The standards for identifying pure grain liquor (纯粮酒) in China typically include the following key criteria:
1. Ingredients (原料)
100% Grains: Pure grain liquor should only contain natural grains (e.g., sorghum, rice, wheat, corn) with no additives like edible alcohol (食用酒精) or flavor enhancers (香精).2. Production Method (酿造工艺)
Solid-State Fermentation (固态发酵): Authentic pure grain liquor is made through traditional solid-state fermentation, where grains are naturally fermented in pits or containers.No Blending: It should not be blended with non-grain alcohols or synthetic substances.3. National Standards (国家标准)
Check the product label for these mandatory codes:GB/T 10781: Standard for traditional solid-state fermented liquors (e.g., GB/T 10781.1 for strong aroma-type liquor).Avoid codes like GB/T 20821 (liquid fermentation, often using non-grain alcohol) or GB/T 20822 (blended liquor with additives).4. Sensory Evaluation (感官鉴别)
Aroma: Pure grain liquor has a complex, natural aroma that lingers.Mouthfeel: ***ooth, mellow, and slightly sweet aftertaste, without a harsh "alcohol burn."Residue Test: Shake the bottle; pure grain liquor forms dense, slow-fading foam due to higher viscosity.5. Testing Reports (检测报告)
Reputable brands provide third-party lab reports verifying the absence of additives like methanol (甲醇) above safe limits or synthetic flavors.6. Brand Reputation (品牌信誉)
Trust established brands like Moutai (茅台), Wuliangye (五粮液), or Luzhou Laojiao (泸州老窖), which adhere to strict production standards.7. Price (价格)
Authentic pure grain liquor is generally more expensive due to the time-consuming fermentation process (often 1+ years). Excessively cheap options are likely blended.Key Takeaway:
Always verify the GB/T standard code on the label and prioritize brands with transparent ingredient lists and production methods. Pure grain liquor emphasizes natural fermentation and traditional craft***anship.
