Laizhou Blender 22 - Chinese Blended Whisky

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 40% | Chill filtration: Yes | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Blender 22 is a Chinese single blended whisky that marries malt and grain whisky from the Laizhou Distillery. The term Single Blended emphasises that both components come from the same distillery.

Blender 22 takes its name from two rounds of distillation in pot stills and two maturation stages, including a transfer to bourbon casks. Laizhou operates both pot and column stills, and the whisky matures entirely in oak casks.

Alongside its fresh orchard-fruit notes, the whisky reveals malt biscuits, shortbread, vanilla, toasted grain, berries and lemon peel. Stone fruit and an earthy grassy note add riper and greener impressions to the profile.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose opens with green apple and crisp pear. Light caramel, honey and cream follow, while a delicate cedar note remains in the background.
• Palate: The whisky is sweet and silky on the palate. Honey and light caramel accompany fresh apple juice, while a hint of citrus adds further freshness.
• Finish: The finish is elegant, full and silky, with a delicate lingering quality. Subtle bitterness provides a restrained, gently bitter contrast.

Distillery/Bottler:

The Laizhou Distillery is located in Qionglai in China’s Sichuan province and belongs to the spirits business of Shanghai Bairun Investment Holding Group. Eight pot stills and seven column stills enable it to produce malt and grain whisky within the same production complex. Blender 22 is bottled and released by the distillery itself.

Ground was broken for the distillery in 2019. It began operating and filled its first cask in 2021, while Laizhou’s first whisky bottlings reached the market in 2024. Beyond Blender 22, the distillery also works with Huangjiu casks and is exploring the use of Mongolian oak.

Facts: