A bit of intel on your next date: Stubborn. Strong-willed. Charming.

Her name: Byejoe. A white spirit straight out of China. And it's no coincidence she shares a lot of the traits associated with this year's Chinese zodiac star––the horse. In fact, she just might be the perfect tipple to dabble with during your Chinese New Year celebration.

What's Byejoe?
Well, it's a 'baijiu.' (See what they did there?) Baijiu is an old––we're talking over a millennia, here––white spirit distilled from fermented sorghum. Ringing in anywhere between 80-130 proof, the drink is typically taken neat. And while it's the most consumed spirit worldwide (beating out vodka, gin, rum and tequila combined, if you can believe it), it's just begun to make waves here in the U.S.

What separates Byejoe from the rest of the baijiu market?
Both spirits begin their journey in a very similar way. The traditional methods of locally-harvesting the sorghum and fermenting the grain without the use of electricity are carried out by artisans in China.

The difference here lies in the filtration. After the fermentation, Byejoe exports the spirit to the West where it undergoes a natural filtration process that reduces unwanted congeners (chemicals that contribute to your morning hangover). The result: a smoother, more consistent taste per bottle compared to other baijius.

What exactly am I tasting here?
I'm not going to hold back any punches here––this spirit packs a wallop. That strong-willed trait? Check. Your nose'll detect a bit of grainy earthiness that's highly reminiscent of sake. In fact, the taste is a somewhat similar experience––like a fortified version of the fermented rice drink. The finish is long and smooth with a mineral aftertaste. What's immediately clear is why the preferred method for enjoying baijiu is neat. It's hard to imagine a mixer that can stand up to it and heighten the taste experience. But in the hands of a capable bar hand, anything's possible. It's a bit of an acquired taste, to be sure (that aforementioned stubborn quality? Check.), but a rewardingly intricate one when approached with some patience.

If you're interested in trying your hand at a special cocktail for an upcoming Chinese New Year soiree, give this simple, yet, memorable recipe a spin:

Chinese Martini
3 parts Byejoe
1 part Lychee Juice or Liquer

Mix ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Strain and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with one or two lychees. This can also be served in an old-fashioned glass with ice.