Guilin Pomelo Wine

Guilin Pomelo Wine is a "fragrant autumn-winter brew" made from Shatian pomelos from Yangshuo or Pingle, with a mellow wine aroma and fresh pomelo notes. To make it, ripe Shatian pomelos are used—their flesh and peel (white bitter parts removed) are placed in a clay pot with rock sugar and rice wine, sealed, and fermented for 3 months. The brewed wine is pale yellow; it starts with soft rice wine on the palate, followed by spreading pomelo fragrance. It has mild sweetness, about 12% alcohol, and a smooth, non-irritating taste. Essential oils from the pomelo peel add a unique herbal aroma, leaving a lingering sweetness. In Guilin, it's not only a drink but also a cooking ingredient—a little added to braised meat reduces greasiness and adds fruit aroma. Yangshuo's Shatian pomelos, with plump, sweet flesh, are best for brewing, giving richer fruit notes. Foreigners will be surprised by the harmonious blend of pomelo and wine, finding it like "citrus-scented sweet rice wine"—a unique flavor brewed from local fruits.