Pernod Ricard has become the first international spirits group to open a fully operational malt whisky distillery in China. The announcement comes just weeks after Diageo broke ground on its own malt whisky distillery in Yunnan Province.
The opening of 叠川 The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery, located in Emeishan, was facilitated by an investmented of US$150 million over the past decade and is designed to put Pernod Ricard at the forefront of whisky making in China.
To mark its opening, Pernod Ricard has launched a pioneering virtual tour of The Chuan distillery, which can be viewed now here.
Philippe Guettat, chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Asia, said: "Pernod Ricard has been privileged to play our part in China's dynamic development for more than 30 years. We consider it our mission to bring to life the most iconic malt whisky made in China with pride, leveraging the expertise we have as a market leader. Our master distiller, Yang Tao, has been working with our heritage master distillers in Scotland to bring the most authentic whisky-making know-how into China, while leveraging the pristine water source of Emei."
He added: "From its refined products to design, 叠川 The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery will set new standards for single malt whisky and immersive experiences for both Sichuan and China."
The distillery, designed by Chinese architectural firm Neri+Hu, will become home to a permanent art programme beginning with an installation by celebrated Chinese artist Zhan Wang. A visitor centre is also set to open at the site in 2023, with hopes that it will welcome two million tourists in its first decade to support the local economy in Sichuan.
In-keeping with the goals of Pernod Ricard's 2030 Sustainability and Responsiblity Roadmap, the distillery gets 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources, minimises its use of natural gas, and offsets remaining emissions in a Sichuan biogas programme.
Want to learn more about Asian whisky? Explore of our Asia edition of Whisky Magazine here.
The opening of 叠川 The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery, located in Emeishan, was facilitated by an investmented of US$150 million over the past decade and is designed to put Pernod Ricard at the forefront of whisky making in China.
An aerial view of The Chuan Distillery.
To mark its opening, Pernod Ricard has launched a pioneering virtual tour of The Chuan distillery, which can be viewed now here.
The still house at The Chuan Distillery.
Philippe Guettat, chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Asia, said: "Pernod Ricard has been privileged to play our part in China's dynamic development for more than 30 years. We consider it our mission to bring to life the most iconic malt whisky made in China with pride, leveraging the expertise we have as a market leader. Our master distiller, Yang Tao, has been working with our heritage master distillers in Scotland to bring the most authentic whisky-making know-how into China, while leveraging the pristine water source of Emei."
He added: "From its refined products to design, 叠川 The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery will set new standards for single malt whisky and immersive experiences for both Sichuan and China."
The Chuan Distillery.
The distillery, designed by Chinese architectural firm Neri+Hu, will become home to a permanent art programme beginning with an installation by celebrated Chinese artist Zhan Wang. A visitor centre is also set to open at the site in 2023, with hopes that it will welcome two million tourists in its first decade to support the local economy in Sichuan.
Inside The Chuan Distillery.
In-keeping with the goals of Pernod Ricard's 2030 Sustainability and Responsiblity Roadmap, the distillery gets 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources, minimises its use of natural gas, and offsets remaining emissions in a Sichuan biogas programme.
Want to learn more about Asian whisky? Explore of our Asia edition of Whisky Magazine here.
Casks maturing at The Chuan Distillery.