Lianshui Qu Liquor

Lianshui Qu Liquor

　　When it comes to liquor from Lianshui, probably not many people would think of anything in particular, but mention Gaogou liquor, and anyone who enjoys baijiu is likely to know one name—Gaogou Distillery (yes, two of the three most famous local products of Lianshui come from Gaogou Town)

　　The ancient town of Gaogou is situated on the northwestern edge of Lianshui, bordered by the Changhuai River to the south and the Liutang River to the north. It thrives with bustling commerce and flourishing culture. The waters of the Liutang River have nurtured the nearby town of Gaogou and its people, while the magical Heavenly Spring Water has given birth to the sweet and delicious liquors of Gaogou, forging deep bonds with people from all over the world.

　　　　Legend has it that back when the Monkey King caused havoc in Heaven during the Peach Banquet, he not only ate and drank his fill but also packed plenty of delicacies and fine wines in his sack, even stuffing a few jars of Peach Blossom Liquor under his arms. After leaping out of the Southern Heavenly Gate with a somersault, he staggered off drunk. In his tipsy state, he spotted what looked like purple clouds and misty vapors and thought he had arrived at Flower-Fruit Mountain. Elated and losing all restraint, he shouted, “Kids, catch!” and tossed a jar of liquor down from the sky. With a loud “clang,” something felt off. When he landed to take a look, he found the jar had smashed into the ground, leaving behind a medium-sized pond. Many years later, a waiter from Wangji Liquor Shop in Gaogou Town had to fetch water from the distant Liutang River every day to brew liquor. One day, after drinking too much, he passed out by an abandoned pond. When he woke up, the sun was already setting, so he casually drew water from the pond to take back. From then on, he did this every day, saving both time and effort. One day, he even found a fragment of a jar engraved with the words “Heavenly Palace.” Strangely enough, ever since they started using water from the pond, the liquor brewed at Wangji Liquor Shop became even more fragrant, rich, and smooth, soon gaining fame far and wide. People found it miraculous and began calling the pond the “Heavenly Spring.” The Wangji Liquor Shop was also renamed the Heavenly Spring Brewery. Today, the “Heavenly Spring” still sits within the North You Workshop of the Gaogou Distillery.

　　　　The brewing industry in the ancient town of Gaogou has flourished for a long time, with roots stretching all the way back to the Han Dynasty and reaching its peak during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, “Heavenly Spring Brewery’s Han-style Green Plum Wine” became wildly popular throughout the land. Legend has it that the Green Plum Wine that Cao Cao and Liu Bei drank while “discussing heroes over wine” was made by Wang De of the Heavenly Spring Brewery. Cao Cao even gifted him a pair of fine porcelain bottles, which are still treasured by Wang De’s descendants. Since then, there has been no shortage of literati praising the fine liquors of Gaogou: Wei Yingwu of the Tang Dynasty, Lu You of the Song Dynasty, Liu Ji of the Ming Dynasty, and Wang Shizhen of the Qing Dynasty all left behind poems about liquor. Marshal Chen Yi once wrote: “The aroma of fine wine drifts beyond the clouds; it strengthens our resolve as we fight north and south. Our soldiers drink Gaogou Liquor with gusto, and we shall make China belong to the people!” In 1915, the Gaogou Daqu liquor brewed by Yuyuan Brewery won the Gold Medal at the Panama International Exposition. From 1949 to the present, Gaogou Liquor produced by the Gaogou Distillery has won a total of 76 major awards and honorary titles.

　　　　Starting in August 1996, Gaogou Distillery implemented a “brand strategy,” establishing the “Jinshiyuan” Liquor Co., Ltd., and launching the “Jinshiyuan” series of liquors. The move caused a stir in the market and quickly built a strong reputation. The “Jinshiyuan” series is crafted by blending the essence of five grains, drawing on the energy of heaven and earth, using aged liquor bases, and combining the waters of the ancient Heavenly Spring. Advanced technology is employed in its careful production. The liquor is colorless and transparent, with a rich cellar aroma, and offers a sweet, smooth, refreshing, clean, and fragrant taste with a long finish—truly a fine liquor of our time.

　　　　The “Jinshiyuan” series consists of premium and mid-range liquors with exquisite packaging. The premium versions (42° or 39°, 46°, 44°) feature designs such as a rising sun, a crescent moon, and the Big Dipper along with the North Star. These three major celestial bodies complement each other naturally: the Earth symbolizes humanity’s dominant position; the rising sun represents vigorous and uplifting strength; the crescent moon, delicate and slender with light clouds nearby, symbolizes tranquility, purity, and the nurturing of life. Paired with the Big Dipper and North Star in harmony, it conveys the idea of setting principles for life’s journey and emotions. The cultural connotations of the “Jinshiyuan” brand are rich and thought-provoking. Who among us does not encounter bonds of friendship, love, opportunity, or other mysterious connections in life? Savoring the fine “Jinshiyuan” liquor allows us to forge century-long bonds of affection, with heartfelt sincerity in every sip.

　　“Jinshiyuan” has been named one of China’s Top Ten Cultural Famous Liquors and is the official reception liquor of Jiangsu Province.

　　　　Following its Earth, Sun, and Moon branding, Jinshiyuan Liquor has also developed additional series including Jinshiyuan Wuzhouqing, Dragon Phoenix Liquor, Official Reception Liquor, New Era, Golden Jubilee Liquor, Golden Fortune Liquor, and Liquor Town Sentiment. These series are renowned both within and outside the province for their sweet, smooth, soft, clean, and fragrant qualities.