The global whisky community gathered in Dali, Yunnan, China this March for the ‘Icons of Whisky’ and ‘World Whiskies Awards’ celebrations, bringing together leading distillers, suppliers, and industry experts for two days of knowledge exchange, recognition, and forward-looking discussions.
The event, which ran across the 14-15 March provided a platform for innovation and collaboration, serving as a hub for both established and emerging voices within the whisky sector. Delegates explored the full range of whisky production from equipment and process design to maturation techniques and flavour development, highlighting the technical craftsmanship underpinning the industry’s continued evolution.
Roundtable discussions focused strongly on the future of Chinese whisky, with particular attention on how local terroir can shape distinctive regional identities. These sessions reflected the growing confidence and ambition within China’s whisky sector, as producers seek to define a unique voice on the global stage.
Celebrating Excellence: ‘Icons of Whisky’ – China 2026
The highlight of the celebrations took place on 15 March, when the ‘Icons of Whisky’ winners were announced under the theme: “Never Compromise, Be Yourself.” Around 30 category winners were recognised, including: distilleries, individuals and teams, marketing excellence and visitor experiences. In addition, 9 ‘World Whiskies Awards’ winners were honoured during the ceremony, celebrating outstanding achievements in whisky production.
Strong Presence from Briggs of Burton as part of the CLTP Group
As lead event sponsors, Briggs of Burton played a prominent role in supporting this year’s event, reinforcing their commitment to the development of the Chinese whisky industry.
The CLPT Group had a significant presence and impact throughout the event:
- Leo Yang Xiaohu, President of CIMC Enric Holdings, delivered the opening speech at the awards ceremony, setting the tone for the celebrations and emphasising innovation and collaboration across the sector.
- Lars Roed, Vice President of CLPT Group and General Manager of CLPT China, representing the Group’s leadership within the industry, took to the stage to present the ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ awarded to Edison Chiao, Distillery Manager of Yuntuo Distillery, and Lin Fou-Menuhin, Corporate Relations Director, Greater China, Diageo. Yuntuo Distillery also received the ‘Production Team of the Year’ and ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’ awards. Lars was also invited to join a dialogue on Whisky and Yunnan Cultural Tourism Integration, contributing to a dynamic discussion on how whisky production can connect with regional culture and tourism development.
- Kevin Leach, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Briggs of Burton, delivered a highly regarded presentation on the ‘BRIGGS WhiskyOne’ product, offering a go to market approach for a complete 1 to 2 Te malt whisky distillery. Highlighting the Group’s expertise in distillery engineering and commercial strategy.
Supporting the Future of Chinese Whisky
Briggs of Burton and CLPT Group’s continued involvement as sponsors and thought leaders demonstrates their ongoing commitment to supporting innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth within China’s rapidly evolving whisky landscape.
As the industry continues to expand, events such as the ‘Icons of Whisky’ highlight the importance of technical excellence, cultural integration, and regional identity – all key drivers shaping the next chapter of Chinese whisky.
