Let’s be honest: baijiu often faces a reputation for intensity – it’s an acquired taste, to say the least. But what if we told you there’s a fresh, surprisingly mixable way into this Chinese spirit? Enter Baijiu Society: a passionate collective founded by friends Craig Butler and Bobby Tse, now launching their take on baijiu in Hong Kong.
Born from a 25-year friendship forged over shared bottles throughout China, Baijiu Society isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. ‘Chinese baijiu is our inspiration,’ explains co-founder Craig Butler. ‘We’re not here to reinvent what’s already perfect. Our goal is simply to share our love for it.’ And share they do – the collection bridges deep tradition with the modern cocktail scene.
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So, What Makes This Baijiu Different?
Baijiu Society starts with a classic sorghum, wheat, and barley base, then enriches it with natural fruit extracts. The outcome: six unique blends – plus a coffee liqueur – each bottled at a versatile 40% ABV. Designed to be sipped neat, enjoyed on the rocks, or crucially, shaken into stunning cocktails. This is baijiu reinterpreted for the global bar cart: rooted in heritage yet fluent in a modern flavour dialect.
The Collection: Your Gateway To Modern Baijiu
Each blend is crafted with a distinct personality and purpose, excelling in both classic and contemporary serves:
Blend No. 01 Society: A warming dance of star anise, clove, and orange oil. Its signature serve? The B&T (Baijiu & Tonic) – a game-changer for gin lovers seeking deeper aromatics. Simply combine over ice with tonic and an orange slice for perfection.
Blend No. 02 Life: A floral burst of peach, kissed by pear and lychee. Best served ice-cold as a shot, or starring in a refreshing Peach Passion Martini.
Blend No. 03 Love: Cherry-forward notes glide into subtle pear and almond. This pink spirit is the ideal base for a Hong Kong Sling, adding complex fruitiness.
Blend No. 04 Prosperity: Zesty yuzu and bitter orange create a crisp profile. Swap it into your Negroni or craft a sparkling Yuzu Spritz.
Blend No. 05 Unity: A fusion of lychee and pear, finishing luxuriously smooth and sweet. Designed for elegant cocktails, it shines in a Lychee Martini (vodka, Vermouth Bianco, and plum sake).
Joju Dark Coffee Liqueur: Where intense, dark-roasted coffee meets premium baijiu, layered with hints of pear and anise. Shake into a Baijiu Espresso Martini or savour its rich depth neat over ice.
Beyond The Bottle: A Global Community Spirit
Baijiu Society transcends spirits – it’s a collective of over 70 baijiu lovers, distillers, and friends spanning China, the UK, and beyond. At its heart lies cultural connection: forged through shared experiences and driven to make baijiu’s complex heritage approachable to all – from seasoned connoisseurs to the simply curious.
Should You Give It A Try?
If traditional baijiu has ever felt intimidating, consider this your invitation. Baijiu Society honours the spirit’s distinctive character and aromatic depth while presenting it through layered, fruit-forward profiles that shine brilliantly in mixed drinks. Here, fruit extracts enhance – never overpower – adding approachable new dimensions without cloying sweetness. Discover why this spirit has captivated China for centuries – now adapted for modern palates and bars.
Catherine Pun
A Hong Kong native with Filipino-Chinese roots, Catherine infuses every part of her life with zest, whether she’s belting out karaoke tunes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her downtime often includes unwinding with Netflix and indulging in a 10-step skincare routine. As the Editorial Director of Friday Club., Catherine brings her wealth of experience from major publishing houses, where she refined her craft and even authored a book. Her sharp editorial insight makes her a dynamic force, always on the lookout for the next compelling narrative.
