Angus Dundee Distillers marks major milestone with first spirit filling at new Chinese distillery
Angus Dundee Distillers, which owns Tomintoul and Glencadam distilleries in Scotland, has celebrated a key milestone in the development of its first malt whisky distillery in Chun’an, China.
The Chun’an Malt Whisky Distillery has now officially transitioned from construction to production with the ceremonial filling of its first spirit into the inaugural cask.
Overlooking the picturesque Thousand Island Lake, often celebrated as ‘the finest water under the heaven’, the distillery will marry traditional Scotch whisky-making with the distinctive environment and cultural heritage of the region.
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.”
As a strategic investment by Angus Dundee Distillers in China, Chun’an Distillery draws deeply from the group’s Scotch whisky heritage. The distillery continues two centuries of traditional whisky-making philosophy practiced at Angus Dundee’s historic Scottish distilleries, employing authentic single malt production methods including traditional copper pot still distillation, rigorous yeast management, precise cut control and a diversified cask maturation programme.
With all elements in place, the First Spirit Filling Ceremony, attended by Angus Dundee directors and distinguished guests, marked the beginning of the whisky’s long maturation journey. The event, set against the spectacular backdrop of Thousand Island Lake, concluded with a farm-to-table luncheon inspired by the surrounding mountains and local terroir.
Looking ahead, the Chun’an Distillery site, which spans more than 20 acres, is set to become a fully integrated whisky destination with visitors able to explore immersive production galleries, tasting rooms, experiential dining, retail areas and extensive outdoor spaces for events and tourism. The visitor experience is expected to open mid-2026.
Iain 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.”
With Chun’an Distillery, Angus Dundee Distillers continues its mission to expand the reach of authentic single malt whisky while demonstrating how Scottish expertise can evolve in new terroirs. This landmark project signals the company’s commitment to crafting exceptional whisky and positioning Thousand Island Lake as a future centre for global whisky appreciation.
Angus Dundee Distillers
Angus Dundee Distillers, founded in 1950, owns the Glencadam Distillery, Tomintoul Distillery, and a modern blending and bottling plant in Scotland. It is an independent company engaged in the distilling, blending and bottling of high-quality Scotch whiskies and other spirits. Its products are exported to over 80 countries worldwide.
Tomintoul Distillery
Tomintoul Distillery is nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, within the whisky producing region of Speyside. The distillery, established in 1965, is named after the nearby village of Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands of Scotland.
Tomintoul’s signature range includes the popular 10-Year-Old, 14-Year-Old and 16-Year-Old, as well as the multi-award-winning Cigar Malt, premium 21-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old and a series of special cask finishes.
Old Ballantruan, the heavily peated Speyside malt, is also distilled at Tomintoul, taking its name from the distillery’s exceptional water source, the Ballantruan Spring.
Visit www.tomintoulwhisky.com to find out more.
Glencadam Distillery
Established in 1825, Glencadam Distillery is steeped in history, heritage and tradition, handcrafting single malt Scotch whisky in a process that’s remained unchanged for 200 years. In 2021, Glencadam Distillery re-installed a working internal waterwheel, modelled on the original which was used to power the distillery back in in 1825.
One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, Glencadam was mothballed for several years before it was purchased and re-opened by Angus Dundee Distillers in 2003.
Today, Glencadam’s multi-award-winning range includes American Oak Reserve, Reserva Andalucía, the 10-Year-Old, 13-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old, 18-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old expressions, as well as a series of special cask finishes.
Visit www.glencadamwhisky.com to find out more.
