Pernod Ricard unveils first China whisky

Growth potential: The Pernod Ricard distillery in Emeishan, Sichuan. The company is keeping a firm eye on China’s growing middle class. — Bloomberg

Beijing: Pernod Ricard SA has 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, commenced sales yesterdat, chief executive officer Alexandre Ricard told reporters during a tour of the facility earlier this week.