The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery: Where East Meets West in Sublime Harmony
In the mist-shrouded foothills of Mount Emei stands a structure unlike any other—The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery. This singular achievement represents not merely China’s first single malt whisky distillery, but a bold reimagining of what whisky culture can become when Eastern tradition encounters Western craftsmanship with profound mutual respect.
Agency
Practice Area
Client
Pernod Ricard China
Industry
The distillery occupies hallowed ground. Mount Emei, one of Buddhism’s four sacred mountains, has for millennia inspired poets, artists, and spiritual seekers. Its towering presence watches over a landscape of extraordinary fertility, where pristine rivers nourish the soil and create microclimate conditions that cannot be replicated elsewhere on earth. It is this terroir—this unique confluence of geography, climate, and culture—that gives The Chuan its inimitable character and flavor.
The architectural language speaks to this duality. Neri&Hu award-winning Chinese architects have created a place that honors tradition while embracing modernity. A winding stream embrace the buildings, while Mount Emei’s silhouette provides a majestic backdrop that humbles even the most magnificent human creation.
Project Vision
Pernod Ricard China embarked upon this unprecedented journey with a vision that transcends mere production: to create an authentically Chinese expression of single malt whisky that honors both ancient Chinese traditions and time-honored whisky-making craft. The result is a destination that defies categorization—neither wholly Eastern nor Western, but something both entirely new and beautifully timeless.
Barley Harmony
Pernod Ricard China
Terrior
Pernod Ricard China
Design + Execution
A multitude of distillery experiences created by BRC Imagination Arts emotionally engage Chinese, luxury clients and international visitors with enchantment and sensory delights. They enjoy spaces that evoke the atmosphere of a classic Chinese tea house—warm wood elements and meticulous attention to detail pay homage to Emeishan’s centuries-old teahouse traditions. These traditional elements harmonize with contemporary design features that reinterpret cultural heritage through a modern lens. The interplay of light and shadow, solid and void, creates spaces that feel at once ancient and timeless.
On the experiential tours, visitors discover how The Chuan incorporates both European and Chinese barley varieties, honoring traditional whisky ingredients while introducing a distinctly Chinese character. They marvel at the distillery’s unprecedented mastery of three oak types from three continents. American bourbon casks impart elegant vanilla and fruit notes, while Spanish sherry casks contribute sweetness and rich body. The final distinguishing element comes from proprietary Chinese Single Oak casks—crafted from limited quantities of timber sustainably harvested from northeast China’s protected Changbai Mountain. These rare casks bestow The Chuan whisky with an unmistakable finish of sandalwood and mandarin peel—a sensory signature that could exist nowhere else.
The tours culminate in a variety unique tasting experiences, each sip revealing layers of complexity and emotional memories. Then they can enjoy a meal at the incomparable Yan Restaurant, offering an exquisite dining experience that perfectly complements the distillery’s world-class craftsmanship. A celebration of bold flavors and refined elegance, Yan invites guests to indulge in a culinary journey that blends the rich heritage of Sichuan cuisine with modern culinary artistry. And what better way to savor the afterglow of this memorable tour than with a walk by the river, enjoy the diverse landscapes and art installations, and then a visit to a bespoke retail experience where they can commemorate their visit with unique expressions of whisky and regionally crafted gifts they can take home with them.
Intro Gallery
Pernod Ricard China
Bar and Tasting Retail Area
Pernod Ricard China
Retail and Personalization
Pernod Ricard China
Tasting Room
Pernod Ricard China
Distilling Process
Pernod Ricard China
Project Details
Design Team
Christian Lachel (creative director)
Eri Kawaguchi (art director)
Steven Farnsworth (producer)
Collaborators
Neri & Hu (architecture)
YiYu Design (landscape architecture)
Kingsmen Exhibits (physical and digital fabrication)
NYX Lighting Design
Photo Credits
Pernod Ricard China (photography, videography)