Shanzhuang Laojiu

Shanzhuang Laojiu

Shanzhuang Laojiu is a protected geographical indication product.

　　　Shanzhuang Laojiu originates from Pingquan, located in the northeastern part of Hebei Province at the southern edge of the Yanshan Mountains. With its picturesque landscapes and pleasant climate, the area has been a natural hub for winemaking since ancient times.

　　　　Shanzhuang Laojiu is primarily made from sorghum, blended with high-quality wheat, barley, and peas. Its brewing technique begins with the cultivation of medium to high-temperature koji, followed by the combined use of medium to high-temperature daqu along with continuous spent grains (or lees) for ingredients, clear steaming with mixed firing, fermentation, slow fire distillation, head and tail cutting, mid-temperature wine collection, and segmented wine extraction. Finally, the essence is drawn, sealed in clay jars, and stored at suitable temperatures for a minimum of four years.

　　　　The emergence and development of Shanzhuang Laojiu brewing techniques have gone through several historical phases: inception and formation during the early Qing Dynasty, maturation and prosperity from the Kangxi-Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty to the late Qing period, decline and dormancy from the Republican era to the early years of the People’s Republic, rebirth and transition in the early years of the People’s Republic, rescue and revival from the 1950s to the 1990s, and promotion and revitalization from the late 1990s to the present. Since the late 1990s, Shanzhuang Laojiu brewing techniques have seen new progress. In 1999, Shanzhuang Laojiu became a well-known product of Hebei Province, and the “Shanzhuang” trademark was recognized as a famous trademark in the province. In 2005, Shanzhuang Laojiu was certified as a Chinese Geographical Indication Product (originally known as a Protected Designation of Origin Product), and in 2006, the Shanzhuang trademark was designated as a “China Well-Known Trademark.”

　　　　The brewing technique of Shanzhuang Laojiu represents an outstanding traditional handicraft of the Chinese nation and a surviving relic of ancient winemaking methods. It holds profound historical significance for the study of the origin, development, and heritage of baijiu in northern China and the country as a whole. Moreover, having flourished during the Kangxi-Qianlong era, it plays a vital role in the evolution of Chinese drinking culture and broader social culture, making it culturally invaluable. The unique quality of Shanzhuang Laojiu has earned it wide consumer acclaim, and in-depth research into its brewing techniques and the trace components within the liquor also holds significant scientific value.