Pernod Ricard has commenced the construction of China's first malt whiskey distillery, in Emeishan, Sichuan province.
The state-of-the-art distillery is being built on a 13-hectare site, and production is expected to commence in 2021.
It will also be the first malt whiskey distillery to appoint a Chinese master distiller, fusing authentic whiskey-making craftsmanship and local knowledge to create an iconic malt whiskey, the Jameson-maker said.
'Innovation, Expertise, and Dedication'
Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Asia, Philippe Guettat, commented, "The ground-breaking of the distillery signifies the beginning of a journey of innovation, expertise, and dedication to craft a new, iconic malt whiskey that embraces whiskey history and heritage with a character unique to Chinese culture."
The spirits giant plans to invest RMB 1 billion (€130 million) in the facility over the coming decade.
Vernacular Design
Pernod Ricard has appointed China-based, award-winning architects Neri&Hu for designing the distillery.
It will implement a vernacular design approach to create a balance between its rustic and refined look, and will prioritise the preservation of local resources and the environment, the company said.
Guettat added, "The decision to bring the iconic malt whiskey from Emeishan Malt Whiskey Distillery to the world stage demonstrates China’s burgeoning passion for the spirit and will showcase Pernod Ricard’s experience in creating and operating twenty of the world’s most prestigious whiskey distilleries."
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
