Diageo(US:DEO) Globenewswire·2026-03-23 10:36Core Insights - YunTuo Single Malt Whisky Distillery, Diageo's first whisky distillery in China, has achieved significant recognition by winning three major titles at the 2026 Icons of Whisky China Awards, including Sustainable Distillery of the Year and Distillery Manager of the Year for Edison Chiao [1][3][14] Company Overview - YunTuo is located in Eryuan, Dali, Yunnan, at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters, and aims to create a unique Chinese expression of single malt whisky by leveraging Diageo's 200 years of Scotch whisky-making heritage [4][5] - The distillery's name reflects its commitment to Yunnan's natural landscape and the spirit of exploration in whisky-making [4] Production and Sustainability - YunTuo's production decisions are influenced by its natural environment, utilizing water from San Ye Spring and employing techniques like slow mashing and extended fermentation to develop a floral and fruit-forward whisky style [5][10] - The distillery is exploring local maturation options, including Yunnan oak and wine casks, to establish a distinctive Chinese-origin single malt style [6] - Sustainability is a core principle at YunTuo, with practices embedded from the planning stages, including energy-efficient design, renewable energy use, and a Water Recovery Program [10][11][12] Leadership and Expertise - The production team combines global expertise with local craftsmanship, featuring renowned whisky experts such as Dr. Jim Beveridge OBE and Craig Wallace, alongside local Distillery Manager Edison Chiao [7][8][9] - Edison Chiao's leadership has been pivotal in aligning global whisky standards with local operations, contributing to the distillery's recognition and success [9][14] Future Outlook - YunTuo aims to continue exploring Yunnan's terroir while integrating global whisky-making standards, thereby expanding the flavor profile of Chinese whisky and establishing its presence on the world stage [15]