Corn liquor

Corn liquor

　　Corn liquor

　　The Baoguonao Township corn liquor is a well-known time-honored brand among Qiaojia’s alcoholic beverages. Visitors arriving in Baoguonao Township can stop by roadside eateries right after getting off the bus to enjoy a few sips. Even those in neighboring counties such as Ludian and Huize can also sample this corn liquor. In the county town, shops that specialize in selling Baoguonao corn liquor hang prominent triangular flags with the eye-catching words “Baoguonao Township Corn Liquor,” which are especially noticeable, attracting crowds of drinkers eager to get in.

　　Baoguonao liquor originated in the mid-Qing Dynasty, in Xiaojiufang Village, Yenmaogou, Baoguonao Township. Initially, it was privately brewed by an outsider for personal consumption. The ingredients were sourced from the locally abundant small yellow corn, mixed with mountain spring water, and the brewing process was relatively simple. During the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, the “Luoma Silver Mine” in Ludian County was at its peak, with silver being transported all the way to Kunming. At that time, transportation conditions were extremely primitive, relying entirely on human labor and horseback. The transport route passed through this area, where hundreds of carriers stopped daily to rest. Exhausted from their journey, the carriers sought alcohol to drink, and seeing an opportunity for profit, the brewer expanded production and began selling the liquor. Villagers, witnessing the lucrative returns, started imitating the process and set up their own small distilleries. The scale gradually expanded, and the brewing techniques continuously improved. Since the carriers would often buy extra liquor to take on their journey after drinking heartily, the demand was exceptionally high, ensuring profits for all brewers. Local farmers came to regard brewing as their main trade. The liquor produced by these distilleries became famous for its rich, mellow flavor and long-lasting potency without causing quick intoxication. As a result, the area became known as Xiaojiufang (Little Distillery), a name still in use today.