UK & China: Scotch producer Angus Dundee Distillers to build a malt whisky distillery in China

Scotch producer Angus Dundee Distillers has revealed plans to build a malt whisky distillery in Chun’an, China, along with a visitor’s experience, The Spirits Business reported on December 19.

The site will be located by Qiandao Lake, also known as the ‘Thousand Island Lake’ for its many islands, and will encompass 20 acres in size. The area is popular with tourists for its scenery and natural beauty.

There are also plans for the ‘world’s largest’ cave whisky maturation cellar, situated within a mountain close to the distillery. Angus Dundee says the stable temperature and humidity inside the cave will provide ‘ideal conditions’ for storing and maturing whisky.

Construction for the distillery is now underway.

Brian Megson, director of Angus Dundee Distillers, said: “This investment is a major milestone for Angus Dundee Distillers and builds on our existing presence in China, a whisky market which we regard as one of the most important for the future.

“We are combining our notable Western heritage in producing the finest Scottish single malts with Eastern traditions in a location of exceptional natural beauty and resources.

“We want to create one of the leading distilleries in Asia, combining world-class whisky production with an outstanding visitor experience.”

The site’s design will stay true to the aesthetic of the local architectural style of Jiangnan and Huizhou, and the distillery will make full use of its surroundings, sourcing water from the Nongfu Spring to create its whisky.

Angus Dundee Distillers owns both the Glencadam and Tomintoul distilleries in Scotland.

It isn’t the only company to tap into the Chinese whisky market – Pernod Ricard recently launched its first Chinese whisky after opening its US$150 million Emeishan distillery to the public, while Camus also revealed plans for a US$30m whisky distillery in Bozhou.

Diageo is also building a US$75m malt whisky distillery in China’s Yunnan Province.

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