Angus Dundee Fills First Cask At New Chinese Distillery

Can Scottish whisky-making traditions thrive in China's Thousand Island Lake region? Angus Dundee's new Chun'an Distillery aims to prove they can.
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Angus Dundee Fills First Cask At New Chinese Distillery
Credit: Angus Dundee Distillers

Angus Dundee Distillers has marked a major milestone by filling the first cask of spirit at its new Chun’an Malt Whisky Distillery in China. The ceremony signifies the facility’s official transition from construction to production for the owner of the Tomintoul and Glencadam Scotch whisky distilleries.

The new distillery is located in Chun’an, overlooking Thousand Island Lake.

The move sees Angus Dundee join other major spirits companies, including Diageo, in establishing whisky production facilities in China to tap into the country’s growing demand for the spirit.

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Iain Lochhead, director of Angus Dundee Distillers, said: “Chun’an Distillery is a unique opportunity to combine Scotland’s whisky heritage with one of China’s most inspiring natural landscapes.”

“This area is popular due to the exceptional natural beauty of its lakes and mountains and the design of the site itself reflects this, embracing the aesthetics of the local Jiangnan Huizhou architectural style, with every element being built with precision and care,” he continued.

The company stated the distillery will use traditional single malt production methods from Scotland. These include copper pot still distillation, rigorous yeast management, precise cut control, and a diversified cask maturation program.

A First Spirit Filling Ceremony was attended by company directors and guests to mark the beginning of the whisky’s maturation journey.

The 20-acre site is also planned to become a fully integrated visitor destination. It will feature immersive production galleries, tasting rooms, experiential dining, and retail areas.

The visitor experience is expected to open in mid-2026.

Lochhead added: “The ceremonial filling of the first cask represents a defining moment for our Chinese venture.

“As we expand our presence in a market we believe will be central to the future of the whisky industry, we are proud to bring our experience and craftsmanship to this region, creating a world-class distillery and visitor experience.”

Beth Squires

Beth Squires is the Deputy Editor of The Whiskey Wash with over half a decade of industry experience. She possesses comprehensive knowledge of the global whisky landscape, spanning everything from heritage and production to complex market analysis. A graduate of the OurWhisky Foundation’s Atonia Programme, which champions women in whisky, Beth is a dedicated advocate for diversity and sustainability, focused on highlighting the innovation and storytelling that define the modern whisky industry.

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