Set between the Kunyu Mountains and the breeze-laced shores of the Yellow Sea, Gisbelle Distillery sits in Shandong Province on China’s Jiaodong Peninsula. Founded in 2011, it began with brandy, but by 2015 had turned its sights to whisky - building a vast, vertically integrated facility encompassing brewhouse, stillhouse, and warehouse, all set within a strikingly modern compound. The surroundings may seem unlikely, but the air, the water, and the softly rolling maritime climate have quietly conspired to shape a distinctive whisky profile that is unmistakably of its place.

From the outset, Gisbelle has championed what it describes as “oriental terroir”, an effort not to echo Scotch or Japanese traditions, but to carve out a uniquely Chinese whisky identity. Its Symbol Series whiskies, including the Konzen and a 2015 vintage single malt, earned gold medals at several international competitions in 2023, cementing the distillery’s growing reputation. Production is rooted in long fermentations, over five days, followed by triple distillation in bespoke copper stills. Maturation takes place in Mongolian oak casks that have often been seasoned with Gisbelle’s own apple cider, a distinctive touch that imparts subtle spice, orchard fruit, and a softly savoury undertone.

In 2025, Gisbelle made its Canadian debut to great acclaim at the Victoria Whisky Festival, introduced in partnership with The Strath. The launch was met with enthusiasm from seasoned drinkers and newcomers alike, who praised its delicate balance, intriguing flavour layers, and confident departure from convention. It was clear to many that this was no novelty - it was the arrival of a serious new voice in global whisky.