When most whisky lovers think of single malt, China isn’t usually the first country that comes to mind. Yet tucked away in Sichuan, Laizhou Distillery is aiming to change that perception — and after tasting three of their whiskies, I can honestly say they’re off to a remarkable start.
A Giant of Chinese Whisky
Laizhou Distillery is an ambitious project, built in Sichuan’s “liquor town” with the goal of crafting whisky that reflects both traditional techniques and Chinese terroir. The scale is immense:
- 146,000 square metre facility developed over five years
- 36,000 tonnes annual spirit capacity — representing nearly 80% of China’s whisky production
- By 2024, over 400,000 casks laid down, with a target of 1 million within five years
Beyond production scale, Laizhou has made deliberate efforts to embed whisky into Chinese culture and lifestyle. Across major cities, the brand has opened Laizhou Bar experiences, designed as modern spaces where people can explore whisky in a relaxed, social setting. Earlier this year, the distillery also launched a whisky-themed tourist park in Sichuan — a destination that combines education, tasting, and cultural immersion. These initiatives aren’t just about selling bottles; they’re about shaping whisky as part of contemporary Chinese identity, much like sake in Japan or baijiu in China itself.
Clearly, this isn’t a small experimental distillery — it’s a major player with global ambitions.
The Whiskies
I had the opportunity to taste three of Laizhou’s single malts. None of them carried an age statement, but under Chinese law whisky must be matured for at least three years before it can bear the name. Here are my impressions:
Laizhou Finest Select – 40% ABV
This expression is all about multicask integration, using a range of casks including Chinese fortified wine to create depth and subtle Eastern influences.
- Nose: Soft yet complex, with notes of red apple (rare to find in whisky) and a faint dryness reminiscent of oolong tea.
- Palate: Smooth and delicate, with a creamy texture and earthy stone fruit sweetness. The flavours unfold gradually, never sharp but always layered.
- Finish: Lightly dry with orchard fruit tones, rounded and harmonious.
This whisky is unlike anything I’ve tried before — delicate, balanced, and quietly distinctive.
Laizhou STR Red Wine Cask – 46% ABV
A peated single malt matured in shaved, toasted and recharred red wine casks, prepared in Laizhou’s own cooperage.
- Finish: Touches of dark chocolate and nuttiness linger, with the smoke adding structure without overpowering.
- Nose: Sweet plum notes dominate, supported by hints of vanilla. Surprisingly, the peat is subtle.
- Palate: The plum character continues, but drier than expected, more akin to sherry cask influence. The smoke sits alongside it — more woody than ashy — creating a balanced duality.
This is a standout — fruity, smoky, and beautifully balanced.
Laizhou Bourbon Cask – 50% ABV
A peated whisky matured in bourbon casks, allowing the spirit character to shine.
- Finish: Chewy, oily, with lingering honey and apricot over smoky embers.
- Nose: Pronounced Highland-style smoke — ashy and peppery — over light straw colour whisky with oily legs.
- Palate: Honeyed sweetness upfront, interwoven with smoke, and a faint apricot note that emerges as it develops. Biscuit malt adds weight.
Of the three, this felt closest in style to a classic Scottish single malt — but still distinct enough to stand on its own.
Final Thoughts
Laizhou Distillery has only just begun, yet they’re already producing whisky of impressive quality. The Finest Select was soft and delicate, the Red Wine Cask offered a unique plum-and-smoke balance, and the Bourbon Cask stood tall alongside established Scotch styles.
What struck me most was that these whiskies didn’t feel like “good first attempts” — they felt mature, confident, and well-crafted. If Laizhou represents the future of Chinese whisky, that future looks very exciting indeed.
🥃 Recommendation: If you’re curious about world whisky, Laizhou is a must-try. Start with the Finest Select or Red Wine Cask for something truly different, or the Bourbon Cask if you want a comparison point with Scotch.