Core Products
| Product | ABV | Volume | MSRP (CNY) | Flagship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guomi Dongjiu (National Secret) 国密董酒 | 54% | 500ml | ¥398 | ★ |
| Zhencang Dongjiu (Collection) 珍藏董酒 | 54% | 500ml | ¥688 |
Guomi Dongjiu (National Secret): Flagship. 'National Secret' — the recipe and production process were classified as state secrets in 1983. The definitive herbal-aroma baijiu. Over 130 herbs and botanicals in the qu.
Zhencang Dongjiu (Collection): Premium aged variant. Longer aging, more integration of the herbal notes.
Production Method
Raw Materials
sorghum, wheat, rice, 130+ herbs and botanicals (classified)
Qu Type
Herbal daqu (药曲) — the defining technique. Over 130 herbs and botanicals incorporated into both the small and large qu. The exact recipe is a state secret.
Fermentation
Double-qu, double-fermentation process (双曲双窖): both small qu (小曲) and large qu (大曲) are used in sequence, fermented in separate pits.
Distillation
Traditional pot still.
Aging
Minimum 3 years in ceramic jars.
- 130+ herb daqu (百草曲) — state secret recipe
- Double-qu double-fermentation (双曲双窖工艺)
- Classified national secret production method since 1983
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Clear, bright. Medium body.
Nose
Completely unique — unlike any other baijiu. The 130+ herbs in the qu create a medicinal-aromatic profile: angelica root, licorice, clove, sandalwood, and a distinct Chinese medicine shop character. Behind the herbs: fermented grain, dried fruit, and a faint floral lift. It's complex and polarizing — some people smell medicine, others smell treasure.
Palate
Full body. Sweet and herbal simultaneously — the medicinal notes are present but balanced by grain sweetness. Warming, complex, with layers of spice and botanical character. 54% ABV brings substantial heat.
Finish
Long, warming, herbal. The botanical character lingers pleasantly.
Food Pairings
Guizhou
Sour fish soup, Smoked meats, Spicy chicken
The herbal profile complements Guizhou's sour-spicy cuisine.
Comparable Spirits
- Chartreuse (Green VEP) — 130+ herbs, complex botanical profile, medicinal character. The closest Western spirit to Dongjiu.
Buying Guide
Where to buy (global): Very limited. Specialty Chinese liquor importers.
Where to buy (China): Official Dongjiu stores on Tmall/JD. Less widely distributed than major brands.
What to look for: Anti-counterfeit QR code. Guomi label.
Value picks: Guomi Dongjiu (国密董酒) — the definitive experience
Splurge picks: Zhencang Dongjiu (珍藏董酒) — longer aged
For Beginners
Dongjiu is NOT for beginners. It's the most polarizing baijiu in China. The herbal-medicinal profile is strong and unusual. If you enjoy amaro, fernet, or Chartreuse, you'll likely connect. If those sound awful, approach with caution.
Background
Dongjiu's recipe traces to the early 20th century in Zunyi, Guizhou, combining traditional baijiu fermentation with Chinese herbal medicine. In 1983, the recipe and production process were classified as Chinese state secrets (国家机密) — one of only a handful of consumer products to receive this designation. The 'Dong' aroma type was formally recognized as the 10th official Chinese baijiu aroma category.
FAQ
Is the recipe really a state secret?
Yes. In 1983, the State Science and Technology Commission and the State Economic Commission classified Dongjiu's recipe and production process as state secrets. This is genuine — the exact herb list and proportions are not publicly available.