Diageo, one of the world’s leading whisky makers, has launched the YunTuo Single Malt Whisky Distillery in Eryuan County, Yunnan Province, China. This new facility marks a significant step in the growth of Chinese whisky and reinforces Diageo’s role as a leader in the whisky industry in China.
The distillery represents a US$120 million (RMB 800 million) investment over nine years and is Diageo’s first whisky production site in China. The company aims to provide Chinese consumers with high-quality products while contributing to the development of the country’s beverage alcohol sector.
Debra Crew, Diageo’s CEO, expressed confidence in the future of Chinese whisky, noting that this new distillery will combine Diageo’s global whisky-making expertise with local insights to create exceptional whisky. The goal is to produce China-origin single malt whisky that will appeal to whisky lovers both in China and around the world.
The name “YunTuo” (云拓) reflects the brand’s inspiration from its natural surroundings. “Yun” (云) symbolizes the clouds and the beauty of Yunnan’s highlands, while “Tuo” (拓) means exploration, highlighting the distillery’s innovative spirit in whisky production.
Situated 2,100 meters above sea level, the YunTuo distillery benefits from a temperate climate, abundant biodiversity, and access to fresh spring water from the nearby Erhai Lake. This unique environment offers natural resources like Yunnan oak, which will be used in cask maturation, setting YunTuo apart from other whisky brands.
The distillery’s production team, led by Jiao Changyi, a young Chinese whisky expert, will be supported by renowned whisky figures such as Jim Beveridge OBE, Master Blender Craig Wallace, and Master Distiller Andrew Millsopp, bringing their global experience to the project.
Designed by award-winning architects, the distillery blends traditional Chinese cultural elements with modern architecture, creating a space that fits seamlessly into its stunning natural surroundings. It also features a visitor center that will offer an immersive whisky experience, including a tour of the distillery, tastings, and a whisky barrel tower. This center is expected to become a popular tourist destination, boosting the local economy.
In line with Diageo’s commitment to sustainability, the YunTuo distillery is 100% carbon-neutral, using electric boilers, renewable energy, and water recycling systems to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.
The company has also set up a local Community Fund to support inclusion and diversity, providing training programs for young adults and improving local employment opportunities through Diageo’s Learning for Life initiative.
Debra Crew concluded, “The beauty of Eryuan has inspired us to create a distillery that will become a symbol of Chinese whisky culture and a key part of our global whisky portfolio. We look forward to the exciting journey ahead, filled with exploration and discovery.”
This launch highlights Diageo’s continued commitment to growing the whisky category in China while embracing innovation and sustainability.
