Diageo set to produce its first China-origin single malt whisky

Diageo Tuesday (2 November) broke ground on the site of its first malt whisky distillery in China.

Located in Yunnan province, the $75 million (£55m) Diageo Eryuan Malt Whisky Distillery will produce Diageo’s first China-origin, single malt whisky.

“China is the world’s largest beverage alcohol market and the demand for whisky is growing rapidly among middle-class consumers who are keen to further discover and enjoy fine whiskies”, said Sam Fischer, President, Diageo Asia Pacific and Global Travel.

“Today we celebrate another significant step forward, and one which builds upon our local insights and combines those with Diageo’s global whisky expertise in order to delight the next generation of Chinese whisky consumers.”

At more than 2,100 meters above sea level, the site of the 66,000 square meter distillery was carefully selected for its temperate climate, rich natural biodiversity, and access to natural spring water that is a source of the second largest highland lake, Erhai Lake, in Yunnan.

The distillery in Yunnan Province will be carbon neutral when it opens, using renewable and clean technologies. Construction is expected to begin in early 2022.