A Systematic Review on Chinese Baijiu Aging Process in Cellular Built Environment: States, Challenges, and Directions.

Abstract

The aging of Chinese Baijiu is a critical determinant of both product quality and production efficiency, yet the role of cellar microenvironments in shaping this process remains insufficiently understood. In particular, the interactions among thermal conditions, humidity, and volatile compounds released from Baijiu have been largely overlooked, leaving gaps in understanding the mechanisms that govern aging dynamics. This study synthesizes current research on Baijiu aging environments, encompassing environmental factors, regulatory strategies, and dynamic monitoring techniques, and introduces the concept of a "Gas-Thermal-Humidity" microenvironment. This framework emphasizes the coupled effects of volatile compounds and ambient conditions, offering a comprehensive perspective on microenvironment formation. Empirical observations reveal substantial spatial and temporal variability in underground cellar temperatures, while the reciprocal impact of volatiles on the surrounding environment remains insufficiently studied. To address these gaps, a multi-faceted research framework is proposed, including dynamic measurement of key cellar parameters, statistical analysis to identify spatiotemporal patterns, development of a coupled gas-thermal-humidity multi-physical field model with numerical solutions, and construction of a multi-scale, multi-parameter evaluation method for cellar microenvironments. By integrating engineering thermophysical approaches such as computational fluid dynamics, thermal and humidity analysis, and multi-field coupling, this study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of Baijiu aging, along with practical strategies for optimizing production, thereby contributing both theoretical advances and applied value to the field.