Kinmen Distillery (Jincheng Plant) | Kinmen Attraction

Founded in 1952, the Kinmen Distillery uses locally grown sorghum and groundwater to produce Kinmen Kaoliang liquor, one of Taiwan's highest-volume spirits and a long-standing major source of revenue for Kinmen County. The Jincheng Plant has a visitor center and displays of the distilling process, allowing visitors to understand how the liquor is made from raw material to finished product.

Highlights of the Kinmen Distillery (Jincheng Plant)

The distillery was established in close connection with the military government's fiscal needs; during the period of military control, distillery revenues directly supported military construction and civilian expenses. Kinmen Kaoliang is made using traditional solid-state fermentation, with locally grown sorghum (though some raw materials now come from elsewhere) and the island's distinctive groundwater. The facilities have been expanded several times and are now a full-scale spirits production base.

The visitor center displays historical materials on the production of Kaoliang, explanations of the fermentation process, and a display of products from various years. Part of the production area is open for visitors to observe, including a viewing route past fermentation tanks and distillation equipment. The distillery shop sells Kaoliang in various sizes and also offers gift items derived from the liquor.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

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Learn About the Solid-State Fermentation MethodKinmen Kaoliang uses solid-state fermentation rather than liquid-state fermentation. The display area explains the difference between the two methods and their impact on flavor, providing a starting point for understanding the relationship between Taiwan spirits and Chinese Baijiu craftsmanship.

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Compare Different Vintages and SeriesThe distillery shop stocks a variety of Kinmen Kaoliang series, with different vintages and alcohol levels. Ask the staff to explain the characteristics of each before buying, and choose based on your preferences.

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Pay Attention to the Explanation of the GroundwaterKinmen's groundwater mineral composition is considered one of the important factors in the liquor's flavor profile. The explanatory materials help you understand how the island's terroir influences the quality of the product.

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Buying at the Distillery Is Cheaper Than at the AirportKinmen Kaoliang is sold at Kinmen Airport and major retailers throughout Taiwan, but prices for some products are more transparent at the distillery's direct-sale shop. Rare or limited-edition items are also more likely to be found here.

Practical Information

Getting There & Hours

The Kinmen Distillery Jincheng Plant is on Guangqian Road in Jincheng Town center, within walking distance of Juguang Tower and Jincheng Old Street. It works well as one stop on a town walking route.
For opening hours and tour schedules, check the official Kinmen Distillery website. Visitor numbers are higher on holiday weekends; non-holiday visits are recommended.

Nearby Connections

Jincheng Old Street (Mofan Street) is within walking distance; after picking up Kaoliang, continue to the old street for peanut candy and cleavers.
Juguang Tower is also within the town's walking range, and the two can be combined into a half-day cultural walking route through Jincheng Town.

Sources: Kinmen Distillery official information; Wikipedia entry on Kinmen Distillery. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.

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