Pernod Ricard Releases First China Whisky Amid Economic Slowdown

  • Booze titans doubling down on efforts to court Asian drinkers
  • Pernod’s China-made The Chuan Whisky to retail for $124
The stills room at the Pernod Ricard SA Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery in Emeishan, China, on Dec. 12.Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg

Pernod Ricard SA launched its first China-made whisky as the alcohol giant looks to tap rising local demand for premium liquor despite the country’s sluggish economic recovery.

The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky, made in the Paris-based firm’s Mount Emei distillery in Sichuan province, will commence sales on Wednesday, Chief Executive Officer Alexandre Ricard told reporters during a tour of the facility on Tuesday.