Chinese whisky - update
About three years ago, news cooed about the start of construction of two whisky distilleries in China. We learned that one of the largest producers of Scotch whisky, Pernod Ricard, was actively entering the Chinese market, and shortly after that we received news that the industry's largest player, Diageo, had begun building a distillery.
Literally a few days ago, Pernod Ricard announced the release of its first single malt whisky, made at the Chuan distillery in Emeishan, China.
Chuan Pure Malt Whisky, as the beverage is called, is a distillate made from European and Chinese barley, matured in bourbon, sherry and fresh Chinese oak barrels. For the construction of the latter, wood was harvested from crops on the slopes of Changbai Mountain.
According to the manufacturer, the new whisky has a vanilla-fruit aroma, while the taste offers notes of sherry-like sweetness, sandalwood and tangerine peel. Whisky is currently in the process of being distributed to specialized outlets in China. Its retail price is the equivalent of about $125 US dollars.
Plans to build Chuan distillery announced in 2019. Work was completed in 2021 and production began. The whole thing cost the not inconsiderable sum of 150 million US dollars. Still to be announced is the launch of the Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery Experience Center, a state-of-the-art visitor center that will offer tours of the distillery, take part in tastings, purchase products and brand-related souvenirs, and enjoy restaurants and cafes.
Meanwhile, according to industry media reports, the Chinese market has also been in the sights of a Scottish company Angus Dundee Distillers, owner of the Tomintoul and Glencadam distilleries, as well as the Old Ballantruan brand (peated Tomintoul). The company has just announced plans to build another "Scottish" distillery in China. The plant is to be built in Chun'an, on Qiandao Lake, in an area famous for its beautiful scenery and popular with tourists. What's more, as it turns out, construction is already underway, with completion scheduled for 2025. The project includes the opening of a Visitor Center, as well as the preparation of cellars for maturing whiskey, carved into the rock nearby the mountain. According to a press release from Angus Dundee Distillers, Chun'an Distillery will use intakes of the purest water in China, sourced from the Nongfu springs, so it will produce "the highest quality malt whisky".
There are many indications that the new distilleries in China will first be concerned with supplying the extremely receptive domestic market, but sooner or later we can expect their offerings to appear in Europe as well, through the distribution channels of their respective owners. Is the combination of Scottish distilling tradition and Chinese terroir will be able to compete in today's existing market? We will find out no sooner than in a few years.
[19.12.2023 / photo: Angus Dundee Distillers]