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Spirit Guides

Distinctive Drinking Traditions

Understand aquavit, baijiu, pulque and other families in context.

3 min read

01

Aquavit and baijiu

Aquavit is associated with Scandinavian traditions and caraway or dill profiles, not simply gin under another name. Baijiu encompasses Chinese grain spirits with several aroma classes, often involving qu starters. One strength or flavor cannot describe the entire family.

02

Pulque and chicha

Pulque ferments agave sap rather than being distilled like mezcal. Chicha describes varied Latin American fermented traditions using maize or other materials. Methods and strengths differ by region.

03

Pechuga and mamajuana

Some pechuga mezcals use fruit, spices and animal ingredients during redistillation; verify producer information for vegan or allergen restrictions. Dominican mamajuana involves variable botanical preparations with ingredients such as rum, wine and honey. Do not present medicinal or aphrodisiac claims as established benefits or improvise with unknown plants.