As late autumn deepens and fallen leaves pave the streets, the chill in the air makes it the perfect time to gather with a few close friends for a quiet evening of conversation. If one were to look for the most vivid group portrait of drinking culture in classical Chinese literature, the Tang dynasty poet Du Fu's Song of the Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup would undoubtedly take the crown. More than just a poem, it is a bustling scroll of life in the ancient capital of Chang'an, recording eight historical figures who shared a profound appreciation for a good vintage.
Stars of the Capital
The "Eight Immortals" were not mythical deities, but eight flesh-and-blood scholars, poets and calligraphers of the prosperous Tang dynasty. Among them were the venerable elder statesman He Zhizhang, the eccentric master of cursive calligraphy Zhang Xu, and the legendary poet Li Bai. With a light and affectionate touch, Du Fu captured their uninhibited nature after a few cups.
Li Bai writes a hundred poems for a gallon of wine, sleeping in the taverns of the Chang'an market.
— Song of the Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup 1
Under Du Fu's brush, these eminent men shed the rigid etiquette of the imperial court. In the humble taverns, they revealed their truest selves—whether splashing ink onto paper or sleeping soundly in the midst of a lively market. This relaxed, open-hearted approach forms the romantic foundation of Chinese spirits culture. For the ancients, raising a glass was rarely just about sensory pleasure; it was a pathway to spiritual ease and genuine connection with kindred spirits.
A Mianzhu Heritage in the Tang Dynasty
The Tang dynasty was an era defined by poetry and fine wine, and the spirits of Sichuan were already celebrated across the empire. Historical records show that the Tang court recognised Jiannan's "Shaochun" among the most famous wines of the realm—a testament to the deep brewing heritage of the Mianzhu region. Situated at the foot of the Longmen Mountains, Mianzhu is nourished by glacier-fed springs that have sustained local distillers for centuries.
This is also the land of the famous legend in which Li Bai traded his precious fur coat for a taste of local wine. When we look back at that golden age, the Sichuan spirit that prompted the great poet to part with his winter garment likely possessed the same rich, earthy fragrance that still defines the region's yellow clay pits today. The taverns of Chang'an may have faded into history, but the traditional craft and the pursuit of a pure drop have been passed down through generations in Sichuan's workshops.
Character Above the Cup
Today, we can no longer share a table with the scholars of the Tang dynasty, but the desire to connect with friends over a good drink remains unchanged. At an autumn dinner party, opening a bottle of Bainian Qifu · 8 brings a touch of that ancient warmth to the modern table. Poured from its distinctive red porcelain bottle, this five-grain strong-aroma baijiu gleams under the dining room lights. Its smooth entry, lingering sweetness and nutty caramel-like finish make it the perfect companion for long, unhurried conversations.
As a family distillery in Mianzhu, Qifu has long upheld the motto that "character is above the cup". The true joy of sharing a drink—much like the spirit of the Eight Immortals—lies not in the quantity consumed, but in the sincerity of the occasion. Enjoyed in moderation, sipping slowly from small cups, a spirit that has undergone about two months of solid-state fermentation and patient ageing in clay jars allows us to taste the same open-hearted camaraderie that has echoed through a thousand years of history.
