Moutai has a long history. As early as 135 B.C., The “Qi Jiang Jiu ” produced in the area of Moutai Town was considered a tribute to the royal family. After more than 2,000 years of succession, development and refinement, Moutai has become an outstanding representation of baijiu, which won the gold medal at the Panama World Expo in 1915. Today, the combination of ancient traditional techniques and modern technology has created “Moutai”, the world’s number one brand of distilled spirits and one of the most valuable brands of spirits in the world.
ABOUT MOUTAI
Moutai, China’s “national liquor”, is the world’s most valuable liquor brand and the number one brand of distilled spirits in the world. Moutai is the absolute top choice for Chinese baijiu.
Moutai, named after its origin, is produced exclusively in the town of Moutai, Guizhou (Kweichew) Province, China, just along the banks of the Chishui River. As the originator and typical representation of the Sauce Aroma baijiu, Moutai has been known as one of the three most famous distilled spirits in the world for over 100 years, Alongside French cognacs, and Scotch whiskies.
THE HISTORY OF MOUTAI
THE MAKING OF MOUTAI
Moutai, the town where the Moutai distillery is located, is known as “China’s No.1 spirits town”, of which 15.03 square kilometres is the only production area for Moutai. Located in a river valley, surrounded by mountains, warm in winter and cool in summer, it is conducive to the habitat and breeding of microorganisms needed for brewing, creating a unique and unrepeatable microbiological environment, resulting in the unique style of Moutai.
The geological and geomorphological structure of the Moutai town is mainly Jurassic and Chalk purple sand shale and conglomerate. The purple soil is moderately acidic and has good permeability. Surface and ground water is filtered through the soil on both sides of the river and flows into the Chishui River, forming a valuable source of water for baijiu making, with good water quality, moderate acidity and rich in trace elements.
An ancient grain, glutinous sorghum, which only grows in this area, is the only and best choice for making Moutai. The Qu which is the natural fermenting agent, is made from high quality organic wheat using an ancient process. Farmers follow strict organic requirements and traditional farming techniques to grow the raw materials for brewing.
The making process of Moutai follows the changes of four seasons, and certain key production steps must be carried out according to a certain day of the lunar calendar, absorbing the essence of nature, making it a “living fossil” of the Chinese baijiu process. It takes at least five years for an ordinary bottle of Moutai to leave the distillery, during which time it undergoes thirty processes and one hundred and sixty-five steps.
EXQUISITE ELIXIR
The craftsmanship behind Moutai goes beyond being a high-end baijiu; it represents one of the most exceptional and sought-after spirits in the world. Each bottle is a testament to the meticulous dedication and patience exhibited during its production, with a minimum aging process of five years. This extended maturation period allows the flavours to harmonise and evolve, resulting in a truly remarkable elixir that embodies the pinnacle of quality and taste. Moutai stands as a testament to the artistry and tradition of Chinese distillation, captivating the senses with its unparalleled depth and complexity.
ANCIENT ARTISTRY
Moutai’s traditional craftsmanship, handed down through generations, involves the meticulous selection of premium ingredients and a carefully executed fermentation and distillation process. This artistry produces over 300 aromatic components, resulting in a rich and delicate taste with over 60 distinct flavours.
CELEBRATORY ICON
Moutai, chosen for state banquets, represents grandeur and prestige. It is a symbol of celebration, honouring dignitaries and marking joyous occasions. With its rich heritage and exceptional quality, Moutai is an enduring icon of commemorative festivities and gatherings.
MAJOR AWARDS
1999 Moutai series of products passed green food certification of Green Food Development Center of Ministry of Agriculture
2001 Moutai series of products passed organic food certification of (Nanjing) Organic Food Development Center of the National Environmental Protection Bureau
2001 Certified as “Products With Protected Designation of origin”
2001 Certified by ISO9002 Quality Control System
2001 Certified by ISO14001 Environmental Management System
Gold Medal of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) Spirits Selection
“Best Baijiu” Prize and “Double Gold Medal” of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Gold Medal of the 9th World Spirits Award
No. 1 in Special Gold Prize of (US) “Famous Liquor Appraisal in Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Panama Pacific International Exposition”
Gold Medal of the 5th Asia-Pacific International Trade Fair
Special Merit Award of the International Wine Exhibition in Bordeaux, France
Gold Medal of the 4th World Famous Liquor Fair in Tokyo, Japan
Supreme Gold Prize of the Hong Kong International Food Fair
Gold Medal of the 1st Beijing International Fair
Gold Medal of the 2nd Beijing International Fair
Gold Medal of the 1st American International Wine Fair
Gold Medal of the 12th International Food Fair in Paris
Golden Laurel Leave Prize of the International Food and Tourism Contest in Paris
Gold Prize of the Panama Pacific International Exposition in USA
First Prize of the 3rd World Advertisement Convention China Import and Export Advertisement in Hong Kong
Hong Kong “Star of Asia” Packaging Award
“Star of the World” International Packaging Supreme Prize in Paris