Handan Congtai Liquor

Handan Congtai Liquor

Handan Congtai Liquor is a protected geographical indication product.

　　During the Warring States period, Handan was the capital of the State of Zhao. The "Congtai" built at that time was an imperial garden where King Wuling of Zhao drank, entertained himself, and enjoyed song and dance performances. Handan Congtai Liquor derives its name from this site and boasts a history of over 2,000 years. Emperors, generals, scholars, and poets who visited Handan throughout the dynasties often enjoyed ascending the platform to admire the ancient scenery, drink wine, and compose poetry. The famous Tang Dynasty poets Li Bai, Du Fu, and Bai Juyi all left timeless verses praising the fine liquors of Handan. Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty once drank and made merry in the "Congtai" temporary palace, spontaneously composing the poem: “Playing polo and gambling, awaiting beauties; ten thousand coins for fine wine, drunken without refusal.”

　　Congtai Liquor is primarily made from high-quality sorghum, a specialty of North China, with rice husks as auxiliary material. It uses medium-temperature koji made from barley or wheat as a saccharifying and fermenting agent. The liquor is fermented at low temperatures in traditional earthen pits and meticulously brewed. Congtai Liquor is a strong-aroma Daqu liquor with an alcohol content of 53 degrees.

　　It is characterized by being colorless and transparent, smooth on the palate, sweet and clean upon swallowing, richly fragrant, and with a long-lasting aftertaste—showcasing the unique qualities of the strong-aroma type.