Baijiu, a clear distilled spirit that has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries, has gained global recognition in recent years for its unique flavor profile, rich history, and the exquisite craftsmanship involved in its production.
As the world’s most consumed spirit by volume, baijiu has also captured the attention of collectors and connoisseurs, with some rare and exceptional bottles commanding staggering prices. In this article, we will explore the top 12 most expensive baijiu in the world, delving into the factors that contribute to their extraordinary value and the stories behind these legendary spirits.
Kweichow Moutai “Sun Flower” – $1.5 million
The most expensive baijiu in the world, Kweichow Moutai “Sun Flower,” is a limited edition masterpiece that was released in 2013 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Kweichow Moutai Company. This ultra-rare baijiu, of which only one bottle was produced, is housed in a gold-plated, sunflower-shaped sculpture adorned with 1,341 diamonds, totaling 11.86 carats. The baijiu itself is a blend of the finest Moutai vintages, aged for over 100 years, resulting in an incomparably smooth and complex flavor profile.
The Kweichow Moutai “Sun Flower” was sold at auction in 2013 for an astonishing $1.5 million, making it the most expensive bottle of baijiu ever sold. This one-of-a-kind creation is not only a testament to the skill and artistry of Moutai’s master distillers but also a symbol of the growing global appreciation for the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Chinese baijiu.
1935 Lay Mau – $330,000
The 1935 Lay Mau is a legendary baijiu that was produced in the city of Yuanjiang, Hunan Province, during the early years of the Republic of China. This exceptionally rare spirit, known for its complex aroma and smooth, mellow taste, was distilled using traditional methods and aged for over 80 years in ceramic jars. The 1935 Lay Mau is highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs for its historical significance and unparalleled quality.
In 2018, a single bottle of 1935 Lay Mau sold at auction for $330,000, setting a new record for the most expensive bottle of Lay Mau ever sold. The scarcity of this vintage, combined with its age and the fact that it was produced during a turbulent period in Chinese history, contributes to its extraordinary value and desirability among baijiu enthusiasts.
Kweichow Moutai “Warrior” – $216,000
The Kweichow Moutai “Warrior” is a limited edition baijiu released in 2011 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. This exquisite spirit, housed in a hand-crafted, 1.5-meter-tall porcelain sculpture of an ancient Chinese warrior, is a blend of the finest Moutai vintages, aged for over 80 years. The intricate sculpture, which took over three years to create, features more than 10,000 individual components and is adorned with 24-karat gold and precious gems.
In 2011, a single bottle of Kweichow Moutai “Warrior” sold at auction for $216,000, making it one of the most expensive baijiu ever sold. The combination of the aged, high-quality spirit and the stunning, one-of-a-kind sculpture makes the Kweichow Moutai “Warrior” a true masterpiece of Chinese craftsmanship and a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Wuliangye “Bojing” – $135,000
Wuliangye “Bojing” is a ultra-premium baijiu produced by the renowned Wuliangye Yibin Company, one of the oldest and most respected baijiu distilleries in China. This exceptional spirit, which takes its name from the Chinese word for “amber,” is a blend of the finest Wuliangye vintages, aged for over 50 years in ceramic jars. The Wuliangye “Bojing” is known for its rich, complex aroma and smooth, mellow taste, with notes of tropical fruits, herbs, and a subtle sweetness.
In 2017, a single bottle of Wuliangye “Bojing” sold at auction for $135,000, setting a new record for the most expensive bottle of Wuliangye ever sold. The baijiu’s rarity, age, and exceptional quality, combined with Wuliangye’s reputation as one of China’s most prestigious distilleries, contribute to its extraordinary value and desirability among collectors and connoisseurs.
Luzhou Laojiao “Red Star Lantern” – $102,000
Luzhou Laojiao “Red Star Lantern” is a limited edition baijiu produced by the Luzhou Laojiao Company, one of China’s oldest and most respected baijiu distilleries. This exquisite spirit, housed in a hand-crafted, red glass lantern adorned with 24-karat gold and precious gems, is a blend of the finest Luzhou Laojiao vintages, aged for over 60 years. The Luzhou Laojiao “Red Star Lantern” is known for its rich, complex aroma and smooth, mellow taste, with notes of tropical fruits, spices, and a subtle smokiness.
