Nine Rivers Distillery – résumé

Company History

• Founded from a 'friends gather over a dram' culture that led to Nine Rivers Distillery.

• 2016: Shenzhen Whisky Networking began and formed the foundation for the company.

• 2017–2018: Expansion of whisky events to several cities in China (Guangzhou, Beijing, Wuhan, Tianjin, Shenyang, and others).

• 2019: Registration of a Hong Kong-based holding company and establishment of the China Mainland operation; signing of an investment agreement with the Longyan government and construction of the Chinese setup; legal structure and advisory in place; land negotiations in Fujian, Longyan.

• 2020–2021: Seed-round completed; land acquisition in Longyan; architectural and environmental preparations; expanded team and international network (98 people from 23 nations at year-end).

• 2022–2023: Further funding rounds; recruitment of advisers such as Stuart MacPherson (Master of Wood) and initial construction and infrastructure; first distillation runs and planned production.

• 2023: Founders’ Casks Expressions launched; first three distillation units arrived from Forsyths (Scotland); open-house events for investors.

• 2024–2025: Installation work and expected spirits production in 2024/25; continued member and investor network; launched Cask Owners Club (100 casks annually, invitation-only) and continued development of product range and market position.

Production Details

• Production Philosophy: Classic distillation with modern technology; energy efficiency and low CO2 footprint.

• Raw materials and water:

• Core water source from below 300 meters of volcanic granite; spring water free from mineral influence and with high purity.

• Grains from the USA: malt and wheat from Montana; rye from Nebraska; corn from Kentucky; water from an underground source.

• Manufacturing and technique:

• On-site malting of mash, tailored to different whisky styles.

• Fermentation in 110–120 hours (instead of the typical 60–75 hours) for a richer and more complex wash.

• First distillation: wash in the still, distilled to 22–24% ABV; designed for energy savings and heat recovery via heat exchangers.

• Second distillation: about 8 hours; trimming about 14% of total volume to isolate the heart of the distillate.

• Own hand-selected oak casks for maturation; visual and chemical analysis of each stave; specially crafted casks tailored to the individual spirit.

• Post-maturation phase: at least 3 years in oak casks; some whiskies finished in casks previously used for port wine, sherry, red wine, white wine, craft beer, cider, gin and cocktails.

• Production capacity:

• Starting capacity: 1.31 million LPA (liters of pure alcohol per year).

• Scaling potential: up to 7.5 million LPA.

• Batch sizes: mash tuns and fermenters of 30,000 liters; each batch yields about 12–15 casks after two distillations.

• Products beyond whisky: full portfolio of vodka, gin, rum and liqueurs (in total premium spirits).

• Co-operating and tracing:

• NFC-based traceability of ingredients and processes down to each grain.

• Waste reuse (spent grains for animal feed; pot ale and home compost for biogas).

• Geographic location and climate:

• Longyan, Fujian Province, at around 800 meters elevation; microclimate similar to the Lowlands of Scotland, providing harmony between alcohol and cask.

The Whisky Range ( assortment, single malts and special releases )

• The Founders’ Casks Expressions (series of 6 single malts, all at cask strength, 700 ml)

• Expression 1 Madeira

  • Finish: virgin American oak + first fill ex-bourbon, then Madeira finish

  • ABV: 53.4%

  • Price: ¥488.88

• Expression 2 Baixo Corgo

  • Finish: Port finish from Baixo Corgo, Portugal

  • ABV: 55.3%

  • Price: ¥488.88

• Expression 3 Kentucky

  • Finish: charred ex-bourbon cask from Kentucky

  • ABV: 56.7%

  • Price: ¥488.88

• Expression 4 Jerez

  • Finish: Oloroso sherry cask from Jerez, Spain

  • ABV: 55.8%

  • Price: ¥488.88

• Expression 5 Virginia

  • Theme: peat (dense smoke/peated style)

  • ABV: 52.1%

  • Price: ¥488.88

  • Tasting notes available in the information

• Expression 6 Cima Corgo

  • Finish: Tawny port

  • ABV: 58.1%

  • Price: ¥488.88

  • Note: Issued as the sixth in the series; non-chill filtered; full flavour integrity

• Notes:

• The products are clearly designated as single malts and are part of The Founders’ Casks Expressions; products cannot be shipped outside China for certain releases.

Tasting Notes (characteristics for selected whiskies)

• The Founders’ Casks Expression 1 Madeira

• Nose: fruity with raisins and dried apricots; vanilla and cream caramel

• Palate: honey, green apples, peaches; caramelized and malted milk foam

• Finish: dry and fruit-forward

• Expression 2 Baixo Corgo

• Nose: sweet confections, fruits and berries

• Palate: red berries, chocolate-covered strawberries, vanilla; spiced with oak notes

• Finish: spiced finish, warm red fruit confection

• Expression 3 Kentucky

• Nose: malt, sugary sweetness, apples; pear and melon

• Palate: sweet, rounded and warm like vanilla cake

• Finish: brown sugar and toasted wood notes

• Expression 4 Jerez

• Nose: sultanas, nutmeg, dates; dried fruit and toasted oak

• Palate: honeyed with dried fruits, berries and dark fruits; nuts and pepper

• Finish: dry and oak-driven

• Expression 5 Virginia

• Notes available: nose vanilla, green apples, herbs; peat-sweetness on the palate; marmalade and pepper at the finish

• Expression 6 Cima Corgo

• Port-based profile (tawny) highlighted; ABV 58.1%; non-chill filtered

• Tasting notes not detailed in available texts, but port finish highlighted

Events and News

• Open Day and investor-tours (2023): Visits and visibility of the project’s progress.

• November 2023: Founders’ Casks Expression launched.

• December 2023: The first three distillation units arrived from Forsyths in Scotland.

• 2024: Planned installation of equipment and production of spirit began.

• November 12, 2024: News release about a financing agreement relating to maturing whisky stock (credit facility).

• November 18, 2024: Executive Decision Number 2734 (demo about decision-making process and project direction).

• July 30, 2025: 99 People and You – Cask Owners Club announced (up to 100 casks annually, invitation-only).

• November 12, 2024 and July 30, 2025: Further news and updates on the project and investment opportunities.

The Company Philosophy and Values

• Quality, Craft and Innovation:

• "Classic distilling with a modern touch" — uniting tradition and technology.

• Focus on minimizing energy use and reducing CO2 footprint through advanced heat exchangers and air-based cooling solutions.

• Emphasis on sustainability: waste reuse (animal feed, biogas), reuse of glass and use of renewable materials for packaging.

• Technology and Traceability:

• NFC-based tracking of all inputs down to each grain in every bottle.

• Pure, Natural Ingredients:

• Only three core ingredients: grain, water and yeast; grains selected in the USA; water from 300 meters below the distillery; different yeast strains for different whisky styles.

• Environment and Social Responsibility:

• Advisory and practices for waste reduction and environmentally friendly solutions; the entire production process designed to be responsible and sustainable.

• Passion and Community:

• Strong investor community and open events for whisky enthusiasts; Cask Owners Club and the opportunity to contribute to design and decisions via social platforms.

Note: The data presented here is based on information from the website content, and no information beyond the text has been added.