I'm interested in baijiu, but until I bought a bottle of Moutai Prince yesterday I'd only ever tried Red Star Erguotou. I must say I really like the Red Star, and the price is reasonable. But I wanted to explore something more upmarket. I'll try Flying Fairy Moutai eventually, but Prince is an interesting stop along the way. First taste was unlike anything else I've ever tried, wasn't sure I liked it. Hint of soy sauce, a quite sharp chemical taste a little reminiscent of apple and pear, and an earthy taste that reminded me of the smell of a chook pen! Tried some more just now and I'm definitely beginning to acquire a taste for it. Maybe as a novice best to try with Chinese or similar food? Price per ml is right up there with quality single malt scotch but if you're adventurous try it, but don't expect to fall in love on the first date. Perserverance was rewarded in my case but of course your results may vary!

Look, if you’ve had everything else and you got an open mind, it’s certainly not bad, just a bit different. Earthy (aged in earthen pits), the roughness is aged out of it. If you like Chinese food (especially soy sauce), with which it would be good before and after — it’s complexity could really be compared quite equitably with my favourite spirits (Islay whisky)!