In 2018, a single bottle of Luzhou Laojiao “Red Star Lantern” sold at auction for $102,000, making it one of the most expensive baijiu ever sold. The combination of the aged, high-quality spirit and the stunning, hand-crafted lantern makes the Luzhou Laojiao “Red Star Lantern” a true masterpiece of Chinese craftsmanship and a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Xifeng “Jade Dragon” – $89,000
Xifeng “Jade Dragon” is a ultra-premium baijiu produced by the renowned Xifeng Liquor Company, one of China’s oldest and most respected baijiu distilleries. This exceptional spirit, which takes its name from the Chinese word for jade, is a blend of the finest Xifeng vintages, aged for over 40 years in ceramic jars. The Xifeng “Jade Dragon” is known for its rich, complex aroma and smooth, mellow taste, with notes of tropical fruits, herbs, and a subtle smokiness.
In 2019, a single bottle of Xifeng “Jade Dragon” sold at auction for $89,000, setting a new record for the most expensive bottle of Xifeng ever sold. The baijiu’s rarity, age, and exceptional quality, combined with Xifeng’s reputation as one of China’s most prestigious distilleries, contribute to its extraordinary value and desirability among collectors and connoisseurs.
Shui Jing Fang “Longevity” – $75,000
Shui Jing Fang “Longevity” is a limited edition baijiu produced by the Shui Jing Fang Company, one of China’s oldest and most respected baijiu distilleries. This exquisite spirit, housed in a hand-crafted, porcelain sculpture of a traditional Chinese longevity symbol, is a blend of the finest Shui Jing Fang vintages, aged for over 50 years. The Shui Jing Fang “Longevity” is known for its rich, complex aroma and smooth, mellow taste, with notes of tropical fruits, spices, and a subtle sweetness.
In 2016, a single bottle of Shui Jing Fang “Longevity” sold at auction for $75,000, making it one of the most expensive baijiu ever sold. The combination of the aged, high-quality spirit and the stunning, hand-crafted sculpture makes the Shui Jing Fang “Longevity” a true masterpiece of Chinese craftsmanship and a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Gujing Tribute “Silk Road” – $62,000
Gujing Tribute “Silk Road” is a ultra-premium baijiu produced by the renowned Gujing Distillery, one of China’s oldest and most respected baijiu producers. This exceptional spirit, which takes its name from the ancient trade route that connected China to the West, is a blend of the finest Gujing vintages, aged for over 30 years in ceramic jars. The Gujing Tribute “Silk Road” is known for its rich, complex aroma and smooth, mellow taste, with notes of tropical fruits, herbs, and a subtle nuttiness.
In 2018, a single bottle of Gujing Tribute “Silk Road” sold at auction for $62,000, setting a new record for the most expensive bottle of Gujing ever sold. The baijiu’s rarity, age, and exceptional quality, combined with Gujing’s reputation as one of China’s most prestigious distilleries, contribute to its extraordinary value and desirability among collectors and connoisseurs.
Langjiu “Golden Phoenix” – $52,000
Langjiu “Golden Phoenix” is a limited edition baijiu produced by the Langjiu Group, one of China’s largest and most respected baijiu distilleries. This exquisite spirit, housed in a hand-crafted, gold-plated sculpture of a phoenix, is a blend of the finest Langjiu vintages, aged for over 40 years. The Langjiu “Golden Phoenix” is known for its rich, complex aroma and smooth, mellow taste, with notes of tropical fruits, spices, and a subtle smokiness.
