Guotai Spirits Enters U.S. Market with a Modern Twist on Baijiu

Guotai International, LLC, one of the world's largest baijiu brewing enterprises, will showcase its portfolio during the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America 73rd Annual Convention and Expo in Las Vegas, April 18 - 21. Guotai, one of the only baijius in the U.S. market that's manufacturer direct, will be exhibiting at Booth 309, in Octavius Exhibit Hall at Caesars Palace.

As China's national spirit, baijiu (pronounced bye, joo) is a clear liquor made primarily from sorghum and wheat. It's the world's best-selling liquor with an estimated 10 to 17 billion liters being consumed annually. In the U.S., baijiu is a welcome change for cocktail connoisseurs who are looking for something beyond another flavored spirit.

For more than 5,000 years, China has been making baijiu; it is the staple of every celebration in the East and the intricacies of the bottle make it a very common gift. According to Guotai's Executive Vice President Shirley Chai, Guotai is putting a westernized, modern spin on this ancient tradition by offering a vast portfolio of baijiu that pairs well with Asian-fusion cuisine and can also be used as cocktail mixers.

"Guotai baijiu upholds tradition and can be drunk neat like in the east; however, in order for Guotai to appeal to western palates, we created a portfolio that consists of a variety of products, such as a "lite" version that is 18 percent alcohol, as well as numerous high-content products that go up to 43 percent alcohol," said Chai.

During WSWA, cocktails inspired by world-renowned Michelin three-star mixologist Brian Van Flandern will be served at the Guotai booth. Attendees will be able to experience the following libations at the booth:

• Dragon Cool Cocktail
• Guotai Legend
• Guotai Premium Lite

Additionally, during WSWA, Guotai will participate in two competitions and will hold multiple drawings at their booth to give show goers a chance to win more than $1,500 in casino chips:

• Spirit Tasting Competition on April 19 starting at 10:30 a.m.
• Cocktails Mixology Competition on April 20 at 10 a.m.: The Guotai mixologist will create the Dragon Cool, a refreshing cocktail made with the signature Guotai Legend, fresh pineapple, simple syrup, club soda and a rosemary sprig garnish.
• At 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on both April 19 and 20, Guotai will raffle off casino chips to those who register at the booth. With the grand prize drawing of $1,000 dollars' worth of chips to be held at the 3 p.m. drawing on Wednesday. Attendees can increase their chances of winning by using #GuotaiToWin on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram platforms during the conference.

Currently, restaurants and bars in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland carry Guotai. In the coming months, Guotai will be available in liquor stores in the following states: California, Washington, D.C., Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Virginia.

For more information about Guotai, visit GuotaiSpirits.com.

About Guotai
Guotai is one of the largest baijiu brewing enterprises with operations in China, Japan, Singapore and North America. Guotai blends the gathered wisdom and traditions of an over 200-year-old distillery with the best of modern science - featuring responsibly farmed and sourced red sorghum and wheat. Guotai International, LLC, is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. More information can be found at GuotaiSpirits.com.