Pingtung Distillery Introduction
The Pingtung Distillery, originally established in Pingtung City, moved to its current location in the Neipu Industrial Zone in 1988. The distillery's history can be traced back to 1898 during the Japanese colonial period when it was part of the Taiwan Governor-General's Monopoly Bureau, marking the beginning of Taiwan's tobacco and alcohol monopoly system. After various mergers and changes over different periods, it officially became the Pingtung Distillery in 1946. The distillery specializes in brewing rice wine and is the highest producer of rice wine among the production units of the Monopoly Bureau. Notably, its Da Wu Chun, made from selected ingredients and water using a liquid fermentation method, won the Gold Quality Award from the International Wine and Spirit Competition for three consecutive years (from 1998 to 2000). As a well-regarded producer of wine, the Pingtung Distillery is gradually transforming into a tourist distillery under the government's initiative to promote industrial tourism, showcasing a new appearance both inside and out. Starting from Ahou Square, the square is filled with greenery and floral fragrances, resembling a small park, with landscape designs creatively using wine jars as the focal point. Upon arriving at the exhibition and sales building, there is a special welcoming wall made entirely of stacked wine jars, with a few painted jars hidden within, offering a delightful surprise. The exhibition and sales center has several designated areas, including an award-winning product display area for Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation, a product sales area, and an area for the frequent exhibition of various ceramic arts and photography works. Additionally, there is a rice wine exhibition hall, allowing visitors to understand the production process of rice wine and learn practical information on various rice wine recipes.
