THE CHUAN Malt Whisky Distillery Launches Private Cask Programme
Limited release of 100 private casks marks a new milestone for Pernod Ricard’s first Malt Whisky Distillery in China
Emeishan, January 12, 2022 – Pernod Ricard’s 叠川THE CHUAN Malt Whisky Distillery announced the launch of its private cask programme from the inaugural year of production. This is the first chance for whisky connoisseurs around the world to own a cask of the iconic malt whisky, proudly crafted in Emeishan, China.
叠川THE CHUAN Malt Whisky Distillery is the first malt whisky distillery established in China by Pernod Ricard, one of the world’s leading whisky producers. The distillery has been fully operational August 2021 and has attracted much attention from whisky lovers since its official unveiling in November 2021. The 100 casks from the inaugural year production are meticulously crafted by Dr. Yang Tao, Master Distiller of 叠川THE CHUAN Malt Whisky Distillery together with Sandy Hyslop, who has 4 decades of experience in premium whisky making as Director of Blending and Inventory at Chivas Brothers Limited. Together, they are creating an iconic Chinese malt whisky, combining authentic whisky making craftmanship from Scotland with local Chinese thumbprint that harnesses the exceptional Emeishan terroir.
The inaugural year whisky is made with high-quality Chinese and European barley, infusing distinctive Chinese flavours whilst creating a perfect balanced of texture. Fermented over 78 hours to enhance the floral and fruity notes followed by a slow distillation method to further strengthen the richness and complexity of the whisky and finally aged in the unique microclimate of Emeishan. From barley malting to cask filling, every step of the process is masterfully handcrafted and imbued with the unique style of叠川THE CHUAN Malt Whisky Distillery.
The private cask programme also features 叠川THE CHUAN’s exceptional innovative spirit through its pioneering wood management by bringing together oaks from three continents including the extremely scarce oak from Changbai Mountain in China as well as traditional oak from Europe and North America. The new make from the private cask programme is first aged in ex-bourbon cask for four years and then re-racked to an oak cask of the collector’s choosing for at least two years until bottling. Members of the programme can select one of the three cask options – European Oak Oloroso Sherry Cask, European Oak Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask or the first-ever Chinese Oak Cask for re-rack, creating a highly personalised journey.
Owners of a private cask will also be part of a bespoke journey with 叠川THE CHUAN Malt Whisky Distillery as their casks mature. Members will be invited to visit the distillery on a regular basis to get attend exclusive arts & cultural events, private tasting session hosted by the Master Distiller and be part of 叠川THE CHUAN’s legacy with their personalized glorifier permanently displayed at the distillery. Owners will also have the option to personalise the packaging of their whisky at the end of the journey.
The launch of the private cask programme marks another important milestone for 叠川THE CHUAN Malt Whisky Distillery and further cements its position as a new world-class destination for whisky, arts and culture.
About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales amounting to €8,824 million in fiscal year FY21. The Group, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive portfolios in the industry with over 240 premium brands distributed across more than 160 markets. Pernod Ricard’s portfolio includes Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term and sustainable growth for all its stakeholders, remaining true to its founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and strong sense of ethics. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 18,500 employees to be on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité”. Pernod Ricard 2030 Sustainability and Responsibility roadmap “Good Times from a Good Place” is integrated into all its activities from grain to glass, and Pernod Ricard is recognised as a UN Global Compact LEAD participant for its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN Code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices.
About Pernod Ricard in China
In China, Pernod Ricard leads the way among all international spirits and wines groups with a strong distribution network across the country. Key brands such as Martell cognac, Chivas Regal and Royal Salute Scotch whiskies were introduced into the country over three decades ago. Since then, they have grown to become China’s leading portfolio of imported spirits, along with other brands that joined Pernod Ricard in the past two decades.Pernod Ricard maintains its strong commitment to contributing to China’s sustainable development. As a responsible industry leader, the company has developed since many years responsible drinking campaigns and programmes to inform consumers and employees about the importance of enjoying the products responsibly. In recognition of its positive contribution, Pernod Ricard has received a significant number of awards in China.