🐼 x🍹Baijiu Cocktail 001: Baijiu Dream 白酒夢
⚠️In order to keep efficiency of content creation, we will publish the article while asking related people to do the proof reading. This article might be revised according to the advice or request from the people mentioned in the article without notice to readers. Thank very much to Luigi and Timo.
In 2022, Hans received a gift from a friend. It was a book of 3000 cocktail recipes. How knowledgable this writer is! 3000 cocktail recipes! However, looking through the whole book, which is called an encyclopaedia, there is NOT a single recipe with Baijiu. This bothers me terribly. Hey, Mr., are you serious?
What is an encyclopaedia?
An encyclopaedia is a comprehensive reference work that contains information on a wide range of subjects or on numerous aspects of a particular field. Encyclopaedias are organized systematically, often in alphabetical order, and are designed to provide summaries of knowledge either general or specialized.
Key characteristics of an encyclopaedia include:
- Broad Coverage: Encyclopaedias cover a vast array of topics, from general knowledge across all fields to specific areas of interest. Some encyclopaedias, like the Encyclopaedia Britannica, aim to summarize all human knowledge, while others, like medical or scientific encyclopaedias, focus on specific disciplines.
- Structured Format: Articles in an encyclopaedia are usually arranged alphabetically by topic, which makes it easy to find information. Each entry provides a concise summary of the subject.
- Authorship and Credibility: Entries are typically written by experts or scholars in the field, ensuring that the information is accurate, reliable, and authoritative.
- Cross-References: Encyclopaedias often include cross-references to related topics, allowing users to easily find additional relevant information.
- Multi-Volume Sets: Traditionally, encyclopaedias were published in multiple volumes, each volume containing a section of the alphabet. With the advent of digital technology, many encyclopaedias are now available online, offering easier access and search capabilities.
- Illustrations and Maps: Many encyclopaedias include illustrations, maps, charts, and diagrams to complement the text and provide visual aids for better understanding.
An Encyclopaedia Closer to the Ideal Range
An Encyclopaedia of cocktail should contain all national spirits! For example, Chinese Baijiu! Oh, what about Grappa from Italy? What about Raki from Turkey? What about Shlijvovitsa from Serbia? And so much more to think of. Ah... The P.A.N.D.A Silk Road from Chengdu, China to Amsterdam Western Europe is 5 countries minimum (10000km, about 120 days cycling) and 23 countries maximum (18000km, about 210 days cycling).
Then, we have not included Africa, Oceania, North America and South America yet. There could be more than 60-100 kinds of spirits, which are distilled from fermented fruit juice or grains, or any other kind of plants with higher percentage of starch.
When Hans was working for Porsche, he learnt from Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of Porsche: Originally: I couldn't find the car I'd been dreaming of. So I decided to build it myself.
I couldn't find the Cocktail Recipe Book I'd been dreaming of. So I decided to make it myself.
—— 🐼 Hans Ngo Wurfbain
CHEMSTERDAM and SilkRoadSpirits
Hans Ngo Wurfbain established the Baijiu umbrella brand named CHEMSTERDAM, a combination of Chengdu and Amsterdam. Hans hails from Chengdu and fell in love with the inclusive and creative spirit of Amsterdam while pursuing his MBA at Nyenrode Business Universiteit. Hans firmly believes that Amsterdam will serve as a crucial gateway for introducing Chinese Baijiu to the Western world.
In April of this year, Hans conducted a professional Baijiu masterclass for the personal members of the Nederlandse Bartenders Club and other spirit vendors, upon the invitation of Timo Janse, the co-founder of Belly of the Beast. Timo, a seasoned industry veteran who has attended numerous masterclasses, praised the session for its authenticity, sincerity, and high level of professionalism. Among the participants was Luigi, a bartender from RAVELLO, Amalfi Coast, Italy, who is the featured creator for this session.
Luigi Cioffi
Luigi met Hans at the Baijiu Master Class. When Luigi shook hand with Hans, he said: I am Luigi, a member of NBC.
