Aged wines don't get much older than this. Archaeologists in the
west China city of Xi'an discovered June 20 five earthenware jars
of 2,000-year-old rice wine in an ancient tomb, and its bouquet was
still strong enough to perk up the nose.
1.3 gallons of the almost clear, blue-tinged liquor were found,
enough to allow researchers their best opportunity yet to study
ancient distilling techniques.
Archaeologist Sun Fuzhi was quoted saying the tomb dated from the
early Western Han Dynasty, which held sway over much of the Chinese
mainland between 206 BC and AD 25. Liquor from the period has been
found in other tombs but never as well preserved, he said.
Liquor made from rice or sorghum grains was a major part of
ceremonies and ritual sacrifices in ancient China, with elaborate
bronze cups and decanters cast specifically for its use.
Several drinking vessels, along with bronze bells, more than 100
jade pieces and part of a human skull were found in the tomb, which
Sun said probably belonged to a member of the Han nobility.
(China Daily June 22, 2003)