SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - 5 February 2021 - a Sydney-based start-up, Good Spirit Co., has put an Australian spin on the world's ancient spirit, Baijiu.
Just in time for the upcoming Lunar New Year 2021 celebrations, Good Spirits Co. team proudly announces the launch of an Australian-made baijiu. Baijiu, pronounced "bye-gio", is the national drink of China over 500 years old, consumed on special occasions and holidays. It is the largest spirit category in the world, by volume - yet, in non-Asian countries, it is little known.
The founders of Australian Baijiu, Varvara Kuraeva and Artem Zubenko, launched their baijiu in Sydney after nearly two years of product development and searching for a distillery. A Victorian distiller has made their vision come true crafting a baijiu with a distinctive Australian personality.
Focus groups were conducted to gain consumer perspective on various baijiu flavours - one of the flavours received more thumbs up and this is what is now being produced and sold in Australia. Good Spirits Co. Australian Baijiu is made using locally grown ingredients: sorghum as the main grain, wheat and barley in smaller quantities.
"We have put an Australian spin on the world's most popular drink", says Varvara Kuraeva. "Our baijiu sits between the traditional style and something that might also appeal to Australian and global market. We specifically worked on achieving a smooth flavour with clean, natural and citrusy aromas and a dash of soft sweetness that leaves a smooth lingering aftertaste".
"At a time when consumers are thinking more about what goes into making a product than ever before, we are proud to say that the whole production and packaging process of our baijiu takes place in Australia," says Artem Zubenko. Being avid supporters of local businesses, the Good Spirits Co team sources labels, bottles, screw caps, boxes, marketing materials and other creative elements that go into making their baijiu from local companies and family businesses.
How to drink baijiu? Baijiu is a highly versatile spirit and traditionally savoured neat at room temperature in a small cup or shot-sized glass accompanying food. It is also perfect for mixing in citrusy and tropical cocktails.
Varvara and Artem's cocktail recommendation:
GOLDEN KOALA
Add ice cubes in a tall glass
Combine 45ml Good Spirits Co. Australian Baijiu and 140ml freshly squeezed pineapple juice
Add 3 mint wheels
Garnish with a pineapple slice and mint leaves. Chin-chin!
Good Spirits Co. Australian Baijiu is available for purchase via Dan Murphy's online store priced at RRP of $99 for a 500ml (53% ABV).
