Gaogou
Time-Honored BrandGaogou · Jiangsu · Founded
Gaogou liquor, originating from Huai'an, Jiangsu, is renowned for its high-quality strong-aroma baijiu. With a brewing heritage spanning over a millennium, it embodies the essence of traditional Chinese liquor culture and the distinctive style of the Su school.
Brand Story
Gaogou liquor is produced in Gaogou Town, Lianshui County, Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province. The area's brewing history dates back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). According to the Lianshui County Annals, Gaogou Town, located at the confluence of the ancient Huai River and Salt River, enjoyed convenient water and land transportation, and its brewing industry gradually flourished from the Tang Dynasty (618-907). By the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Gaogou liquor had become famous, often praised by literati. During the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1912), numerous breweries lined the town, creating a scene where 'fragrance could be smelled ten li away.' In modern times, the Gaogou Distillery was established after 1949, inheriting traditional techniques and growing steadily. Made from premium sorghum and wheat, Gaogou liquor uses the traditional 'old five vats' process with mud-pit fermentation, resulting in a mellow body, rich cellar aroma, and long-lasting finish, exemplifying the unique style of Su-style strong-aroma baijiu. Culturally, Gaogou liquor is not only a pillar of the local economy but also an important carrier of Huai'an's folk customs and culinary culture. During festivals, locals serve Gaogou liquor to guests, perpetuating the Chinese tradition of 'ritual through wine.'
“高沟美酒，香飘万里[待核]”
Signature Products
A classic strong-aroma baijiu with a soft, sweet, and clean taste, ideal for daily consumption and banquets. (50-150 RMB)
Selected aged liquor with prominent cellar aroma and a smooth, mellow entry, suitable for business dinners and gifting. (150-400 RMB)
Blended from years of cellar-aged base liquor, full-bodied with a lingering finish, representing premium quality. (400-1000 RMB)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Jiangsu（江苏）
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Cultural Note
The brewing technique of Gaogou liquor has been passed down for over a century, employing the traditional 'old five vats' process with mud-pit fermentation, emphasizing 'low-temperature fermentation, slow fermentation' and 'quality-based distillation, graded storage.' The technique integrates the local water, soil, and climate characteristics of Huai'an, creating a distinctive style of 'rich cellar aroma, soft and sweet taste.' The distillery still preserves some ancient mud pits from the Ming and Qing dynasties, serving as important physical evidence for studying the history of Chinese baijiu brewing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "China Time-Honored Brand" (中华老字号)?
A China Time-Honored Brand is a designation by China’s Ministry of Commerce for brands with a long history that inherit products, craftsmanship or services across generations and have operated continuously to the present.
When was Gaogou founded?
Gaogou was founded in null, originating in Jiangsu, Jiangsu, primarily in the Liquor & Spirits field.
What is the signature product of Gaogou?
Its signature product is Gaogou Daqu. See the "Signature / Buy Online" section on this page for more products and shopping links.
Where can I find the official list of China Time-Honored Brands?
You can log into the MOFCOM "China Time-Honored Brand Information Management System", or browse this site’s brand directory — we have profiled 1,451 time-honored brands.
Sources / References
Brand fundamentals (founding year, heritage level, recognition batch) follow official sources such as the MOFCOM time-honored brand list. Story and encyclopedia: