Sichuan is the home of strong aroma (nongxiang) baijiu — the most consumed baijiu style globally, accounting for over 70% of China's total baijiu production. Wuliangye (five-grain liquor), produced in Yibin, is China's second-most prestigious baijiu brand after Moutai, achieving its distinctive pineapple, ethyl acetate, and rich grain character through its unique five-grain blend and centuries-active earthen pit fermentation. Luzhou Laojiao's 1573 pit cellars — in continuous operation since the Ming Dynasty — are China's most historically significant fermentation infrastructure.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 83 | Good conditions; reliable nongxiang character across the baijiu belt. |
| 2022 | 90 | Exceptional five-grain year; outstanding Wuliangye sorghum, wheat, corn, glutinous rice and rice blend. |
| 2021 | 83 | Very good season; consistent quality across Luzhou and Yibin baijiu production. |
| 2020 | 85 | Excellent five-grain harvest; particularly fine Luzhou pear-ester character development. |
| 2019 | 79 | Good five-grain sorghum season in Luzhou; classic Nongxiang (strong aroma) character. |