China's wine table culture has a long history, and baijiu, as one of the best, has always been a must-have wine for gatherings and banquets. Sometimes, however, we find that a bottle of baijiu that has a fragrant and mellow taste when it is first opened seems to be no longer as delicious as it was in the first place after a few hours. Why is that?
To understand the chemical composition of liquor.
Baijiu contains numerous volatile compounds, and it is these compounds that give baijiu its unique flavor. However, these volatile substances are not stable and will gradually evaporate over time, resulting in a gradual weakening of the flavor of the wine. Especially after the liquor is opened, the contact area with the air increases, which accelerates the volatilization process. Therefore, after a few hours of sitting, you may find that the taste of the wine becomes relatively thin.
Temperature also affects the taste of baijiu.
The temperature of freshly received baijiu is usually low, and the low temperature helps to preserve the aroma and taste of baijiu. However, as the time is extended, the temperature of the wine gradually rises to room temperature, which also affects our perception of the wine. Higher temperatures may make the palate of the baijiu more pungent and may even bring out some unpleasant flavors.
It is also necessary to take into account the chemical reaction of liquor with air.
In the air, certain components in the liquor may react with oxygen, causing a change in the flavor of the liquor. In particular, some high-grade alcohols and esters are an important part of the flavor of baijiu, but under the action of oxygen, they may gradually decompose, thus affecting the taste of liquor.
I had the pleasure of attending a wine tasting where there was a well-known brand of baijiu that had an unforgettable aroma and taste when it was first opened. However, due to the long tasting session, the loss of flavor was evident after a few hours of sitting, and one couldn't help but sigh that good wine needs to be enjoyed in time.
The quality of baijiu is also an important factor affecting its taste.
High-quality liquor has a more stable body and can maintain a better taste even after a period of time. Therefore, when choosing a liquor, we should not only consider its brand and price, but also pay attention to its quality.
The taste and quality of baijiu may change after it has been left out for a period of time, which is the result of a combination of factors. In order to enjoy the beauty of baijiu to the fullest, we must not only choose the right baijiu, but also pay attention to its preservation and drinking timing. Let's cherish every drop of wine and taste the culture and ingenuity in it.