Gaocheng Palace Wine

Gaocheng Palace Wine

　　“Stepping upon this blessed land, I feast in delight; With valiant men by my side, our Han cause takes flight. This fine wine fuels my quest, my vows fulfilled at last; May Heaven above bear witness to what will forever last.” These were the words of praise left by Emperor Guangwu of Han (Liu Xiu) in the second year of the Gengshi era (24 AD) after conquering Wang Mang’s forces and passing through Gaocheng, where he savored the local famed liquor “Nongxiang Li.” Later, when Liu Xiu ascended the throne, “Nongxiang Li” was designated as an imperial court wine, and thus the name “Palace Wine” came into being.    

　　Gaocheng Nongxiang Liquor has its origins in the Shang Dynasty, flourished in the Zhou, and by the Han Dynasty had become a prized beverage for banquets, maintaining its popularity for 2,000 years. In the early 1970s, technicians at the Gaocheng County Winery refined traditional brewing techniques with advanced methods to create modern “Nongxiang Liquor,” which was awarded the title of Hebei Provincial Quality Product. Later, “Jingyi Nongxiang” and “Special Nongxiang” were developed, winning gold awards at both the provincial and national levels. In the early 1990s, by combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, “Palace Wine” was created, bringing this historic and cultural liquor back to life. “Palace Wine” is made from premium red grains, with wheat koji as the saccharifying and fermenting agent. It undergoes clear steaming and clear firing, fermentation in mud pits, quality-based liquor selection, graded storage, and scientific blending via computer technology. This results in a unique flavor that is “crystal clear, sweet and fragrant, mellow and clean, with a long and lingering aftertaste.” It is believed to have health benefits such as relaxing muscles and improving circulation, stimulating appetite, promoting lightness and longevity, and contributing to extended life. (Gaocheng)