Red Star Er Guo Tuo, often known as Chinese vodka, is a sorghum-based baijiu distilled three times and one of the world’s most popular spirits
Red Star Er Guo Tuo, better known as Chinese vodka, has 56% alcohol and is one of the most exotic spirits in existence. Also known as Chinese white liquor and vodka from China. It is a type of baijiu made from sorghum. Red Star is its best-known brand. It is available in several strengths, including 112 proof, with 56% alcohol by volume. The name “second distillation” points to its level of purity, and it takes six months to produce.
"In Chinese, baijiu literally means “white alcohol”, although the word refers more precisely to clear alcohol: one that comes from distillation, not fermentation. The term covers several types of grain spirits made mainly from rice and sorghum, but also from millet or soybeans, depending on the different production areas".
This vodka is one of the most popular in the world. It is remarkably smooth on the palate and pairs wonderfully with all kinds of flavors. Of course, it can also be enjoyed neat, over ice cubes.
It is possible that the new regional Chinatown may end up changing the formula of its traditional rums and adapting them to this new “Red Star” style palate. Don’t be surprised if, in a few months, we see it on the streets of Cúcuta or Uribia as the new national spirit.
The most famous brands are Red Star and Niulanshan, both from Beijing. It is available in several strengths, with the average being 50% alcohol by volume, or 100 proof.
Tasting notes
Red Star is the world’s entry-level baijiu, and it is an acquired taste. It is the Budweiser of baijiu: cheap, everywhere, yet incredibly reliable in quality. The flavor is strong, even though it falls into the ‘light aroma’ category, and it is fairly astringent. 
Steaming is necessary to clean the ingredients, as the grains are usually taken straight from the ground.
It is not overly sweet and also has a chemical edge. It is raw, and the smell of synthetic alcohol tells you immediately: this is poison. But take a sip and you will realise: it is a poison with a consistent and surprisingly delicious character.
Fun fact: Red Star received the first business licence issued by the People’s Republic of China. That is how important baijiu is.
- Color: Pale, washed-out yellow, rather unattractive, like a Polo candidacy for the Bogotá mayor’s office.
- Nose: Opens with a strong note of seaweed and sea salt, with accents of cooked rice and aloe vera. It reminded me of Regina 11’s consulting room or Angelino Garzón’s office.
- Palate: Rough and burning like José Obdulio’s remarks, then it gives way to a festive marine sensation with a mysterious aloe vera finish, very much in the style of Indio Amazónico.
Ingredients: sorghum, walnuts, longans, jujubes, ginseng and sugar. You may also be interested in: