ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Er guo tou

Er guo tou is a type of Chinese alcohol that is made from sorghum grains. It is sometimes called "Chinese white liquor" because it is a clear, colorless liquid.

To make er guo tou, the sorghum is first ground into flour and mixed with water to make a mash. Then, yeast is added to the mash to start fermentation.

Fermentation is when tiny little bugs called yeast eat the sugars in the mash and turn it into alcohol. This process takes about a week, and during that time, the mixture starts to bubble and fizz as the yeast does its work.

After the fermentation process is complete, the mixture is distilled. Distillation is when the liquid is heated up and the alcohol is separated from the water and other things in the mixture. This makes the alcohol stronger and more concentrated.

Er guo tou is usually about 50 percent alcohol, which is more than most beers, wines, or other liquors. Because it is so strong, it is often served in small glasses and sipped slowly.

Some people say that er guo tou has a strong taste and smell, similar to vodka or gin. It is often served at banquets and important events in China.

So, er guo tou is a strong, clear alcohol made in China from sorghum grains, which goes through a process called fermentation and then distillation to create a concentrated alcohol. It is usually served in small glasses and has a distinct taste and smell.
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