YunTuo Single Malt Whisky Distillery Secures Three Major Awards at the 2026 Icons of Whisky China Awards, Marking a New Chapter for Chinese Whisky

(SeaPRwire) –   DALI, CHINA, March 23, 2026 — YunTuo Single Malt Whisky Distillery, Diageo’s first whisky distillery in China, has secured three major titles at the 2026 Icons of Whisky China Awards: Sustainable Distillery of the Year, Production Team of the Year, with its Distillery Manager Edison Chiao being honored as Distillery Manager of the Year.

Presented by Whisky Magazine, the Icons of Whisky awards are widely recognized as one of the whisky industry’s most influential accolades, celebrating excellence in distilling, production, sustainability, and leadership. This trio of awards represents a significant milestone for YunTuo and underscores its growing prominence within the emerging Chinese whisky category.

A Distillery Rooted in Heritage, Inspired by Yunnan

Located in Eryuan, Dali, on the Yunnan plateau at approximately 2,100 meters above sea level, YunTuo was established to explore a distinctly Chinese expression of single malt whisky. Drawing on Diageo’s more than 200 years of Scotch whisky-making heritage while adapting to Yunnan’s natural conditions, the distillery has developed a house style shaped by altitude, climate, water source, and unique maturation conditions

The distillery’s name encapsulates this core concept: Yun pays homage to Yunnan’s landscape and natural abundance, while Tuo embodies the spirit of exploration—a drive to push the boundaries of whisky-making in China.

At YunTuo, every production decision is grounded in the distillery’s natural environment. The distillery sources its water from San Ye Spring, a natural spring at the headwaters of Erhai Lake, while processes such as slow mashing and 120-hour extended fermentation help shape a house style characterized by floral and fruit-forward notes.

YunTuo is also exploring maturation through a distinctly local perspective. Leveraging Diageo’s expertise in managing a cask inventory of over 12 million casks, YunTuo has been evaluating cask types including Yunnan local oak casks and Yunnan wine casks, as part of its broader goal to define a distinctive Chinese-origin single malt style.

Where Global Expertise Meets Local Craft

YunTuo’s production system has been built through close collaboration between three globally recognized whisky experts and a deeply committed local team—forming a glocal production structure that remains unique within China’s whisky industry.

YunTuo’s technical leadership includes Dr. Jim Beveridge OBE, Chief Advisor to the distillery and the legendary Sixth Master Blender of Johnnie Walker, who brings over 40 years of Scotch whisky experience; Craig Wallace, Diageo Master Blender, contributing blending expertise and flavor direction; and Andrew Millsopp, Master Distiller, who oversees distillation strategy and spirit character.

Working alongside them is YunTuo’s local production team led by Edison Chiao, Distillery Manager of YunTuo Single Malt Whisky Distillery, who was named Distillery Manager of the Year at the 2026 Icons of Whisky China Awards. As one of the project’s founding members, Edison has guided the team through critical phases, from installation and commissioning to stable production operations. He has also played a pivotal role in translating global whisky-making standards into daily operations in Yunnan, while nurturing a local team capable of sustaining the distillery’s long-term vision.

Crafting for the Future: Sustainability at the Heart of YunTuo

Guided by Diageo’s Spirit of Progress sustainability action plan, sustainability has been integrated into YunTuo from the earliest stages of planning and construction, reflecting a long-term, grain-to-glass commitment to sustainable practices.

YunTuo Distillery’s design maximizes natural daylight, with LED lighting installed throughout the facility to reduce energy demand. Roof structures and insulation have been optimized to decrease reliance on air conditioning, and passive airflow strategies support natural ventilation adapted to the plateau climate.

YunTuo employs high-efficiency electric boiler technology and renewable energy, with verified renewable electricity procured through certified green power channels. The distillery has also launched a dedicated Water Recovery Program to enhance water efficiency and minimize wastewater discharge.

Speaking at the 2026 Icons of Whisky China Awards, Edison Chiao stated: ‘As we continue to explore a whisky expression inspired by Yunnan’s terroir, we remain committed to a distilling approach that harmonizes with nature and reflects a long-term vision for the future. We hope this work inspires the broader development of Chinese-origin whisky.’

In 2025, YunTuo received LEED Gold certification. Its win as Sustainable Distillery of the Year at the 2026 Icons of Whisky China Awards further acknowledges the distillery’s efforts to establish a more sustainable model for the future of whisky-making in China.

Marking A New Chapter for Chinese Whisky

YunTuo’s three wins at the 2026 Icons of Whisky China Awards recognize the distillery’s advancements in sustainability, production capability, and leadership.

As YunTuo enters a more established phase of production, it is cementing its position among distilleries redefining what Chinese-origin single malt can be on the global stage.

Looking ahead, YunTuo will continue to draw on Yunnan’s terroir while exploring new possibilities at the intersection of global whisky-making standards and local innovation. In doing so, YunTuo is expanding the flavor profile of Chinese whisky—and writing its own chapter in that narrative.

Media contact

Company Name: Diageo

City, State, Country: Shanghai, China

Address: 41F, One Museum Place, 669 Xinzha Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai, China 200041

Contact Person: Marketing Team

Email: Min.Wang1@diageo.com

Website: https://www.diageo.com.cn/