Pernod Ricard completes Chinese whisky distillery

French firm Pernod Ricard has unveiled The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery, a US$150 million facility in Emeishan, China.

The company broke ground on the site in August 2019, and spirits production at the facility began in August 2021.

Pernod Ricard, which owns Scotch whisky brands Chivas, Ballantine’s, The Glenlivet and Royal Salute, said it is the first international wine and spirits group to establish a fully operational malt whisky distillery in China.

“Pernod Ricard has been privileged to play our part in China’s dynamic development for over 30 years,” said Philippe Guettat, chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Asia.

“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, renowned for its utmost quality.”

The Chuan’s name means ‘the river’, which the company said ‘celebrates the duality between the mountain and water’.

Guettat continued: “Today, we are marking a significant milestone on this journey and we look forward to sharing our vision and single malt whisky from The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery with whisky lovers around the world.”

As part of Pernod Ricard’s sustainability pledge, the new distillery processes all of its wastewater, sources 100% renewable electricity, minimises the use of natural gas and offsets its emissions through a Sichuan biogas programme. The facility also used ‘mostly’ recycled and local materials in its construction.

“From its refined products to design, The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery will set new standards for single malt whisky and immersive experiences for both Sichuan and China,” Guettat concluded.

Earlier this month, Diageo revealed plans to build a US$75 million malt whisky distillery in China.