Lai Yongchu
Time-Honored BrandLai Yongchu · Guizhou · Founded 1941
Lai Yongchu, a renowned distiller from Maotai Town, Guizhou, founded Hengxing Shaofang and produced the iconic 'Lai Mao' liquor, a precursor to Moutai. His contributions significantly advanced the development of Jiangxiang (sauce-flavor) baijiu, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern business acumen.
Brand Story
Lai Yongchu (1902-1981), born in Renhuai, Guizhou, was a prominent industrialist during the Republican era. In the 1930s, he acquired 'Hengchang Shaofang' in Maotai Town and renamed it 'Hengxing Shaofang,' hiring skilled brewers to refine techniques and produce the distinctive 'Lai Mao' liquor. In 1941, he officially registered the 'Lai Mao' trademark, making it one of the earliest brand-conscious distilleries in Maotai. In 1951, Hengxing Shaofang merged with two other distilleries to form the state-owned Moutai Distillery, with Lai Mao's techniques becoming a cornerstone of Moutai's production. Lai's legacy lies in merging traditional brewing with modern management, catalyzing Moutai's brand evolution and embodying the resilience of China's national industry.
“Lai Yongchu, a century of Jiangxiang heritage”
Signature Products
Crafted from local Hongyingzi sorghum following traditional Jiangxiang techniques, this liquor boasts a mellow body and a long, satisfying finish. (300-600 RMB)
Blended from aged base liquors, this edition features prominent Jiangxiang aroma and a delicate palate, ideal for collection and upscale banquets. (800-1500 RMB)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Guizhou（贵州）
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Cultural Note
Lai Yongchu's brewing follows Maotai's millennium-old Jiangxiang tradition, adhering to seasonal rituals like 'making qu (starter) at Dragon Boat Festival' and 'laying down grains at Double Ninth Festival.' The '12987' process—one-year cycle, two feedings, nine steamings, eight fermentations, seven extractions—is meticulously executed, with emphasis on cultivating the microbial environment of the fermentation pits. The resulting liquor is full-bodied and aromatic, with a lingering empty-cup fragrance, embodying the Chinese philosophy of 'harmony between heaven and humanity' in baijiu making.
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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 Lai Yongchu founded?
Lai Yongchu was founded in 1941, originating in Guizhou, Guizhou, primarily in the Liquor & Spirits field.
What is the signature product of Lai Yongchu?
Its signature product is Lai Yongchu Classic Jiangxiang. 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: