History of Mao Tai

Moutai is a fascinating and intriguing product made in South-West China in a town by the same name. For over 2000 years it has been produced in the Guizhou Province of China. Generations and generations of families have passed down the secrets of its highly intricate production methods, which has earned it the reputation as China’s best quality and most fascinating spirit. People who work to produce Moutai usually spend their whole lives perfecting their craft.

Made of organic sticky sorghum (similar to wheat), it takes five years to produce one bottle of Moutai. It is distilled 9 times and then aged 3 years in ceramic pots. The production cycle mirrors the Chinese lunar calendar. It is a complex beverage with a truly unique taste and history. 

The unprecedented craftsmanship put into creating each bottle of Maotai causes it to be a symbol of excellence and opulence. Moutai has played a significant role in the history of Chinese diplomacy. In the 1970s, Moutai marked the improvement of China’s relations with the US and Japan. Premier Zhou was often recorded entertaining guests from both countries with glasses of prime Moutai. A popular saying arose during those times, saying that Moutai is the Ice-breaker, capable of melting the solid ice of history.Maotai reached world fame during Nixon's 1972 trip to China, when Zhou Enlai served it to his unsuspecting guests. In 1974, Henry Kissinger told Deng Xiaoping, "I think if we drink enough Maotai we can solve anything."

Deng Xiao Ping and Nixon in 1972 

Moutai is highly regarded amongst people in Asia, is a prestigious gift and is a traditional drink to have with Chinese food, the same way one would enjoy high-quality Sake with Japanese food. Moutai has been used in official occasions at feasts and state banquets with foreign heads of state and distinguished guests visiting China. It was the only chosen alcoholic beverage presented as an official gift by Chinese embassies in foreign countries and regions.