Nantou

The Nantou Distillery (南投酒廠), the second whisky distillery established in Taiwan, is a significant entity in the "New World whisky" landscape and is owned by the state-owned Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation (TTL). The history of the site itself goes back further, as it was initially established as a general winery in 1978, focusing on various spirits like wine, brandy, and fruit liqueurs. The pivotal shift into malt whisky production began with the installation of specialized equipment from Germany and Scotland in 2007, and the distillery officially commenced whisky distillation in 2008. It is located in the eponymous Nantou County, a rugged and hilly region known primarily for its tea plantations, clear water sources flowing from the Central Mountain Range, and a humid climate that influences the maturation process.