Ba-ba Tunnel Introduction
The Eighty-Eight Tunnel, filled with the aroma of wine, opens the door to a hidden secret. On either side of the tunnel entrance are rows of wine jars, and above it are the large characters "Eighty-Eight Tunnel." Entering the tunnel reveals a cool interior, maintained at a constant temperature of 16-19 degrees Celsius, providing an ideal environment for storing wines, ensuring their quality over time. The tunnel is primarily constructed from granite and is located not far from the Matsu Distillery. It is said that the Eighty-Eight Tunnel was originally a cave for residents to hide from pirates. After the military stationed in Matsu, it was enlarged, deepened, and fortified to serve as a tank tunnel. With a total length of 200 meters, it can accommodate an infantry regiment, with the front exit designed to repel enemy naval invasions and the back exit leading to the former military airport in Nangan. It was completed in 1974 after about ten years of construction, and since its completion coincided with Chiang Kai-shek's 88th birthday, it was named "Eighty-Eight Tunnel." After military rule was lifted, the Matsu Distillery began to utilize this tunnel to store fine wines, naming their sorghum liquor after the "Eighty-Eight Tunnel." This not only became a unique feature of Matsu liquor but also significantly raised its profile. Currently, the main passage serves as the storage area for aged wine, while the secondary passage is for storing sorghum liquor. The aged wines in storage are all over fifteen years old due to their cessation of production, making them particularly precious. The tunnel is filled with the scent of wine, creating a pleasantly intoxicating atmosphere within.
