Huangjiu (Chinese yellow rice wine)

Huangjiu (黄酒, pronounced koshu in Japanese) is a traditional Chinese brewed alcoholic beverage made mainly from grains. It is brewed in particular from rice, wheat, and similar grains, and is fermented using bing qu (餅麹), a type of koji, which gives the drink its distinctive flavor and aroma. Among huangjiu, Shaoxing wine (紹興酒) and laojiu (老酒) are well known in Japan as well. These huangjiu have sweetness, umami, and a deep, rich taste, and they pair well with food, so their use in dining settings is expanding. Because of the variety of its production methods and flavors, huangjiu is regarded as one of the important alcoholic beverages representing Chinese culture.