Hans replied in an excited tone: Luigi? The green guy in Super Mario? Hahaha, I am Hans.
Hans's initial reaction caught Luigi off guard, perhaps due to cultural differences between East and West. Luigi, staying calm, said, "Yeah, the Luigi. Anyway, I am Luigi. What you talked about today was very interesting. No one has ever talked about baijiu in such a way, and even those who discuss other spirits have never analyzed them in such detail."
Hans responded, "If you know something, you know it; if you don't, you don't. I share what I know, and I am still in the process of learning and conducting in-depth research. I look forward to your guidance in the future."
Luigi appreciated the humility and dedication Hans showed. "Grazie, Hans. Your passion for learning is inspiring. I'm looking forward to more insightful discussions in the future."
Ravello, Amalfi Coast — UNESCO World Heritage Site
(Newly added) After publishing the beta text while asking Luigi and Timo to do the proof reading, Luigi sent a message that he was actually from Ravello, a resort town located 365 meters above the Tyrrhenian Sea along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, with 2500 inhabitants, boasts iconic cliffside gardens. The 13th-century Villa Rufolo, designed in a Moorish style, provides expansive views from its terraced gardens and hosts both indoor and outdoor concerts during the popular summer Ravello Festival. Villa Cimbrone, a medieval-style estate situated on a steep promontory, is also surrounded by renowned gardens.
It is really hard to believe, as long as you are curious about the world, you will find rabbit holes everywhere. Have you ever heard about Ravello? I don't, and apologies for my ignorance; however, I know the unknown people, place and things have something interesting for you to expect. That why I love the informational technology, I could find out what is new to me. Then, I might visit Ravello next time I am in Italy. I have already been missing the Mediterranean Sea for a while. How could it interesting if I show the Baijiu Cocktail recipe to a local bartender?
"This is the Baijiu Cocktail created by Luigi from Ravello in Amsterdam." The different parts of the world has been connected.
Chengdu, Ravello, Amsterdam, what a combination.
Meet Luigi Again
Luigi is the bar manager of Belly of the Beast, a famous cocktail bar in Amsterdam. The bar is connected to another super famous cocktail called Flying Dutchmen.
Flying Dutchmen opened significantly earlier than Belly of the Beast and is a relatively more compact and intimate cocktail bar. Therefore, to ensure that you can experience their signature cocktails upstairs at Flying Dutchmen, it is best to make a reservation in advance.
Belly of the Beast is much more spacious than Flying Dutchmen, with various sections inside, including a main hall and relatively private areas. It is very suitable for spending time with a few friends when you have free time.
Hans participated the Maitai Cocktail Day at Belly of the Beast, when Luigi made a traditional Tiki style of cocktail for participants.
Luigi greeted to Hans, and said: Hey, how are you doing, man? Do you want to try what I've created with Baijiu? Hans was so excited to know this was happening! The 1st Baijiu Cocktail created with his SHUNTUN in Amsterdam!
Hans certainly not hesitated to say: Sure!
It is a magic! Hans tasted it and shouted!
Hans Tasted the Cocktail
The dense foam locks in the aroma of the baijiu, releasing it slowly and creating a refreshing and pleasant experience. The sourness of the Applejack blends with the rich sweetness of the baijiu, balancing out the spiciness. Since I am from Chengdu, Luigi specifically learned that people from Chengdu love spicy food, so he garnished the drink with fine strands of chilli hair.
🐼 Baijiu Cocktail 001: Baijiu Dream
Creator: Luigi Cioffi, from Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Italy (Updated)
Venue: Belly of the Beast, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Recipe:
- Shuntun Baijiu 30ml
- Applejack 30ml
- Mandarin Cordial 30ml
- Lime Juice 20ml
- Mandarin foam
- Garnish with Chilli Hair
- In a Sling Glass
Baijiu Dream is the start of the P.A.N.D.A Cocktail Odyssey.