The name of a style
Hengshui Laobaigan is the reference for laobaigan aroma, one of the twelve recognised aroma types of baijiu, which takes its name from the distillery's own spirit. Laobaigan means 'old, white and dry': old for its long tradition, white because it is perfectly clear, and dry because it burns cleanly.
A northern classic
The style is related to light aroma, with a clean grain character, but more powerful and assertive. Hengshui, in Hebei province south of Beijing, is closely identified with the spirit, and Laobaigan is the city's best-known product.
The company
Hebei Hengshui Laobaigan Liquor is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and is the leading baijiu producer of Hebei. Besides Laobaigan, the group includes other regional brands, such as Chengde's Qianlongzui (Bancheng) and Kongfujia.