Which Brand of Huangjiu Is the Most Authentic? A Real Experience

Which brand of Huangjiu is the most authentic? In March, I traveled to Wudang Mountain and Shennongjia with a friend. During the trip, we tasted an exceptionally good Huangjiu at a local farmer's home in Fang County—Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu. Before trying Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu, I had tasted 80% of domestic Huangjiu brands, including many obscure regional ones. I prefer additive-free Huangjiu, and so far, after screening, the only one I plan to drink long-term is Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu. This Huangjiu is a semi-sweet type, currently hand-brewed by farmers in Fang County, Hubei using traditional techniques. A couple of days ago, I bought some from a farmer, and it took three days to arrive by courier. Many fellow enthusiasts have messaged me asking how to purchase it. You can follow the public account "Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu" to find the farmer I bought from!

Which brand of Huangjiu is the most authentic? Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu is a regional Huangjiu. In Fang County, every household of local farmers knows how to brew it. Thus, locals combined the place name with the liquor to form the name "Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu." Many people in Hubei Province know and drink it. Seeing profit opportunities, some distilleries began mass-producing under the name Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu. However, the flavor of industrially produced Huangjiu differs significantly from the handmade version by rural residents.

Personally, I believe that good-tasting Huangjiu must not be mass-produced by factories. Huangjiu, in China, is a type of liquor with a very heavy historical background. The most traditional brewing techniques are definitely found among the people. Factory-industrialized Huangjiu is rather ordinary. Why do I say this? Because I have tried some branded Huangjiu, such as Guyuelongshan, Shazhou Youhuang, Shanghai's Hejiu, etc., but none of them ever satisfied my palate. The taste just wasn't right. (Which brand of Huangjiu is the most authentic?)

I looked up historical records. Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu has a recorded history more than 400 years earlier than Shaoxing Huangjiu. Its long history goes without saying. However, there is no nationally renowned benchmark enterprise in the area for various reasons. As a result, except for Hubei locals, few people know about this excellent Huangjiu. It's truly a pity. (Which brand of Huangjiu is the most authentic?)

Which brand of Huangjiu is the most authentic? The historical origin, drinking methods, and brewing methods of Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu.

I. History of Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu (quoted from Baidu Baike, somewhat literary; skip to the next part if you don't want to read it)

According to historical records, as early as the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046–771 BC), the art of brewing Huangjiu had already begun among the people of Fang County. The "Baimao" brewed with glutinous rice at that time was the predecessor of Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu.

During the reign of King Xuan of Zhou, the King of Chu sent Yin Jifu (a native of Fang County, Grand Tutor of the Zhou Dynasty, author of the Book of Songs) as an envoy to pay tribute to King Xuan. Yin Jifu brought a jar of Baimao (Huangjiu) produced by the people of Fangling as a tribute. When the treasure was presented and the jar opened, the hall filled with fragrance. King Xuan took a sip, praised it greatly, and designated it as the imperial tribute liquor. He ordered that the Baimao, annually presented by Fangling, be packed in jars of various sizes to be distributed as rewards to feudal lords according to their territories, and appointed Yin Jifu as Grand Tutor to assist in state affairs. Later, Yin Jifu became a virtuous minister skilled in both civil and military affairs. (Which brand of Huangjiu is the most authentic?)

The Book of Songs, "A Dead Roe in the Wild": "White rushes pure as rice, a maiden fair like jade." Baimao was a southern tribute, so Baimao was the earliest name for Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu. Later, it was also called Huangjiu (yellow liquor), Huangjiu (imperial liquor), Baima Niao (white horse urine), etc.

After Qin Shi Huang unified China, Fangling became a place of exile for emperors and high officials. After arriving in Fangling, they all developed the habit of drinking Huangjiu.

During the Han Dynasty, Fangling Huangjiu became widespread and was used as burial items for dignitaries. In 1974, a large number of Huangjiu vessels were unearthed from a Han tomb in Qilihe, Fang County, with one large jar still containing the Huangjiu of that time.