In 2017, a single bottle of Langjiu “Golden Phoenix” sold at auction for $52,000, making it one of the most expensive baijiu ever sold. The combination of the aged, high-quality spirit and the stunning, hand-crafted sculpture makes the Langjiu “Golden Phoenix” a true masterpiece of Chinese craftsmanship and a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Jiannanchun “Dragon and Phoenix” – $45,000
Jiannanchun “Dragon and Phoenix” is a ultra-premium baijiu produced by the renowned Jiannanchun Group, one of China’s oldest and most respected baijiu distilleries. This exceptional spirit, which takes its name from the Chinese symbols of the dragon and phoenix, is a blend of the finest Jiannanchun vintages, aged for over 30 years in ceramic jars. The Jiannanchun “Dragon and Phoenix” is known for its rich, complex aroma and smooth, mellow taste, with notes of tropical fruits, herbs, and a subtle sweetness.
In 2019, a single bottle of Jiannanchun “Dragon and Phoenix” sold at auction for $45,000, setting a new record for the most expensive bottle of Jiannanchun ever sold. The baijiu’s rarity, age, and exceptional quality, combined with Jiannanchun’s reputation as one of China’s most prestigious distilleries, contribute to its extraordinary value and desirability among collectors and connoisseurs.
Yanghe “Blue and White Porcelain” – $38,000
Yanghe “Blue and White Porcelain” is a limited edition baijiu produced by the Yanghe Distillery, one of China’s largest and most respected baijiu producers. This exquisite spirit, housed in a hand-crafted, blue and white porcelain bottle adorned with traditional Chinese designs, is a blend of the finest Yanghe vintages, aged for over 20 years. The Yanghe “Blue and White Porcelain” is known for its rich, complex aroma and smooth, mellow taste, with notes of tropical fruits, spices, and a subtle nuttiness.
In 2015, a single bottle of Yanghe “Blue and White Porcelain” sold at auction for $38,000, making it one of the most expensive baijiu ever sold. The combination of the aged, high-quality spirit and the stunning, hand-crafted porcelain bottle makes the Yanghe “Blue and White Porcelain” a true masterpiece of Chinese craftsmanship and a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Xinghuacun Fenjiu “Jade Dragon Head” – $32,000
Xinghuacun Fenjiu “Jade Dragon Head” is a ultra-premium baijiu produced by the renowned Xinghuacun Distillery, one of China’s oldest and most respected baijiu producers. This exceptional spirit, which takes its name from the Chinese symbol of the jade dragon, is a blend of the finest Fenjiu vintages, aged for over 25 years in ceramic jars. The Xinghuacun Fenjiu “Jade Dragon Head” is known for its rich, complex aroma and smooth, mellow taste, with notes of tropical fruits, herbs, and a subtle smokiness.
In 2017, a single bottle of Xinghuacun Fenjiu “Jade Dragon Head” sold at auction for $32,000, setting a new record for the most expensive bottle of Fenjiu ever sold. The baijiu’s rarity, age, and exceptional quality, combined with Xinghuacun’s reputation as one of China’s most prestigious distilleries, contribute to its extraordinary value and desirability among collectors and connoisseurs.
Conclusion
The world of high-end baijiu is a fascinating realm where tradition, craftsmanship, and rarity converge to create some of the most sought-after and expensive spirits on the planet. From the record-breaking Kweichow Moutai “Sun Flower” to the exquisite Xinghuacun Fenjiu “Jade Dragon Head,” these top 12 most expensive baijiu represent the pinnacle of Chinese distilling artistry and the growing global appreciation for this unique and complex spirit.
The astronomical prices commanded by these rare and exceptional baijiu are a testament to the skill and dedication of the master distillers who craft them, as well as the rich cultural heritage and history that they embody. For collectors and connoisseurs, owning one of these coveted bottles is not only a mark of prestige but also a way to connect with the ancient traditions and flavors of China.
As the global market for baijiu continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that we will see even more rare and expensive expressions emerge, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of flavor, aging, and presentation. However, the top 12 most expensive baijiu featured in this article will undoubtedly remain benchmarks of excellence and desirability, standing as enduring symbols of the art and science of Chinese distilling.