Moutai – China s communist spirit | DW Documentary

Moutai is a sharp-tasting liquor from the town of the same name in southern China. It s also the world s most valuable alcohol brand, thanks to its popularity among the Communist Party elite and its use as a lubricant for business deals and favors. Anti-corruption campaigns have dragged down Kweichow Moutai s value, but right now the company is enjoying a strong upswing. It is by some distance the world’s number one alcohol producer, ahead of Johnny Walker. It isn’t cheap for customers either: the most expensive bottles of Moutai can cost thousands of euros. But the distillery produces liquor under the protected Moutai name in places other than the town of Maotai itself, a clear violation of the rules. The company needn’t fear any consequences, because it’s the favorite brand of China s Communist Party, which is currently celebrating its 100th anniversary. And also because the drink has long played a major role in the Party s eventful history, as Mathias Bölinger shows. __ DW Documentary gives you knowledge beyond the headlines. Watch top documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies. Meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, get a look behind the complexities of daily life and build a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events. Subscribe and explore the world around you with DW Documentary. Subscribe to: DW Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW39zufHfsuGgpLviKh297Q?sub_confirmation=1# DW Documental (Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocumental DW Documentary (Arabic): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocarabia For more visit: http://www.dw.com/en/tv/docfilm/s-3610 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwdocumentary/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dw.stories We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G