In the Tang Dynasty, Huangjiu became even more popular. In the first year of the Guangzhai era (684 AD), Li Xian, son of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, was demoted to Fangzhou as the Prince of Luling by his mother Wu Zetian. He loved drinking this liquor and was called the Wine Tasting Prince. He once wrote a poem: "This liquor should only exist in heaven; in the Jade Lake and heavenly palace, there is none. When the dragon returns to Chang'an, send thirty thousand hu annually." Prince Luling presented Fangling Huangjiu as a tribute to Wu Zetian, thus giving Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu the reputation of "imperial liquor" and spreading its fame across the land, imbuing it with royal aura. In the first year of the Shenlong era (705 AD), Prince Luling returned to the throne and designated Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu as an annual tribute. Emperor Zhongzong used this Huangjiu to feast civil and military officials, who felt refreshed and had aromatic breath afterward. All officials marveled, and one civil official improvised a poem: "Fangzhou's magical spring water, a treasure on the royal table, blessed by the emperor's grace, intoxicating all officials." (Which brand of Huangjiu is the most authentic?)

Drinking Methods of Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu

Method 1: Heated in winter

Heating Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu until warm and sipping it enhances the flavor. Drinking it warms the stomach and body. With just slight heating, the aroma fills the entire room. Especially in winter, heating Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu is the most traditional local drinking method.

Warm reminder: Do not heat the Huangjiu for too long or over too high a flame, otherwise the alcohol will evaporate, defeating the purpose of heating. The optimal serving temperature of Huangjiu is around 38°C (100°F).

Method 2: Chilled in summer

In hot summer, locals often drink iced Huangjiu. Chilled Huangjiu is very refreshing. The pale yellow liquor with crystal-clear ice cubes is visually pleasing, cool, and smooth. (Which brand of Huangjiu is the most authentic?)

Method 3: Soaked with preserved plums

Some locals like to add preserved plums to Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu and soak them. Due to the sweet and sour taste of preserved plums, adding them to Huangjiu makes the flavor sweeter, more aromatic, and more refreshing. Huangjiu with preserved plums also has higher nutritional value!

Method 4: With ginger slices

Adding ginger slices to Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu and drinking it can promote blood circulation, invigorate the spleen, and stimulate the appetite. It is also very effective in preventing colds. According to traditional Chinese medicine, moderate consumption of Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu can promote blood circulation and metabolism. Ginger slices can warm the body and dispel dampness. Combining Huangjiu with ginger slices enhances the effects. Drinking Huangjiu soaked with ginger slices helps the body sweat and expel cold, promoting blood circulation—an excellent tonic. (Which brand of Huangjiu is the most authentic?)

Method 5: With bayberries

Soaking bayberries in Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu for drinking. Bayberries are rich in various organic acids, vitamin C, and have a fruity sour taste. Bayberry-soaked Huangjiu can relieve summer heat, cut grease, and beautify the skin. (Which brand of Huangjiu is the most authentic?)

Method 6: Medicinal herbs soaked in Huangjiu

Ginger, goji berries, red dates, longan soaked together with Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu. A sip brings warmth to the stomach, with excellent health benefits.

Method 7: Steamed eggs with Huangjiu

Steamed eggs with Huangjiu: For men, it invigorates blood and nourishes qi; for women, it moisturizes and beautifies. The steamed eggs have a smooth texture along with the unique rice fragrance of Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu. It is an excellent nourishing delicacy. (Which brand of Huangjiu is the most authentic?)

Brewing Method of Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu (traditional hand-brewing method by farmers)

Step 1: Washing rice

Step 2: Loading the steamer

Step 3: Steaming rice

Step 4: Removing from the steamer

Step 5: Mixing with starter culture

Step 6: Sprinkling mold

Step 7: Drying mold

Step 8: Building a nest

After completing the above steps, ferment for about 3 days to obtain the highest quality Fuzhi wine. After collecting the Fuzhi wine, add water and ferment for another 20 to 30 days to obtain regular Huangjiu. This year, my family made extra Huangjiu; we can't finish it all ourselves. If you need some, feel free to contact me. You can also follow my public account "Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu," where Huangjiu lovers from all over the country gather. We are always ready to arrange a Huangjiu gathering! Finally, a warm reminder: Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu is excellent, but don't overindulge, okay? (Which brand of Huangjiu is the most authentic?

Which brand of Huangjiu is the most authentic? The above is an introduction to which brand of Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu is best. I believe those who have read the above article have a clear understanding. You can add the public account "Fang County Tucheng Huangjiu" to purchase the Huangjiu I drink!