou is a style made by several producers, and Red Star is only the best-known brand. Baijiu often exceeds 40% ABV, so read the figure on the bottle. The name Hongxing also appears in Chinese characters on labels, so check the Latin name and the producer. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.