Jinhui Liquor

Jinhui Liquor

Jinhui Liquor is a protected geographical indication product.

　　　Looking into the history of Jinhui Liquor, it’s not hard to see that these words are crucial to its identity: development, glory, dormancy, transformation, and resurgence. Indeed, Jinhui plays an indispensable role in the development of Gansu’s liquor industry.

　　　Longdong liquor has deep roots, and Longdong liquor culture is rich and profound. The culture of Jinhui Liquor is not only well-founded but also boasts a profound historical and cultural heritage. Throughout the long river of history, Hui liquor has been like an ever-persistent, wave-riding skiff, flying its flag at the forefront of Longdong liquor culture—sailing forward bravely against the wind and waves. More than 4,000 years ago, distillation liquor brewing began in Huixian County. In 1134, the historic and dominant brand “Jinhui Liquor” was established.

　　　　Some say that the cultural essence of liquor is its soul—a brand without cultural depth won’t stand the test of time. As early as the Neolithic period of primitive society, humans began to settle and thrive in the valley area of Gangu’s northeastern river region, particularly at Gan’gou Siping Mountain. In the 1950s, a large number of pottery items were excavated from Gan’gou Siping Mountain, among them wine vessels and grain fermentation tools, which prove that over 4,000 years ago, people here had already begun to understand the principles and methods of brewing delicious beverages from grains—this also provides factual evidence supporting the claim that distilled liquor in Huixian originated before the Western Han Dynasty. Formal records about Hui liquor come from Wu Jie, a famous Southern Song general who fought against the Jin invaders. In 1134, he and his brother Wu Lin achieved a great victory against the 100,000-strong elite cavalry of Jin Wushu at the Immortal Pass in Huixian. During the celebration due to a shortage of proper drinking vessels, the soldiers used the helmets of the Jin soldiers to hold liquor and drink heartily. Thus, the reputation of “Golden Helmet Liquor” was born. Later on, people got used to saying it and “Golden Helmet” gradually became “Golden Emblem”—or “Jinhui.” During the Ming and Qing dynasties, through technological innovation and craftsmanship improvement, Hui liquor flourished. Numerous distilleries gathered around the “Divine Spring” near Fujia Town, vying for the title of “Sea Eye,” giving rise to dozens of famous workshops such as “Jinshen Fang,” “Yongsheng Yuan,” “Kuan Yu Cheng,” “Jinlong Kui,” and “Gongxin Fu.” Especially the predecessor of Longnan Chun, “Yongsheng Yuan,” held a key position. After Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty toured Longnan in the early Qing period, he highly praised the Hui liquor produced there and designated it as an imperial tribute. As a result, Hui liquor gained widespread fame.

　　The production area of Jinhui Liquor covers the current administrative region of Fuzhen in Huixian County, Gansu Province.